Tacos y Huaraches El Gordo
A1155 S Higley Rd, Mesa 85206
Food Establishment - Eating & Drinking · Permit FD-23-05186
Score based on 9 scored inspections over the county's rolling 3-year window, weighted toward recent visits. How scoring works
Score over time
Inspection history9 on record
2026
Jun 11, 2026RoutinecleanA
Predefined Comment: No County legal action will result from this inspection.
Apr 7, 2026RoutinecleanA
No County legal action will result from this inspection.Reviewed how Time as a Public Health Control procedures could help with their business model for certain food items.
2025
Nov 14, 2025RoutinecleanA
Predefined Comment: No County legal action will result from this inspection.
Jul 25, 2025Routine1 coreall corrected on siteA
Predefined Comment: No County legal action will result from this inspection.
Inspector's notes
Buckets of salt, spices, etc, were in storage and did not have lids. The manager then had lids put on the items that were stored but not being used. Cover or close open food items while not in use. Corrective Action: Corrected at time of inspection.
Show full county text
3-305.11 - Core: Food Storage - Preventing Contamination from the Premises
Apr 24, 2025Routine1 foundation1 coreall corrected on siteB°
Predefined Comment: No County legal action will result from this inspection.
Inspector's notes
A bag of raw meat was thawing in cold water in the food prep sink without running water. Always thaw under cold runnng water. The manager then removed the meat to begin using it. Corrective Action: Corrected at time of inspection.
Show full county text
3-501.13 - Core: Thawing
Inspector's notes
The restroom and one of the kitchen handwashing sinks had no handsoap. The manager then provided handsoap. Always provide handsoap at the handwashing sinks. Corrective Action: Corrected at time of inspection.
Show full county text
6-301.11 - Priority Foundation: Handwashing Cleanser, Availability. For a permanent fix to this violation, check out these simple tools in our Active Managerial Control Toolbox, made especially for you. https://www.maricopa.gov/4573/AMC-Toolbox: Handwashing.
2024
Dec 11, 2024Routine1 priority2 foundationall corrected on siteB°
Predefined Comment: No County legal action will result from this inspection.**Talked to manager about cooling techniques, hood requirements, dishwashing steps, and masa equipment in the back.
Inspector's notes
Observed no paper towels at front hand sink. Manager refilled the paper towels. Ensure there is paper towels at each hand sink at all times. 6-301.11 - Priority Foundation: Handwashing Cleanser, Availability. For a permanent fix to this violation, check out these simple tools in our Active Managerial Control Toolbox, made especially for you. https://www.maricopa.gov/4573/AMC-Toolbox: Handwashing. Addl Notes: Observed no soap at front hand sink. Manager refilled the empty container. Ensure there is soap at each hand sink at all times. Corrective Action: Corrected at time of inspection.
Show full county text
6-301.12 - Priority Foundation: Hand Drying Provision. For a permanent fix to this violation, check out these simple tools in our Active Managerial Control Toolbox, made especially for you. https://www.maricopa.gov/4573/AMC-Toolbox: Handwashing.
Inspector's notes
Observed cooked beans at 120F, and cooked carne asada at 85F on the side of flattop. Talked to manager, reheated both products up to 165F quickly. Ensure that hot TCS foods are kept at 135F at all times. Corrective Action: Corrected at time of inspection.
Show full county text
PRIORITY VIOLATION-3-501.16(A)(1) - Priority: Time/Temperature Control for Safety Food, Hot Holding. For a permanent fix to this violation, check out these simple tools in our Active Managerial Control Toolbox, made especially for you. https://www.maricopa.gov/4614/AMC-Toolbox---Hot-Holding.
Inspector's notes
Observed chemical spray bottle with yellow contents. Manager said it was degreaser, labeled container today. Ensure that all spray bottles are labeled to reduce their misuse. Corrective Action: Corrected at time of inspection.
Show full county text
7-102.11 - Priority Foundation: Common Name-Working Containers
Jul 2, 2024Routine1 priority2 foundation4 coreB
A 4 hour time policy was created with the PIC for the red and green salsa in the sauce bottles. Also discussed inspection upon request. Spanish Liason or speaker requested at each inspection by the PIC.Predefined Comment: No County legal action will result from this inspection.
Inspector's notes
PIC does not have a CFPM certificate. When asked about date marking, PIC stated that the TCS foods were being dated for 8 days including prep date. Discussed 7 day date marking. Also discussed cooling and cold holding requirements. Corrective Action: Corrected at time of inspection.
Show full county text
2-102.11(A-B) and (C)(1), (4)-(16) - Priority Foundation: Demonstration; Demonstration of Knowledge
Inspector's notes
PIC stated that he will have his certificate this month. Please ensure there is a CFPM present during all hours of operation. Corrective Action: Correct prior to next routine inspection.
Show full county text
2-102.12(A) - Core: Certified Food Protection Manager. For a permanent fix to this violation, check out these resources on our website. https://www.maricopa.gov/5114/Food-Restaurants
Inspector's notes
Observed no hand wash signage in the bathroom. Corrective Action: Correct prior to next routine inspection.
Show full county text
6-301.14 - Core: Handwashing Signage. For a permanent fix to this violation, check out these simple tools in our Active Managerial Control Toolbox, made especially for you. https://www.maricopa.gov/4573/AMC-Toolbox: Handwashing.
Inspector's notes
Observed salsa in sauce bottles holding 58-63F. The salsas were made the previous day. The salsa bottles are taken out upon customer request and kept at the table during the duration of their meal. Also observed salsa cups holding 51F. These items were all placed into a small beverage cooler holding an ambient temperature of 50F. Discussed using commercial refrigeration for food, keeping all salsas on ice baths, or using 4 hour time as a control. ***REPEAT VIOLATION Corrective Action: Corrected at time of inspection.
Show full county text
Repeat Violation PRIORITY VIOLATION-3-501.16(A)(2) and (B) - Priority: Time/Temperature Control for Safety Food, Cold Holding. For a permanent fix to this violation, check out these simple tools in our Active Managerial Control Toolbox, made especially for you.https://www.maricopa.gov/4576/AMC-Toolbox---Cold-Holding.
Inspector's notes
Observed multiple TCS food items such as carne asada, pico, and shrimp being cooled in containers with the lids on. Some containers were over 4 inches. Discussed only using containers 4 inches or less, and leaving the lids uncovered when cooling. ***REPEAT VIOLATION Corrective Action: Corrected at time of inspection.
Show full county text
Repeat Violation 3-501.15 (A) - Priority Foundation: Cooling Methods. For a permanent fix to this violation, check out these simple tools in our Active Managerial Control Toolbox, made especially for you. https://www.maricopa.gov/4617/AMC-Toolbox---Cooling.
Inspector's notes
Observed a soiled wiping cloth stored on a cutting board. No sanitizer buckets were made at the time of inspection. Inspector demonstrated how to fill and store wiping cloths in sanitizing solution between use. Corrective Action: Corrected at time of inspection.
Show full county text
3-304.14 - Core: Wiping Cloths, Use Limitation
Inspector's notes
Observed no lid on trash can in bathroom. Please provide. Corrective Action: Correct prior to next routine inspection.
Show full county text
5-501.17 - Core: Toilet Room Receptacle, Covered
Jan 18, 2024Routine1 priority2 foundation1 coreB°
This establishment is not participating in the award program at this time and had 1 Priority, 2 Priority Foundation violations on this inspection.No County legal action will result from this inspection.Core-2-102.12(A), C: Certified Food Protection ManagerObtained a certified food manager certification onsite. Inspection emailed and verified received by Oscar Hernandez.Inspection conducted with RS #1325.On July 1st, 2023, the Environmental Services Department started emailing permit card(s) and permit invoice(s) to permittees. We need a current and accurate email address on file to ensure you receive a copy of your permit card and invoice(s) upon renewal.If you are unsure whether your email address is accurate, you may:• Contact your inspector using the phone number or email on your last inspection report to review, or• Contact the Department using the email addresses below,o Envquickservicerestaurants@maricopa.gov (facilities such as fast-food)o Envfullservicerestaurants@maricopa.gov (facilities that are full-service restaurants)o Envretailgrocery@maricopa.gov (facilities like grocery stores or retail food markets)o Envspecialtyprograms@maricopa.gov (mobile food/special events/plan review)If you need to update your email address and/or other contact information, please submit an administrative change request form at the below websitehttps://www.maricopa.gov/FormCenter/Environmental-Services-16/Administrative-Change-Request-Form-181.At Office: N,Award: Not Participating,Food Manager Licenses: 1,Number of Employees: 1,Printed In Spanish: N,Revoke / Suspend: N,Signer: Oscar Hernandez
Correct By: Corrected At Time Of Inspection
PRIORITY VIOLATION-3-501.16(A)(2) and (B), P: Time/Temperature Control for Safety Food, Cold Holding. For a permanent fix to this violation, check out these simple tools in our Active Managerial Control Toolbox, made especially for you. https://www.maricopa.gov/4576/AMC-Toolbox---Cold-Holding. Observed the following tcs foods holding out of cold holding temperature stored in the walk-in cooler salsa 64F, pico de gallo 45F, and inside the prep refrigerator beef tacos 45F. Operator was uncertain the times the food was being prepared since the morning. Operator moved the all items to chill down rapidly inside the freezer. Maintain at 41F or below at all times. Correct By: Corrected At Time Of Inspection
Core-3-501.15 (B), C: Cooling Methods; Cooling containers. For a permanent fix to this violation, check out these simple tools in our Active Managerial Control Toolbox, made especially for you. https://www.mari Priority Foundation-3-501.15 (A), Pf: Cooling Methods. For a permanent fix to this violation, check out these simple tools in our Active Managerial Control Toolbox, made especially for you. https://www.maricopa.gov/4617/AMC-Toolbox---Cooling. Observed various cooked tcs foods (cooked carne asada, cooked chicken, cooked potatoes) cooling down at ambient temperature on the table without an ice bath. Provide an ice bath with ice water to cooled down rapidly to 41F. Observed beans stored in a large container inside the walk-in cooler, cooling down. Move beans to smaller container to cool down foods quicker to 41F at the time of inspection. copa.gov/4617/AMC-Toolbox---Cooling. Observed operator cooling cooked tcs foods in in 4-inch to 5-inch pans covered in the mid section of the refrigerator. Obtained pans that are 2-inch to 3-inch high pans to cool down foods uncovered in the top portion of the refrigerator. Correct By: Corrected At Time Of Inspection
Priority Foundation-4-302.12, Pf: Food Temperature Measuring Devices The facility does not have a probing food thermometer; and not readily accessible. Provide a food probing thermometer. Correct By: Correct Prior To Reinspection
Core-5-205.15 (B), C: System Maintained in Good Repair; Maintained The mop sink is missing the vacuum breaker at the faucet. Fix and provide vacuum breaker. The faucet at the 3-compartment sink is leaking. Repair. :
2023
Oct 26, 2023Routine2 coreA°
OC Inspection conducted with Oscar H. Inspection report emailed to Oscar H. This establishment is not participating in the award program at this time and had 0 Priority, 0 Priority Foundation violations on this inspection.***A remodel permit for a new walk-in cooler and take out area is required.***Note that this establishment and Chevron share the same 119 gallon hot water heater. Correct all items noted on the inspection report by 11/9/2023.This establishment/operation has demonstrated sufficient compliance to proceed with the issuance of the permit. To complete the permitting process, issuance of this permit, and begin operation, the applicant must first submit payment of the annual operating permit fee to the Department’s Administrative Services. Fees paid up to this inspection approval do not include the annual operating permit fee. PAYMENT with a credit/debit card can be made via phone at 602-506-6824, Option 2. Per MCEHC Chapter I, Regs 4 & 5, no person shall conduct an operation or operate an establishment for which a permit is required without holding the necessary and valid permit to do so. Payment with a credit/debit card can be made on-line via select Pay a Fee at esd.maricopa.gov. Please note that if you select payment via online, the annual operating permit fee invoice may take up to 7 business days to post online. Also, checks and money orders are accepted via US Mail. If you select payment via US Mail, for further instructions please refer to the printed invoice. No operating permit is valid, until the permit fee is received by the Department. It is the responsibility of the permit holder/owner to notify MCESD if there are contact/ billing address changes.The Environmental Services Department will begin emailing permit card(s) and permit invoice(s) to permittees in the coming months. We need a current and accurate email address on file to ensure you receive a copy of your permit card and invoice(s) upon renewal.If you are unsure whether your email address is accurate, you may:• Contact your inspector using the phone number or email on your last inspection report to review, or• Contact the Department using the email addresses below,o Envquickservicerestaurants@maricopa.gov (facilities such as fast-food)o Envfullservicerestaurants@maricopa.gov (facilities that are full-service restaurants)o Envretailgrocery@maricopa.gov (facilities like grocery stores or retail food markets)o Envspecialtyprograms@maricopa.gov (mobile food/special events/plan review) Note: If you need to update your email address and/or other contact information, please submit an administrative change request form at the below website https://www.maricopa.gov/FormCenter/Environmental-Services-16/Administrative-Change-Request- Form-181 or call 602-506-6824.No County legal action will result from this inspection.Award: Not Participating,Signer: Oscar H.
Core-5-205.15 (B), C: System Maintained in Good Repair; Maintained 1) Test and certify the RPZ backflow device and provide the test report. Correct By: Correct Prior To Next Routine Inspection
Core-6-501.11, C: Repairing-Premises, Structures, Attachments, and Fixtures-Methods 1) Replace the perforated ceiling tiles above the front service counter and drink station. Ceiling tiles must be washable vinyl. 2) Provide missing clean out covers. 3) Seal in any pipe penetrations or holes within the walk-in cooler. 4) Provide a 3/8" metal cove base to the inside and outside of the walk-in cooler. 5) Remove the old vinyl cove base and provide a new 3/8" rubber vinyl cove base throughout the wall and floor juncture of the establishment. Current cove base is in disrepair and does not provide an approved cove base. 6) Provide high temperature silver colored silicone to the gaps of the hood. 7) Seal in the holes underneath the new counter top and paint the bottom substrate with a semi or high gloss paint (light in color). 8) Silicone behind the table table within the to-go area. 9) Remove the ceiling fan above the soda equipment. Correct By: Correct Prior To Next Routine Inspection
Data from Maricopa County Environmental Services public records, last checked Jul 20, 2026. Grades marked with ° are computed equivalents for establishments not participating in the county's voluntary grading program. View official county records →