PlateScore

Talo's Mexican Food

A

10861 E Baseline Rd, Mesa 85209

Food Establishment - Eating & Drinking · Permit FD-60219

Score based on 11 scored inspections on record, weighted toward recent visits (one-year half-life). How scoring works

County record last checked Sep 21, 2026.

87
Good

Mesa restaurant avg: 93

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Score over time

1000602023202420252026Sep 6, 2023 — Routine — score 80 (1 priority, 1 foundation, 0 core)Dec 5, 2023 — Routine — score 80 (1 priority, 1 foundation, 0 core)May 8, 2024 — Routine — score 95 (0 priority, 1 foundation, 0 core)Sep 26, 2024 — Routine — score 64 (2 priority, 1 foundation, 1 core)Nov 22, 2024 — Routine — score 94 (0 priority, 1 foundation, 1 core)Mar 28, 2025 — Routine — score 89 (0 priority, 2 foundation, 1 core)Jul 17, 2025 — Routine — score 79 (1 priority, 1 foundation, 1 core)Oct 10, 2025 — Routine — score 65 (2 priority, 1 foundation, 0 core)Jan 12, 2026 — Routine — score 100 (0 priority, 0 foundation, 0 core)May 28, 2026 — Routine — score 85 (1 priority, 0 foundation, 0 core)Sep 14, 2026 — Routine — score 99 (0 priority, 0 foundation, 1 core)99
Score per routine inspection and re-inspection; dashed line marks the “Poor” threshold (60).

Inspection history12 on record

2026

Sep 14, 2026Routine1 coreA

No County legal action will result from this inspection.Discussed three compartment sink vs prep sink usage, and ensuring date mark stickers are removed during warewashing. Inspection report emailed.

#51 — Plumbing Installed; Proper Backflow DevicesCore5-205.15

Inspector's notes

Observed missing atmospheric vacuum breaker (AVB) cap on mop sink faucet. All backflow devices must be in good repair. Please repair prior to the next routine inspection. Corrective Action: Correct prior to next routine inspection.

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5-205.15 (B) - Core: System Maintained in Good Repair; Maintained

May 28, 2026Routine1 priorityall corrected on siteB

No County legal action will result from this inspection.Discussed ensuring date stickers are completely removed from pans before washing them. Inspection report emailed.

#23 — Proper Date Marking and DispositionPriority3-501.18

Inspector's notes

Observed two pans of shredded beef labeled as prepared on 5/21 (1 day past discard date). All ready-to-eat, TCS (time and temperature controlled for safety) items must be discarded at the end of the 7th day, with the day of preparation being day 1. Beef was discarded at time of inspection. Corrective Action: Corrected at time of inspection.

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PRIORITY VIOLATION-3-501.18 - Priority: Ready-To-Eat Time/Temperature Control for Safety Food, Disposition. 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.

Jan 12, 2026RoutinecleanA

No County legal action will result from this inspection.Discussed date marking with prep date and discard date, and updating date marks after food is thawed from frozen. Inspection report emailed.

2025

Oct 10, 2025Routine2 priority1 foundationC

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

#8 — Hands Clean and Properly WashedPriority2-301.14

Inspector's notes

Observed employee pick up towel from floor and go outside without first washing hands. PIC washed hands at time of inspection.

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PRIORITY VIOLATION-2-301.14 - Priority: When to Wash. 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. Predefined Comment: Discussed the importance of proper hand washing and when hand washing is required with the person-in-charge (PIC). Hands must be washed at any time contamination occurs and when changing tasks.

#22 — Proper Cold Holding TemperaturesPriority3-501.16

Inspector's notes

Observed pico de gallo, menudo, machaca, raw beef and green salsa with an internal temperature of 46-47*f in reach-in cooler and walk-in cooler. According to PIC pico de gallo, machaca and green salsa were made 4 hours prior to inspection and were previously stored in walk-in cooler. All items were placed on ice at time of inspection to rapidly chill.

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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

Observed walk-in cooler holding ambient air temperature of 45*f at time of inspection. It was determined that 40 pounds of menudo were cooling in walk-in cooler in addition to 20 pounds of pinto beans. Discussed making less food at once to prevent cooling process from increasing temperature of walk-in cooler. All items were cooling in shallow pans, 4 inches high with an ice wand at time of inspection. TCS foods were placed into ice baths at time of inspection to cool rapidly and help decrease temperature of walk-in cooler. By end of inspection walk-in cooler was holding ambient air temperature of 41*f.

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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.

Aug 20, 2025Advisorynot scoredclean
Jul 17, 2025Routine1 priority1 foundation1 coreB

Due to the violations noted on this inspection report, County legal action may result from this inspection.

#2 — Certified Food Protection ManagerCore2-102.12

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 Addl Notes: Predefined Comment: A Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) is required to be on the premises during all hours of operation. Designated person with certificate was not present at time of inspection.

#23 — Proper Date Marking and DispositionPriority3-501.18

Inspector's notes

Observed cooked birria beef and broth 7/10 (1 day past discard date) in reach-in cooler.

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PRIORITY VIOLATION-3-501.18 - Priority: Ready-To-Eat Time/Temperature Control for Safety Food, Disposition. 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. Predefined Comment: All RTE/TCS foods past 7 days of preparation were discarded by PIC at the time of inspection. Predefined Comment: RTE/TCS foods requiring date marking must be date marked within 24 hours and sold or discarded after 7 days (including the day it was made as day 1).

#33 — Proper Cooling Methods Used; Adequate Equipment for Temperature ControlPriority foundation3-501.15

Inspector's notes

Observed cubed cooked potatoes cooling in make table with an internal temperature of 56*F. According to PIC, potatoes were cooled within 1 hour prior to inspection and were moved to walk-in cooler on a sheet pan to rapidly chill. Also observed red sauce cooling in deep container. Red sauce does not have a cook step and discussed using ice as an ingredient while blending or using ice wand to rapidly cool.

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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. Predefined Comment: TCS foods must be cooled in: uncovered/loosely covered, shallow containers less than 4 inches deep, in equipment designed to rapidly cool, by using an ice bath, by using ice as an ingredient, or another effective means.

Mar 28, 2025Routine2 foundation1 coreB

Predefined Comment: No County legal action will result from this inspection.Provide cooling handouts to PIC.

#10 — Adequate Handwashing Sinks, Properly Supplied and AccessiblePriority foundation6-301.11

Inspector's notes

Observed no hand soap at handwashing station. PIC restocked hand soap at time of inspection.

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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.

#33 — Proper Cooling Methods Used; Adequate Equipment for Temperature ControlPriority foundation3-501.15

Inspector's notes

Observed menudo and enchilada sauce cooling deep 5 gallon plastic containers at room temperature and in walk-in cooler. Discussed purchasing ice wands to help expedite cooling process and using other approved cooling methods with PIC.

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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. Predefined Comment: TCS foods must be cooled in: uncovered/loosely covered, shallow containers less than 4 inches deep, in equipment designed to rapidly cool, by using an ice bath, by using ice as an ingredient, or another effective means. Predefined Comment: All TCS foods being cooled in deep containers were transferred to shallow containers to allow for rapid cooling.

#51 — Plumbing Installed; Proper Backflow DevicesCore5-205.15

Inspector's notes

Observed leaking faucet in handwashing sink next to grill. Please make repairs prior to next routine inspection.

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5-205.15 (B) - Core: System Maintained in Good Repair; Maintained

2024

Nov 22, 2024Routine1 foundation1 coreB

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

#2 — Certified Food Protection ManagerCore2-102.12

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 Addl Notes: Predefined Comment: A Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) is required to be on the premises during all hours of operation. Food handlers cards and certified food protection manager certificate were not available upon request.

#33 — Proper Cooling Methods Used; Adequate Equipment for Temperature ControlPriority foundation3-501.15

Inspector's notes

Observed diced fried potatoes cooling in prep table in metal pan of more than 4 inches with an internal temperature of 59*f.

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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. Predefined Comment: TCS foods must be cooled in: uncovered/loosely covered, shallow containers less than 4 inches deep, in equipment designed to rapidly cool, by using an ice bath, by using ice as an ingredient, or another effective means. Predefined Comment: All TCS foods being cooled in deep containers were transferred to shallow containers to allow for rapid cooling.

Sep 26, 2024Routine2 priority1 foundation1 coreC
#2 — Certified Food Protection ManagerCore2-102.12

Inspector's notes

Employees handling food did not have food handlers cards and/or managers certification. All food handlers card were expired in 2021. Please obtain new food handlers cards and manager certification.

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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 Predefined Comment: A Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) is required to be on the premises during all hours of operation.

#15 — Food Separated and ProtectedPriority3-302.11

Inspector's notes

Observed raw chicken stored directly above raw pork in reach-in cooler on assembly line. PIC re-arranged at time of inspection.

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PRIORITY VIOLATION-3-302.11 (A1-2) - Priority: Packaged and Unpackaged Food-Separation, Packaging, and Segregation; Protection from Cross Contamination. 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/4621/AMC-Toolbox---Cross-Contamination. Predefined Comment: All raw animal proteins must be stored below ready-to-eat (RTE) foods and stored according to cooking temperature at all times to prevent cross contamination. PIC properly stored all raw animal proteins according to the final cooking temperature based on the cooking parameters in § 3-401.11 of the Food Code.

#23 — Proper Date Marking and DispositionPriority3-501.18

Inspector's notes

Observed 5 gallon buckets stocked with several red and green pre-portioned salsas dated for 9/17 and 9/18 ( 3 days + past their discard date) in walk-in cooler and beverage cooler. Also observed container of cooked pork (914) 6 days past the discard date in walk-in cooler. Discussed cooking in smaller batches to allow salsa to be used within the 7 days.

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PRIORITY VIOLATION-3-501.18 - Priority: Ready-To-Eat Time/Temperature Control for Safety Food, Disposition. 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. Predefined Comment: All RTE/TCS foods past 7 days of preparation were discarded by PIC at the time of inspection. Predefined Comment: RTE/TCS foods requiring date marking must be date marked within 24 hours and sold or discarded after 7 days (including the day it was made as day 1).

#33 — Proper Cooling Methods Used; Adequate Equipment for Temperature ControlPriority foundation3-501.15

Inspector's notes

Observed 4 inch metal pans of cooked pinto beans and shredded machaca cooling at room temperature with an internal temperature of 120*F. According to PIC, beans had been cooling for 5 minutes. Discussed importance of monitoring cooling temperatures and times to avoid confusion.

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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. Predefined Comment: TCS foods must be cooled in: uncovered/loosely covered, shallow containers less than 4 inches deep, in equipment designed to rapidly cool, by using an ice bath, by using ice as an ingredient, or another effective means.

May 8, 2024Routine1 foundationall corrected on siteB

This establishment received a(n) B Grade and had 0 Priority, 1 Priority Foundation violations on this inspection.Trained employees how to wash dishes in three compartment sink. Core-2-102.12(A), C: Certified Food Protection Manager and food handlers cards for kitchen employees. Must obtain within 90 days. No County legal action will result from this inspection.Emailed report On July 1st, 2023, the Environmental Services Department started emailing permit card(s) and permitinvoice(s) to permittees. We need a current and accurate email address on file to ensure you receive acopy 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 anadministrative change request form at the below websitehttps://www.maricopa.gov/FormCenter/Environmental-Services-16/Administrative-Change-Request-Form-181.Award: B,Signer: Karen Escorcia

#33 — Proper Cooling Methods Used; Adequate Equipment for Temperature ControlPriority foundation3-501.15

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 cooked potatoes (70*F) and shredded beef tacos (48*F) cooling in prep table. PIC stated food was made within 1 hour prior to inspection and was moved to walk-in cooler to rapidly chill. Correct By: Corrected At Time Of Inspection

2023

Dec 5, 2023Routine1 priority1 foundationall corrected on siteB

This establishment received a(n) B Grade and had 1 Priority, 1 Priority Foundation violations on this inspection.No County legal action will result from this inspection.Emailed report On July 1st, 2023, the Environmental Services Department started emailing permit card(s) and permitinvoice(s) to permittees. We need a current and accurate email address on file to ensure you receive acopy 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 anadministrative change request form at the below websitehttps://www.maricopa.gov/FormCenter/Environmental-Services-16/Administrative-Change-Request-Form-181.Award: B,Signer: Neptali Lopez

#10 — Adequate Handwashing Sinks, Properly Supplied and AccessiblePriority foundation6-301.11

Priority Foundation-6-301.11, Pf: 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. Observed no hand soap and front handwashing sink. Observed employees washing hands in back handwashing sink. Discussed importance of keeping all handwashing sink supplied and accessible at all times. Correct By: Corrected At Time Of Inspection

#15 — Food Separated and ProtectedPriority3-302.11

PRIORITY VIOLATION-3-302.11 (A1-2), P: Packaged and Unpackaged Food-Separation, Packaging, and Segregation; Protection From Cross Contamination. 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/4621/AMC-Toolbox---Cross-Contamination. Observed raw chicken stored over raw pork in walk-in cooler and in small reach-in cooler. PIC rearranged items at time of inspection. Discussed importance of storing raw foods according to cooking temperatures to prevent cross contamination. Correct By: Corrected At Time Of Inspection

Sep 6, 2023Routine1 priority1 foundationall corrected on siteB

This establishment received a(n) B Grade and had 1 Priority, 2 Priority Foundation violations on this inspection.No County legal action will result from this inspection.Confirmed email with manager.**Talked to manager about equipment fitting under the hood, and food manager licenses.On July 1st, 2023, the Environmental Services Department started emailing permit card(s) and permitinvoice(s) to permittees. We need a current and accurate email address on file to ensure you receive acopy 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 anadministrative change request form at the below websitehttps://www.maricopa.gov/FormCenter/Environmental-Services-16/Administrative-Change-Request-Form-181.Award: B,Food Manager Licenses: 0,Signer: Dariela Montoya

#8 — Hands Clean and Properly WashedPriority2-301.14

PRIORITY VIOLATION-2-301.14, P: When to Wash. 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. ---Observed employee coughing into hand, then donning gloves to start to prepare foods. Talked to manager, had employee immediately wash hands. Ensure that hand washing is occurring after contamination from coughing and other tasks. Correct By: Corrected At Time Of Inspection

#10 — Adequate Handwashing Sinks, Properly Supplied and AccessiblePriority foundation6-301.11

Priority Foundation-6-301.11, Pf: 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. ---Observed no soap at front hand sink in the facility. Manager added soap at the hand sink. Ensure there is soap at all hand sinks at all times. Priority Foundation-6-301.12, Pf: 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. ---Observed no paper towels at hand sink in the front area. Manager added paper towels at that location. Ensure there is paper towels at each hand sink. Correct By: Corrected At Time Of Inspection

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Data from Maricopa County Environmental Services public records, last checked Sep 21, 2026. Grades marked with ° are computed equivalents for establishments not participating in the county's voluntary grading program. View official county records →