PlateScore

Carniceria La Tapatia

B

517 W Western Ave, Avondale 85323

Food Establishment - Eating & Drinking · Permit FD-62359

Score based on 10 scored inspections on record, weighted toward recent visits (one-year half-life). How scoring works

County record last checked Sep 24, 2026.

95
Excellent

Avondale restaurant avg: 98

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Score over time

1000602023202420252026Oct 11, 2023 — Routine — score 99 (0 priority, 0 foundation, 1 core)May 8, 2024 — Routine — score 84 (1 priority, 0 foundation, 1 core)Aug 27, 2024 — Routine — score 95 (0 priority, 1 foundation, 0 core)Nov 14, 2024 — Routine — score 80 (1 priority, 1 foundation, 0 core)Apr 14, 2025 — Routine — score 100 (0 priority, 0 foundation, 0 core)Jul 16, 2025 — Routine — score 99 (0 priority, 0 foundation, 1 core)Sep 16, 2025 — Routine — score 97 (0 priority, 0 foundation, 3 core)Jan 8, 2026 — Routine — score 89 (0 priority, 2 foundation, 1 core)Apr 16, 2026 — Routine — score 99 (0 priority, 0 foundation, 1 core)Jul 23, 2026 — Routine — score 95 (0 priority, 1 foundation, 0 core)95
Score per routine inspection and re-inspection; dashed line marks the “Poor” threshold (60).

Inspection history10 on record

2026

Jul 23, 2026Routine1 foundationall corrected on siteB

No County legal action will result from this inspection.

#10 — Adequate Handwashing Sinks, Properly Supplied and AccessiblePriority foundation5-205.11

Inspector's notes

Observed bucket stored in handwash sink next to cook line. Also observed dirty spatula stored in handwash sink in bakery area. Manager had items removed at time of inspection. Discussed ensuring all staff are properly trained in the proper use of handwash sinks. PIC will ensure establishment discontinues use of handwash sink for all activities that are not for handwashing. Facilities must be maintained in a condition that promotes handwashing. Corrective Action: Corrected at time of inspection.

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5-205.11 - Priority Foundation: Using a Handwashing Sink-Operation and Maintenance. 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.

Apr 16, 2026Routine1 coreA

No County legal action will result from this inspection.

#2 — Certified Food Protection ManagerCore2-102.12

Inspector's notes

Establishment did not have a Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) present during inspection. A CFPM is required to be on the premises during all hours of operation. Provided handout with changes to Food Code. 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

Jan 8, 2026Routine2 foundation1 coreall corrected on siteB

No County legal action will result from this inspection.

#10 — Adequate Handwashing Sinks, Properly Supplied and AccessiblePriority foundation6-301.12

Inspector's notes

Observed no paper towels at handwashing in baking area. Staff provided paper towels at time of inspection. Discussed ensuring all handwash sinks are stocked with soap and paper towels at all times. Corrective Action: Corrected at time of inspection.

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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.

#15 — Food Separated and ProtectedCore3-302.11

Inspector's notes

Observed bagged raw fat, shelled raw eggs, and packaged raw bacon stored next to bagged cooked rice and above beverages on walk-in cooler display shelves. Discussed proper storage for raw and ready to eat products. Manager moved items at time of inspection. Corrective Action: Corrected at time of inspection.

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3-302.11 (A3-8) - Core: Packaged and Unpackaged Food-Separation, Packaging, and Segregation; General Food Protection. 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.

#23 — Proper Date Marking and DispositionPriority foundation3-501.17

Inspector's notes

Observed hotel pan containing cooked ribs in walk-in cooler with date mark of 12/29. Per staff, items were cooked on Tuesday and they forgot to place a new label on container. Staff placed correct date mark at time of inspection. Discussed ensuring all old labels are completely removed from containers to avoid confusion. 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). Corrective Action: Corrected at time of inspection.

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3-501.17 - Priority Foundation: Ready-To-Eat Time/Temperature Control for Safety Food, Date Marking. 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.

2025

Sep 16, 2025Routine3 coreA

No County legal action will result from this inspection.

#52 — Sewage and Waste Water Properly DisposedCore5-403.12

Inspector's notes

Observed puddles of liquid waste from outdoor smoker collecting in parking lot. Discussed with person in charge need to upkeep parking lot from this waste to avoid potential pests. Corrective Action: Correct prior to next routine inspection.

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5-403.12 - Core: Other Liquid Wastes and Rainwater

#54 — Garbage/Refuse Properly Disposed; Facilities MaintainedCore5-501.115

Inspector's notes

Observed dried and chipped black matter behind blue dumpster bin behind establishment. Discussed with person in charge the need to clean and clear area of compiling black matter to avoid potential food source for pests. Corrective Action: Correct prior to next routine inspection.

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5-501.115 - Core: Maintaining Refuse Areas and Enclosures

#55 — Physical Facilities Installed, Maintained, and CleanCore6-501.12

Inspector's notes

Observed black particles on fan guard and ceiling in middle area of walk-in cooler. Observed uncovered foods positioned below particles. Person in charge relocated all uncovered foods until they can clean the facility. Physical facility must be cleaned frequently enough to prevent accumulation of dirt, organic matter, and food debris. Must clean physical facility prior to next routine inspection. Corrective Action: Correct prior to next routine inspection.

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6-501.12 - Core: Cleaning, Frequency and Restrictions

Jul 16, 2025Routine1 coreA

No County legal action will result from this inspection.

#55 — Physical Facilities Installed, Maintained, and CleanCore6-501.12

Inspector's notes

Observed heavy ice buildup on top rack under the walk-in freezer unit. Discussed with person in charge the ice needs to be cleared out. Physical facility must be cleaned frequently enough to prevent accumulation of dirt, organic matter, ice, and food debris. Must clean physical facility prior to next routine inspection. Corrective Action: Correct prior to next routine inspection.

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6-501.12 - Core: Cleaning, Frequency and Restrictions

Apr 14, 2025RoutinecleanA

No County legal action will result from this inspection.

2024

Nov 14, 2024Routine1 priority1 foundationall corrected on siteB

No County legal action will result from this inspection.Discussed personal drink storage, cross contamination prevention, temperature monitoring, and Time as Control policies.

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

Inspector's notes

This is the SECOND consecutive violation. Observed no handwashing cleanser available at the handwashing station at the outside grill. PIC provided soap for handwash sink at time of inspection. Handwashing soap shall be provided at all handwash sinks at all times. Corrective Action: Corrected at time of inspection.

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Repeat Violation 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.

#21 — Proper Hot Holding TemperaturesPriority3-501.16

Inspector's notes

Observed multiple TCS items (such as cooked chicken and cooked carne) with internal temperatures between 100-125°F at the time of inspection in the hot holding display case and the hot holding unit by the cook line at the time of inspection. The Person in Charge (PIC) stated these items had been in these units for less than 2 hours, so all TCS foods improperly hot held were reheated to 165°F at time of inspection. Discussed temperature monitoring procedures and practices with PIC. Except during preparation, cooking, cooling or when time is used as a control all TCS foods must be maintained at 135°F or above. Corrective Action: Corrected at time of inspection.

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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.

Aug 27, 2024Routine1 foundationall corrected on siteB

No County legal action will result from this inspection.

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

Inspector's notes

Observed handwashing sink without soap at time of inspection. PIC provided soap for handwash sink at time of inspection. Corrective Action: Corrected 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.

May 8, 2024Routine1 priority1 coreB

This establishment received a B Grade and had 1 Priority, 0 Priority Foundation violations on this inspection. No County legal action will result from this inspection. Inspection report emailed. 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.Award: B,Signer: Veronica Baralas

#22 — Proper Cold Holding TemperaturesPriority3-501.16

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 multiple TCS food items such as different types of cooked salsa with internal temperatures between 42-55°F at the time of inspection. The Person in Charge (PIC) stated that these items had been removed from the walk-in less than 4 hours before the time of inspection, so salsas were moved to the walk-in cooler to cool to proper temperatures. Discussed temperature monitoring frequency, procedures, and public safety risks. Provided guidance documents for cold holding. Discussed replenishing ice in the salsa bar to ensure ice is always in contact with the salsa containers. Ensure all food being maintained by cold holding has internal temperature of 41°F or below at all times. Correct By: Corrected At Time Of Inspection

#55 — Physical Facilities Installed, Maintained, and CleanCore6-201.11

Core-6-201.11, C: Floors, Walls and Ceilings-Cleanability --Observed the ceiling of the walk-in freezer with paint chipping. Ensure this is fixed so all surfaces are smooth, durable, nonabsorbent, and easily cleanable. Correct By: Correct Prior To Next Routine Inspection

2023

Oct 11, 2023Routine1 coreA

This establishment received an A Grade and had 0 Priority, 0 Priority Foundation violations on this inspection. No County legal action will result from this inspection. Inspection report emailed. 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.Award: A,Signer: Rosa Isela Ancira Castellan

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

Core-6-202.15, C: Outer Openings, Protected --Observed a gap between the bottom of the back exit door and the floor. Discussed adding seal or door sweep to ensure there is no gap. Ensure outer openings of a food establishment shall be protected against the entry of insects and rodents by filling or closing holes and other gaps along floors, walls, and ceilings; closed, tight-fitting windows; and solid, self-closing, tight-fitting doors. Correct By: Correct Prior To Next Routine Inspection

This address holds 3 food permits

Maricopa County issues a separate permit for each kitchen rather than for each restaurant name, so large properties hold several. Each is inspected and scored on its own. The county does not publish which kitchen serves which venue.

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 →