La Catrina Mexicana Store

802 Atwells Avenue, Providence, RI 02909
Café / Breakfast
License: Seats - Less than 50
Last inspected: Jan 3, 2025
100
Score
Low Risk

La Catrina Mexicana Store appears in inspection records five times, starting in 2023. The latest inspection on file is from Jan 3, 2025. When a facility lands in the low risk tier, it usually means nothing alarming showed up at the most recent visit.

The picture has improved over the last few visits: recent inspections have averaged around zero violations, down from roughly 10 violations earlier in the record.

The most common issue across all inspections has been “food separated and protected”, showing up four times.

Compared to the broader Providence restaurant scene, where the average is 80, this is a stronger showing. Overall, the inspection record reads well.

5
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
0
Minor latest
Inspection History
Jan 3, 2025
Re-Inspection
No violations found.
100
Dec 24, 2024
Re-Inspection
1 critical violation. 2 major violations. 2 minor violations. 2 corrected on site.
View 5 violations
Raw and ready-to-eat foods not properly separated (corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Raw animal foods (shelled eggs) were observed stored above ready-to-eat foods (vegetables) in the refrigerator. Raw animal foods must be separated from raw ready-to-eat food such as vegetables during storage.
3-302.11
No hand drying provision at handwashing sink (corrected on site)
Inspector notes: The hand-washing sink in the kitchen was lacking paper towels.
6-301.12
Evidence of pests or pest control inadequate
Inspector notes: The presence of rodents is not controlled as evidenced by droppings. The presence of insects, rodents, and other pests must be controlled by routinely inspecting the premises for evidence of pests, using acceptable methods to control pests, eliminating harborage conditions, and routinely inspecting incoming shipments of food and supplies.
6-501.111
Outer openings not protected against pests
Inspector notes: Inspector observed vent hole in walk-in cooler. Outer openings of a food establishment must be protected against the entry of insects and rodents by filling or closing holes and other gaps along floors, walls, and ceilings. Owner informed that walk-in cooler CANNOT be used for ANY food items or single service items.
6-202.15
Physical facilities not in good repair
Inspector notes: The ceiling on the outside of the cooler area is in poor repair, observed incomplete seal. The physical facilities must be maintained in good repair. PIC informed.
6-501.11
64
Dec 16, 2024
Re-Inspection
2 critical violations. 5 major violations. 7 minor violations. 6 corrected on site.
View 14 violations
Raw and ready-to-eat foods not properly separated (corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Raw animal foods (shelled eggs) were observed stored above ready-to-eat foods (milk) in the reach-in refrigerator. Raw animal foods must be separated from raw ready-to-eat food such as vegetables during storage.
3-302.11
Food is unsafe, adulterated, or misrepresented (corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Observed dead insect in corn husk bag. See disposal.
3-101.11
Person in charge lacks food safety knowledge
Inspector notes: The Person in charge did not assure compliance with critical code requirements.
2-102.11
No hand drying provision at handwashing sink
Inspector notes: The hand-washing sink in the kitchen was lacking paper towels.
6-301.12
Handwashing sink blocked, inaccessible, or used improperly (corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Dishes, utensils and corn husk was observed in the hand-washing sink. A hand-washing sink must not be used for purposes other than hand washing.
5-205.11
Hot or cold food held at improper temperature (corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Butter and margarine was observed held at 45-46 degrees Fahrenheit. Time/temperature control for safety (TCS) food must be held at 41 degrees Fahrenheit or below except during preparation, cooking, or cooling.
3-501.16(A)
Evidence of pests or pest control inadequate
Inspector notes: The presence of rodents is not controlled as evidenced by droppings. The presence of insects, rodents, and other pests must be controlled by routinely inspecting the premises for evidence of pests, using acceptable methods to control pests, eliminating harborage conditions, and routinely inspecting incoming shipments of food and supplies.
6-501.111
Employee eating, drinking, or using tobacco in food area (corrected on site)
Inspector notes: An employee was observed eating in the kitchen. Eating must be done in a designated location where contamination of food will not occur.
2-401.11
Outer openings not protected against pests
Inspector notes: Inspector observed cut hole on exterior wall above walk-in. Outer openings of a food establishment must be protected against the entry of insects and rodents by tight-fitting doors. PIC informed.
6-202.15
Food stored improperly or exposed to contamination
Inspector notes: Flour was observed stored on the floor in the kitchen. Food must be stored at least 6 inches above the floor. PIC informed.
3-305.11
Equipment not in good repair or proper adjustment (corrected on site)
Inspector notes: At time of inspection, walk-in cooler was not turned on. Ambient temperature was 46 degrees F. PIC turned on at time of inspection. PIC informed that it CANNOT be shut off.
4-501.11
Nonfood-contact surfaces not cleaned at required frequency
Inspector notes: The non-food contact surfaces of the following have an accumulation of: 1. Ledge (droppings) 2. Ceiling tile (previous water damage) 3. Retail shelving (droppings)
4-602.13
Physical facilities not in good repair
Inspector notes: The ceiling on the outside of the walk-in cooler area is in poor repair, observed incomplete seal. The physical facilities must be maintained in good repair. PIC informed.
6-501.11
Unnecessary items or litter present on premises
Inspector notes: Unnecessary and/or non-functional equipment or items were observed in the basement area. Establishments shall be kept free of unnecessary and/or non-functional equipment and litter to prevent harborage conditions.
6-501.114
32
Dec 4, 2024
Routine
1 critical violation. 6 major violations. 7 minor violations. 5 corrected on site.
View 14 violations
Raw and ready-to-eat foods not properly separated (corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Raw animal foods were not stored properly to prevent cross-contamination. Except when combined as ingredients, different types of raw animal foods must be separated from each other during storage by using separate equipment or arrranging each type of food in equipment so that cross contamination of one type with another is prevented.
3-302.11
No hand drying provision at handwashing sink
Inspector notes: The hand-washing sink in the kitchen was lacking paper towels.
6-301.12
Person in charge lacks food safety knowledge
Inspector notes: The Person in charge did not assure compliance with critical code requirements.
2-102.11
Handwashing sink blocked, inaccessible, or used improperly (corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Dishes and utensils were observed in the hand-washing sink. A hand-washing sink must not be used for purposes other than hand washing.
5-205.11
Equipment or utensils not clean (corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Food contact surfaces of equipment/utensils (sheet pans) were observed with an accumulation of rodent droppings. The food contact surfaces of equipment must be clean to sight and touch.
4-601.11(A)
Hot or cold food held at improper temperature
Inspector notes: Cheese was observed held at 48-49 degrees Fahrenheit. Time/temperature control for safety (TCS) food must be held at 41 degrees Fahrenheit or below except during preparation, cooking, or cooling. See disposal.
3-501.16(A)
Evidence of pests or pest control inadequate
Inspector notes: The presence of rodents is not controlled as evidenced by droppings throughout establishment and nesting materials in walk-in cooler. The presence of insects, rodents, and other pests must be controlled by routinely inspecting the premises for evidence of pests, using acceptable methods to control pests, eliminating harborage conditions, and routinely inspecting incoming shipments of food and supplies.
6-501.111
Outer openings not protected against pests
Inspector notes: Inspector observed hole in walk-in cooler and cut hole on exterior wall above walk-in. Outer openings of a food establishment must be protected against the entry of insects and rodents by tight-fitting doors. PIC informed.
6-202.15
Food contaminated by miscellaneous source (corrected on site)
Inspector notes: At time of inspection, corn husk was stored on top of grease trap. PIC voluntarily disposed of.
3-307.11
Food stored improperly or exposed to contamination
Inspector notes: Drinks and chips were observed stored on the floor in the kitchen. Food must be stored at least 6 inches above the floor.
3-305.11
Equipment not in good repair or proper adjustment (corrected on site)
Inspector notes: At time of inspection, walk-in cooler was not turned on and in poor repair. Ambient temperature was 49 degrees F. PIC turned on at time of inspection.
4-501.11
Nonfood-contact surfaces not cleaned at required frequency
Inspector notes: The non-food contact surfaces of the following have an accumulation of: 1. Rolling rack (rodent droppings) 2. Shelving throughout kitchen & walk-in cooler (food residue/soil residue) 3. Mixer (food residue) 4. Walk-in cooler fan (dust/dirt) 5. Ceiling tile (previous water damage)
4-602.13
Unnecessary items or litter present on premises
Inspector notes: Unnecessary and/or non-functional equipment or items were observed in the basement, kitchen and refuse area. Establishments shall be kept free of unnecessary and/or non-functional equipment and litter to prevent harborage conditions.
6-501.114
Physical facilities not in good repair
Inspector notes: The ceiling (inside & outside) of the walk-in cooler area is in poor repair, observed incomplete seal. The physical facilities must be maintained in good repair.
6-501.11
33
Sep 11, 2023
Opening
1 critical violation. 2 major violations. 4 minor violations. 1 corrected on site.
View 7 violations
Raw and ready-to-eat foods not properly separated (corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Raw animal foods (eggs) were observed stored above ready-to-eat foods (such as beverages) in the self-serve reach-in refrigerator. Raw animal foods must be separated from raw ready-to-eat food such as vegetables during storage. Person in charge relocated beverages to another unit during inspection.
3-302.11
No soap available at handwashing sink
Inspector notes: Soap was not available at the hand-washing sink in the kitchen. Hand-washing sinks must be provided with a supply of hand cleaning liquid, powder, or bar soap.
6-301.11
Hot & cold water available; adequate pressure
Inspector notes: The hand sink in kitchen is lacking adequate cold water. PIC informed.
5-103.11
Floor, wall, or ceiling surface not smooth or cleanable
Inspector notes: The walls in the dough prep area are constructed of wood and lining paper. This material is not durable. Materials for wall surfaces shall be smooth, durable, easily cleanable, and non-absorbent for areas subject to moisture such as food preparation areas, walk-in refrigerators, ware-washing areas, and toilet rooms.
6-101.11
Equipment not in good repair or proper adjustment
Inspector notes: The chest freezer located in the kitchen area was not in good repair. Inspector observed insulation and gaskets missing.
4-501.11
Nonfood-contact surfaces not cleaned at required frequency
Inspector notes: The non-food contact surfaces of the small mixer have an accumulation of food residue and other debris.
4-602.13
Physical facilities not in good repair
Inspector notes: The floors in the ware-washing area are constructed of cement which is not durable, easily cleanable, or non-absorbent. The materials for indoor floors must be durable, easily cleanable and nonabsorbent for areas subject to moisture such as food preparation areas, walk-in refrigerators, ware-washing areas, and toilet rooms.
6-501.11
58

Frequently Asked Questions

When was La Catrina Mexicana Store last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at La Catrina Mexicana Store on file is from Jan 3, 2025. The public record contains five inspections in total.

What is the most common violation at La Catrina Mexicana Store?

Across the inspection record, “food separated and protected” has been cited four times, more than any other issue at La Catrina Mexicana Store.

How does La Catrina Mexicana Store compare to other restaurants in Providence?

La Catrina Mexicana Store most recently scored 100 out of 100, which is higher than the Providence average of 80.

Has La Catrina Mexicana Store's inspection record improved over time?

Yes. Recent inspections at La Catrina Mexicana Store have averaged around zero violations per visit, down from roughly 10 earlier in the record.

What does a low risk rating mean?

A low risk rating at La Catrina Mexicana Store means inspectors found minimal or no significant issues at the most recent visit. Most facilities at this tier have a clean recent inspection report.