La Zacualpenita
Last inspected: Sep 30, 2025
100
Score
La Zacualpenita appears in inspection records six times, starting in 2023. La Zacualpenita was last inspected on Sep 30, 2025. When a facility lands in the low risk tier, it usually means nothing alarming showed up at the most recent visit.
Violation counts have been trending down, averaging around three violations across recent inspections versus roughly five violations before.
The pattern that stands out is “proper cooling time and temperature”, which has been cited three times.
Among Providence restaurants, the typical score is 80; La Zacualpenita is comfortably above that bar. Taken together, the history is a positive one.
6
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
0
Minor latest
Inspection History
Sep 30, 2025
Re-Inspection
No violations found.
100
Sep 17, 2025
Routine
2 critical violations. 4 major violations. 2 minor violations. 4 corrected on site.
View 8 violations
Food not cooled to safe temperature within required time
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Soup, which was prepared in advance, was not cooled to 70 degrees Fahrenheit in 2 hours and then to 41 degrees Fahrenheit within 4 hours. Soup was prepared yesterday and observed at 51 DF. Soup was voluntarily disposed of at the time of inspection. Proper cooling methods reviewed with PIC.
3-501.14
Expired or improperly marked ready-to-eat food not discarded
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Chicken was observed being held past the date of disposition. Chicken was voluntarily disposed of at the time of inspection.
3-501.18
Handwashing sink blocked, inaccessible, or used improperly
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Packages of food, 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
No soap available at handwashing sink
(corrected on site)
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
Equipment or utensils not clean
Inspector notes: Food contact surfaces of equipment/utensils ice machine were observed with an accumulation of food and debris. The food contact surfaces of equipment must be clean to sight and touch. Ice machine was unplugged and placed out of order at the time of inspection. Establishment is not to use ice machine until it is properly cleaned and sanitized.
4-601.11(A)
Improper cooling methods used
Inspector notes: Proper cooling methods were not used for time/temperature control for safety (TCS) foods. Per interview of PIC, soup was placed hot in the refrigerator in containers greater than four inches deep.
3-501.15
Physical facilities not cleaned at required frequency
Inspector notes: The floors throughout the basement have an accumulation of soil residue, droppings, and/or food debris. The physical facilities shall be cleaned as often as necessary to keep them clean.
6-501.12
Cleaned equipment or utensils stored improperly
Inspector notes: Pots and pans were observed being stored on the ground in the basement area. Pots and pans must be stored off of the ground. Pots and pans must be washed, rinsed, and sanitized before being used.
4-903.11(A)
45
Apr 8, 2024
Re-Inspection
No violations found.
100
Mar 20, 2024
Re-Inspection
2 critical violations. 2 major violations. 2 corrected on site.
View 4 violations
Food not cooled to safe temperature within required time
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Tamale sauce, which was prepared in advance, was not cooled to 70 degrees Fahrenheit in 2 hours and then to 41 degrees Fahrenheit within 4 hours. Per interview with staff, sauce was prepared at 9am and placed covered in refrigerator. Inspector observed tamale sauce at 100 degrees. Staff took to be reheated.
3-501.14
Expired or improperly marked ready-to-eat food not discarded
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Salsa prepared on 3/13/24 not disposed of within 7 days. PIC disposed during inspection.
3-501.18
Person in charge not controlling unsafe operations
Inspector notes: The Person in charge did not assure compliance with critical code requirements.
2-103.11
Improper cooling methods used
Inspector notes: Proper cooling methods were not used for time/temperature control for safety (TCS) foods. Per interview of staff, tamale sauce was placed hot in the refrigerator in a covered container. Proper cooling methods were not used for time/temperature control for safety (TCS) foods. Per interview of ( ), ( ) was placed hot in the refrigerator in containers greater than four inches deep.
3-501.15
61
Mar 11, 2024
Routine
1 critical violation. 5 major violations. 2 minor violations. 3 corrected on site.
View 8 violations
Food not cooled to safe temperature within required time
Inspector notes: Chicken, rice, pasta, vegetables, which was prepared in advance, were not cooled to 70 degrees Fahrenheit in 2 hours and then to 41 degrees Fahrenheit within 4 hours.
3-501.14
Person in charge not controlling unsafe operations
Inspector notes: The Person in charge did not assure compliance with critical code requirements.
2-103.11
Handwashing sink blocked, inaccessible, or used improperly
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Food, foil, and a basket were observed stored in the hand-washing sink. A hand-washing sink must not be used for purposes other than hand washing. PIC removed at time of inspection.
5-205.11
Equipment or utensils not clean
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: The food-contact surfaces of equipment and utensils were not sanitized. Inspector observed staff not sanitizing utensils after washing. PIC and inspector set-up 3-bay sink during inspection.
4-601.11(A)
Equipment lacks capacity to maintain safe food temperatures
Inspector notes: There is insufficient refrigeration equipment/capacity to maintain a temperature of 41 degrees or below for advanced preparation.
4-301.11
Improper cooling methods used
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Proper cooling methods were not used for time/temperature control for safety (TCS) foods. Inspector observed chicken, vegetables, rice, and pasta that were prepared yesterday with temperatures ranging 47-49 degrees Fahrenheit, PIC informed inspector the items were prepared the yesterday. Chicken and vegetables reheated during inspection; rice and pasta disposed.
3-501.15
Food contaminated by miscellaneous source
Inspector notes: Cups and beverages were observed stored on the floor in the basement. Food must be stored at least 6 inches above the floor. PIC moved cups during inspection.
3-307.11
Food contaminated by miscellaneous source
Inspector notes: Frozen chicken observed stored in re-used shopping bags.
3-307.11
47
Dec 4, 2023
Opening
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 2 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Backflow prevention air gap not adequate
Inspector notes: Prep sink is lacking an air gap. PIC informed.
5-202.13
Evidence of pests or pest control inadequate
Inspector notes: The door to the outside, located in the kitchen, is not tight-fitting. Outer openings of a food establishment must be protected against the entry of insects and rodents by tight-fitting doors.
6-501.111
Handwashing sign not posted
Inspector notes: Hand washing sinks in the kitchen and restroom are lacking proper signage. PIC informed.
6-301.14
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: The door to the toilet room is not self-closing.
6-202.14
70
Frequently Asked Questions
When was La Zacualpenita last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at La Zacualpenita on file is from Sep 30, 2025. The public record contains six inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at La Zacualpenita?
Across the inspection record, “proper cooling time and temperature” has been cited three times, more than any other issue at La Zacualpenita.
How does La Zacualpenita compare to other restaurants in Providence?
La Zacualpenita most recently scored 100 out of 100, which is higher than the Providence average of 80.
Has La Zacualpenita's inspection record improved over time?
Yes. Recent inspections at La Zacualpenita have averaged around three violations per visit, down from roughly five earlier in the record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at La Zacualpenita means inspectors found minimal or no significant issues at the most recent visit. Most facilities at this tier have a clean recent inspection report.
How often is La Zacualpenita inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, La Zacualpenita is inspected around three times per year on average.
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