PlateScore

Carniceria Los Vaqueros

B

6440 W Van Buren St, Phoenix 85043

Food Establishment - Eating & Drinking · Permit FD-80381

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

County record last checked Sep 24, 2026.

95
Excellent

Phoenix restaurant avg: 95

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Score over time

1000602023202420252026Aug 9, 2023 — Routine — score 99 (0 priority, 0 foundation, 1 core)Dec 13, 2023 — Routine — score 99 (0 priority, 0 foundation, 1 core)May 7, 2024 — Routine — score 95 (0 priority, 1 foundation, 0 core)Aug 28, 2024 — Routine — score 100 (0 priority, 0 foundation, 0 core)Nov 7, 2024 — Routine — score 99 (0 priority, 0 foundation, 1 core)Mar 17, 2025 — Routine — score 99 (0 priority, 0 foundation, 1 core)Jul 17, 2025 — Routine — score 100 (0 priority, 0 foundation, 0 core)Oct 22, 2025 — Routine — score 99 (0 priority, 0 foundation, 1 core)Jan 15, 2026 — Routine — score 99 (0 priority, 0 foundation, 1 core)Jun 11, 2026 — Routine — score 99 (0 priority, 0 foundation, 1 core)Aug 13, 2026 — Routine — score 78 (1 priority, 1 foundation, 2 core)78
Score per routine inspection and re-inspection; dashed line marks the “Poor” threshold (60).

Inspection history13 on record

2026

Aug 13, 2026Routine1 priority1 foundation2 coreB

No County legal action will result from this inspection.Discussed scented bleach.

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

Inspector's notes

Observed a handwashing sink in the front counter service area and also observed a handwashing sink in the back 3-compartment sink area both of which were blocked off with dishes, a large metal table and other items that were blocking the handwashing sink. Discussed with person in charge to maintain the handwashing sink area free and clear of obstructions. PIC relocated all items blocking handwash sink at time of inspection. Handwash sinks must be supplied with hot water of at least 100°F, soap and an approved hand drying provision at all times. 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.

#20 — Proper Cooling Time and TemperaturesPriority3-501.14

Inspector's notes

Observed a large metal pot of cooked and cooled red salsa in the walk-in cooler. According to the person in charge, the salsa had been cooked the night before and cooled overnight in the walk-in cooler. It was observed that the salsa was in a large, deep (greater than 12 inches) pot and had been cooled in the same pot overnight. The internal temperature of the salsa as measured using a probe thermometer was around 58°F. Based on the time and temperature parameters for cooling, the pot of salsa did not cool properly to 41°F within a total time not to exceed 6 hours. The pot of salsa was embargoed at time of inspection (see embargo form). Discussed with person in charge to cool foods in wide, flat shallow pans at a depth of 2-3 inches deep, uncovered and placed up high inside of the walk-in cooler where the fans are blowing the hardest and/or to utilize ice baths to rapidly chill the food. Cooked TCS foods must be cooled from 135°F to 70°F within 2 hours, and from 70°F to 41°F within 4 hours for a total of 6 hours for cooling. Corrective Action: Corrected at time of inspection.

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PRIORITY VIOLATION-3-501.14 - Priority: 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.

#41 — Wiping Cloths; Properly Used and StoredCore3-304.14

Inspector's notes

Observed wiping cloths stored dry on cutting boards. Discussed with person in charge to store the wiping cloths in sanitizer buckets with approved sanitizer concentrations when not in use. All wet wiping cloths must be stored in sanitizer buckets with approved sanitizer concentrations. Wiping cloths were placed in sanitizer buckets with approved sanitizer concentrations at time of inspection. Corrective Action: Corrected at time of inspection.

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3-304.14 - Core: Wiping Cloths, Use Limitation

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

Inspector's notes

Observed some organic matter buildup on the outside of the display case on the side with the packaged salsas and soft cheeses. Discussed with person in charge to clean the case on a more frequent basis to prevent accumulation of organic matter on the outside of the case. The person in charge will have the case cleaned. 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.

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6-501.12 - Core: Cleaning, Frequency and Restrictions

Jun 11, 2026Routine1 coreA

No County legal action will result from this inspection.

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

Inspector's notes

Observed black organic material on guard inside ice machine. Reviewed cleaning frequency and discussed importance of keeping ice guard clean to sight and touch with person in charge. 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

Jan 15, 2026Routine1 coreA

No County legal action will result from this inspection.

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

Inspector's notes

Observed black material on fan guard of freezer fan unit. Discussed with person in charge the need to keep the fan guard clear to prevent material from blowing into contact with product. 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

2025

Oct 22, 2025Routine1 coreA

No County legal action will result from this inspection.Reviewed procedures for labeling containers of salsa for sale.Confirmed with staff; shrimp in ceviche is cooked prior to making ceviche.

#16 — Food-Contact Surfaces: Cleaned and SanitizedCore4-602.11

Inspector's notes

Observed dark organic matter on deflector of ice machine in back room. Discussed cleaning procedures and increasing cleaning frequency. Corrective Action: Correct prior to next routine inspection.

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4-602.11 (E) - Core: Equipment Food - Contact Surfaces and Utensils-Frequency; Non-TCS. 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.

Jul 17, 2025RoutinecleanA

No County legal action will result from this inspection.

Mar 17, 2025Routine1 coreA

No County legal action will result from this inspection.

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

Inspector's notes

Observed accumulation of dust on fan guards and ceiling of walk-in cooler. Discussed increasing cleaning frequency with manager: 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

2024

Nov 7, 2024Routine1 coreA

No County legal action will result from this inspection.

#16 — Food-Contact Surfaces: Cleaned and SanitizedCore4-602.11

Inspector's notes

Observed organic matter on deflector of ice machine. Per manager, an outside company will service and clean ice machine. Discussed having staff clean in between service to prevent growth of organic matter. Corrective Action: Correct prior to next routine inspection.

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4-602.11 (E) - Core: Equipment Food - Contact Surfaces and Utensils-Frequency; Non-TCS. 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.

Aug 28, 2024RoutinecleanA

No County legal action will result from this inspection.

May 7, 2024Routine1 foundationall corrected on siteB

This establishment received a(n) B Grade and had 0 Priority, 1 Priority Foundation on this inspection.No County legal action will result from this inspection.Inspection rights signed by Damin H.Report sent via email.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: Damin Hamieh

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

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 hand drying provision at handwashing sink at outdoor grill area. Manager provided paper towels at time of inspection. Discussed ensuring all handwashing sinks to be stocked with paper towels with manager. Correct By: Corrected At Time Of Inspection

May 1, 2024Advisorynot scoredclean

Arrived at establishment to conduct routine inspection.Establishment was closed at time of arrival; roller doors were down.Will return at a later date/time.No County legal action will result from this inspection.

2023

Dec 15, 2023Advisorynot scoredclean

Advisory conducted with operator. Permit has been updated to reflect the operations of outdoor cooking approval. Operator informed that the E&D permit will reflect the approval for outdoor operations setback to 11/24/20. Advisory report will be auto emailed to operator.No County legal action will result from this advisory.

Dec 13, 2023Routine1 coreA

This establishment received a(n) A Grade and had 0 Priority, 0 Priority Foundation violations on this inspection.No County legal action will result from this inspection.Inspection rights signed by signed Damian H.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: Damian Hourieh

#15 — Food Separated and ProtectedCore3-302.11

Core-3-302.11 (A3-8) , C: 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. Observed case of raw chicken stored on top rack above case of cheese in walk-in cooler. Manager moved chicken to bottom rack at time of inspection. Discussed proper storage of raw foods. Correct By: Correct Prior To Next Routine Inspection

Aug 9, 2023Routine1 coreA

This establishment received a(n) A Grade and had 0 Priority, 0 Priority Foundation violations on this inspection.No County legal action will result from this inspection.Inspection rights signed by Damin H.Report emailed.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.Award: A,Signer: Damin H.

#41 — Wiping Cloths; Properly Used and StoredCore3-304.14

Core-3-304.14, C: Wiping Cloths, Use Limitation Observed wet wiping cloths on prep table. Discussed storing wiping cloths in sanitizer solution of adequate concentration in between uses to help prevent contamination. 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 →