PlateScore

Moreno's Mexican Grill

B

4981 S Arizona Ave, Chandler 85248

Food Establishment - Eating & Drinking · Permit FD-58566

Score based on 12 scored inspections on record, weighted toward recent visits (one-year half-life). How scoring works

County record last checked Sep 24, 2026.

89
Good

Chandler restaurant avg: 93

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Score over time

1000602023202420252026Aug 7, 2023 — Routine — score 100 (0 priority, 0 foundation, 0 core)Nov 27, 2023 — Routine — score 70 (2 priority, 0 foundation, 0 core)May 8, 2024 — Routine — score 99 (0 priority, 0 foundation, 1 core)Sep 4, 2024 — Routine — score 98 (0 priority, 0 foundation, 2 core)Nov 4, 2024 — Routine — score 99 (0 priority, 0 foundation, 1 core)Feb 18, 2025 — Routine — score 85 (1 priority, 0 foundation, 0 core)Jun 23, 2025 — Routine — score 94 (0 priority, 1 foundation, 1 core)Jul 2, 2025 — Re-Inspection — score 94 (0 priority, 1 foundation, 1 core)Jul 8, 2025 — Re-Inspection — score 99 (0 priority, 0 foundation, 1 core)Dec 3, 2025 — Routine — score 100 (0 priority, 0 foundation, 0 core)Mar 31, 2026 — Routine — score 75 (1 priority, 2 foundation, 0 core)Aug 21, 2026 — Routine — score 80 (1 priority, 1 foundation, 0 core)80
Score per routine inspection and re-inspection; dashed line marks the “Poor” threshold (60).

Inspection history12 on record

2026

Aug 21, 2026Routine1 priority1 foundationB

Predefined Comment: No County legal action will result from this inspection.emailed report

#22 — Proper Cold Holding TemperaturesPriority3-501.16

Inspector's notes

Observed bean and cheese burritos and cooked onion and bell peppers cold holding at internal temperature of 46-47 deg F in a walk-in unit. PIC informed the food items were cold holding in unit since night prior and discarded. Observed red chunky, green and taco salsa cold holding in bottom portion of reach in unit holding >41 deg F and single service red and green salsa cold holding at internal temperature of 51 deg F in the top portion of same unit. PIC informed the food items were prepared earlier in day and discarded. Second consecutive violation. Corrective Action: Corrected at time of inspection.

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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.

#33 — Proper Cooling Methods Used; Adequate Equipment for Temperature ControlPriority foundation4-301.11

Inspector's notes

The reach in unit in front food preparation area holding temperature at 46 deg F (according to the min/max thermometer) TCS food items was discarded or redirected to walk in. Currently there are no TCS food items cold holding in bottom of this unit. PIC has called for repair 2nd consecutive violation

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Repeat Violation 4-301.11 - Priority Foundation: Cooling, Heating, and Holding Capacities-Equipment. 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.

Mar 31, 2026Routine1 priority2 foundationall corrected on siteB

Predefined Comment: No County legal action will result from this inspection.emailed report

#16 — Food-Contact Surfaces: Cleaned and SanitizedPriority foundation4-601.11

Inspector's notes

Observed the piercing blade of the can opener stored in holder with large amount of dried organic debris. Kitchen Mnager placed in dishwashing area. Corrective Action: Corrected at time of inspection.

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4-601.11(A) - Priority Foundation: Equipment, Food-Contact Surfaces, Nonfood-Contact Surfaces, and Utensils. 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/4574/AMC-Toolbox---Food-Contact-Surfaces.

#22 — Proper Cold Holding TemperaturesPriority3-501.16

Inspector's notes

Observed the following food items cold holding at internal temperature of 54-56 deg F in a reach in unit that was holding >41 deg F. Manager discarded shredded cabbage, Pico, cooked onion and pepper, white and cheddar cheese, jalapeno and sour cream. Corrective Action: Corrected at time of inspection.

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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.

#33 — Proper Cooling Methods Used; Adequate Equipment for Temperature ControlPriority foundation4-301.11

Inspector's notes

One of the large food preparation cold units on the preparation line holding temperature at 58.8 deg F (according to the min/max thermometer) TCS food items holding in unit was discarded or redirected to walk in. Currently there is no TCS food cold holding in unit. Kitchen Manager called for repair and will maintain cold holding during dinner hour. Corrective Action: Corrected at time of inspection.

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4-301.11 - Priority Foundation: Cooling, Heating, and Holding Capacities-Equipment. 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.

2025

Dec 3, 2025RoutinecleanA

No County legal action will result from this inspection.

Jul 8, 2025Re-Inspection1 coreA°

No County legal action will result from this inspection.Upon re-inspection, all violations due for correction have been corrected.

#2 — Certified Food Protection ManagerCore2-102.12

Inspector's notes

Observed no CFPM on site at time of inspection. A Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) is required to be on the premises during all hours of operation. Corrective Action: Correct prior to next routine inspection.

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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

Jul 2, 2025Re-Inspection1 foundation1 coreB°

No County legal action will result from this inspection.A re-inspecion will be conducted on 7/11/2025, or in lieu of re-inspection adequate proof of correction may be provided via electronic means.

#2 — Certified Food Protection ManagerCore2-102.12

Inspector's notes

Observed no CFPM on site at time of inspection. A Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) is required to be on the premises during all hours of operation. Corrective Action: Correct prior to next routine inspection.

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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

#5 — Clean-up of Vomiting and Diarrheal EventsPriority foundation2-501.11

Inspector's notes

Observed no written procedure for cleaning up bodily fluids or having a bodily fluid clean up kit on site at time of inspection. Written procedures for clean-up of vomiting and diarrheal events is required onsite at all times. Corrective Action: Correct prior to re-inspection 7/11/2025.

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Repeat Violation 2nd consecutive violation 2-501.11 - Priority Foundation: Clean-up of Vomiting and Diarrheal Events. 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/4125/Food-SafetyOperator-Resources.

Jun 23, 2025Routine1 foundation1 coreB

No County legal action will result from this inspection.Re-inspection will be conducted on 7/2/2025, or in lieu of re-inspection adequate proof of correction may be provided via email.

#2 — Certified Food Protection ManagerCore2-102.12

Inspector's notes

Observed no CFPM on site at time of inspection. A Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) is required to be on the premises during all hours of operation. Corrective Action: Correct prior to next routine inspection.

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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

#5 — Clean-up of Vomiting and Diarrheal EventsPriority foundation2-501.11

Inspector's notes

Observed no written procedure for cleaning up bodily fluids or having a bodily fluid clean up kit on site at time of inspection. Written procedures for clean-up of vomiting and diarrheal events is required onsite at all times. Corrective Action: Correct prior to re-inspection 7/2/2025.

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2-501.11 - Priority Foundation: Clean-up of Vomiting and Diarrheal Events. 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/4125/Food-SafetyOperator-Resources.

Feb 18, 2025Routine1 priorityall corrected on siteB

No County legal action will result from this inspection.Discussed obtaining a bodily fluid clean up kit with PIC.

#28 — Toxic Substances Properly Identified, Stored, and Used; Held for Retail Sale, Properly StoredPriority7-204.11

Inspector's notes

Observed sanitizer, chlorine, measuring greater than 200 ppm in sanitizer bucket for food contact surfaces. Sanitizer was diluted by PIC to approved levels at time of inspection. A chemical sanitizer like chlorine, must have a concentration of 50-100ppm. Corrective Action: Corrected at time of inspection.

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PRIORITY VIOLATION-7-204.11 - Priority: Sanitizers, Criteria-Chemicals

2024

Nov 4, 2024Routine1 coreall corrected on siteA

No County legal action will result from this inspection.

#43 — In-Use Utensils; Properly StoredCore3-304.12

Inspector's notes

Observed several in-use utensils stored in water on the flat top with a temperature of 120F. In-use utensils must be stored in a clean, dry location; in running water; or in hot water above 135°F. If utensils are stored in food, the handles must be stored above the surface of the food. All in-use utensils were properly stored at time of inspection. Corrective Action: Corrected at time of inspection.

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Repeat Violation 3-304.12 - Core: In-Use Utensils, Between-Use Storage

Sep 4, 2024Routine2 coreA

No County legal action will result from this inspection.Observed dishwasher atmospheric vacuum breaker (AVB) to be leaking when in use. Advised PIC to provide backflow certificates or to repair/replace prior to the next routine inspection.

#38 — Insects, Rodents and Animals not PresentCore6-202.15

Inspector's notes

Observed a large gap below the back door allowing light to enter. Advised PIC to replace weather stripping to ensure there are no gaps allowing pest entry prior to the next routine inspection. Corrective Action: Correct prior to next routine inspection.

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6-202.15 - Core: Outer Openings, Protected

#43 — In-Use Utensils; Properly StoredCore3-304.12

Inspector's notes

Observed 10+ utensils stored in water measuring 110*F above the flat top grill. In-use utensils must be stored in a clean, dry location; in running water; or in hot water above 135°F. If utensils are stored in food, the handles must be stored above the surface of the food. All in-use utensils were properly stored at time of inspection. Corrective Action: Corrected at time of inspection.

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3-304.12 - Core: In-Use Utensils, Between-Use Storage

May 8, 2024Routine1 coreall corrected on siteA

This establishment received a(n) A Grade and had 0 Priority, 0 Priority Foundation violations on this inspection.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.No County legal action will result from this inspection.Report emailed at time of inspection.Award: A,Food Manager Licenses: 1,Review Complete: CHECKED,Review Notes: QA--- TEW,Signer: Ruth Landa

#46 — Gloves Used ProperlyCoreMCEHC Chap. 8, Sec. 2, Reg. 5d, C

Core-MCEHC Chap. 8, Sec. 2, Reg. 5d, C: Latex Gloves-- Observed latex gloves use for food contact. Employees removed latex gloves and will only use approved gloves. Latex gloves may not be used in direct contact with food. Correct By: Corrected At Time Of Inspection

2023

Nov 27, 2023Routine2 priorityall corrected on siteC

This establishment received a(n) C Grade and had 2 Priority, 0 Priority Foundation violations on this inspection.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.No County legal action will result from this inspection.Report emailed at time of inspection.Award: C,Embargo Lbs: 15,Food Manager Licenses: 1,Signer: Leon Miranda

#20 — Proper Cooling Time and TemperaturesPriority3-501.14

PRIORITY VIOLATION-3-501.14, P: Cooling. 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 cooked pinto beans with an internal temperature range of 45-47F on rack in walk-in cooler. Per PIC, the beans were cooked, placed in walk-in cooler the day prior to inspection, and had not been removed from walk-in cooler. The pinto beans were embargoed at the time of inspection (see embargo form). Discussed proper cooling with the PIC. Foods must be cooled from 135F-70F in the first 2 hours and from 70F-41F in the next 4 hours for a total of 6 hours Correct By: Corrected At Time Of Inspection

#21 — Proper Hot Holding TemperaturesPriority3-501.16

PRIORITY VIOLATION-3-501.16(A)(1), P: 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.-- Observed cooked rice hot holding on the stove with an internal temperature range of 127F-130F. Per PIC, the rice is used as a back up for the steam table and has been on the stove for less than 2 hours prior to inspection. PIC had an employee re-heat rice to 165F. All food held hot must be maintained at 135F or above at all times. Correct By: Corrected At Time Of Inspection

Aug 7, 2023RoutinecleanA

This establishment received a(n) A Grade and had 0 Priority, 0 Priority Foundation violations on this inspection.*Establishment is still in the process of replacing plastic containers used for queso with food grade containers that can be used for hot holding temperatures.**Also observed women's restroom faucet leaking, per PIC a plumber is coming today to repair the faucet.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 websitehttps://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.Report emailed at time of inspection.Award: A,Food Manager Licenses: 1,Signer: Ruth Landa

Nearby restaurants

Other places to eat within a short walk, with their current scores.

Data from Maricopa County Environmental Services public records, last checked Sep 24, 2026. Grades marked with ° are computed equivalents for establishments not participating in the county's voluntary grading program. View official county records →