El Herradero Carniceria and Restaurant
B°10839 E Main St, Apache Junction 85120
Food Establishment - Meat Market · Permit FD-86655
Score based on 10 scored inspections on record, weighted toward recent visits (one-year half-life). How scoring works
County record last checked Sep 18, 2026.
Score over time
Inspection history10 on record
2026
Sep 15, 2026Routine1 priorityall corrected on siteB°
No County legal action will result from this inspection.Inspection report emailed.
Inspector's notes
Observed bag of raw pork being stored above ready-to-eat bag of tortillas in the meat walk-in cooler. Discussed separation of raw and ready-to-eat foods, and making sure all ready-to-eat foods such as tortillas and cheese are stored above raw meats. Raw pork was relocated below tortillas at time of inspection. Corrective Action: Corrected 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.
Jun 3, 2026Routine1 foundationall corrected on siteB°
No County legal action will result from this inspection.Inspection report emailed.
Inspector's notes
Observed meat grinder with leftover food debris inside. According to person in charge, the meat grinder was clean. All food contact surfaces must be clean to sight and touch and have no remaining food crumbs inside after cleaning to prevent contamination. Meat grinder was cleaned at time of inspection. 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.
Feb 26, 2026Routine1 priority2 coreB
No County legal action will result from this inspection.Discussed fly trap use and preventing flies from entering the establishment. Inspection report emailed.
Inspector's notes
Observed bags of raw pork stored above packages of queso fresco. All raw meat must be stored below ready-to-eat food to prevent cross contamination. Pork was moved below cheese at time of inspection. Corrective Action: Corrected 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.
Inspector's notes
Observed racks in the meat walk-in cooler with accumulated food debris. Discussed regularly wiping racks down to keep them clean. Please keep racks clean prior to the next routine inspection. Observed food debris on the outside of the meat grinder. Discussed wiping the outside of the meat grinder to keep it clean. Corrective Action: Correct prior to next routine inspection.
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4-602.13 - Core: Nonfood Contact Surfaces
Inspector's notes
Observed two holes in the wall in the meat cutting area. Walls in food preparation areas must be smooth and easily cleanable. Please repair holes so that wall is smooth prior to the next routine inspection. Corrective Action: Correct prior to next routine inspection.
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6-201.11 - Core: Floors, Walls and Ceilings-Cleanability
2025
Oct 7, 2025Routine1 priority1 foundation1 coreB°
Predefined Comment: No County legal action will result from this inspection.
Inspector's notes
Observed opened water bottle in meat room.
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2-401.11 - Core: Eating, Drinking, or Using Tobacco Predefined Comment: PIC moved employee consumables to the designated area and will retrain on proper eating, drinking, and tobacco use.
Inspector's notes
Paper towels were not available at handwashing sink in meat room.
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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. Predefined Comment: 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. Predefined Comment: PIC provided hand drying provision for handwash sink at time of inspection. 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. Addl Notes: Observed handwashing sink blocked by large bag of empty plastic containers. Predefined Comment: 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. Predefined Comment: PIC relocated all items blocking handwash sink at time of inspection.
Inspector's notes
Observed racks used to season raw meats with dried up food debris. Please maintain a regular cleaning schedule to prevent accumulation of food debris.
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PRIORITY VIOLATION-4-602.11 (A-D) - Priority: Equipment Food-Contact Surfaces and Utensils-Frequency. 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. Predefined Comment: All food-contact surfaces that contact TCS foods must be cleaned every 4 hours by washing, rinsing, and sanitizing. Predefined Comment: PIC relocated all food-contact surfaces to warewashing area to be washed, rinsed, and sanitized at the time of inspection.
Jun 24, 2025RoutinecleanA
No County legal action will result from this inspection.Inspection report delivered via email. Inspection conducted with RS #1327
Feb 25, 2025RoutinecleanA
Predefined Comment: No County legal action will result from this inspection.
2024
Nov 8, 2024Routine1 priority1 foundation1 coreB
Predefined Comment: No County legal action will result from this inspection.
Inspector's notes
Observed no paper towels at hand washing sink in meat room. PIC restocked 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. Predefined Comment: 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.
Inspector's notes
Observed raw meat particles on food contact surface of saw blade in meat room and food contact surface of deli slicer. Discussed importance of all food contact surfaces must be cleaned to sight and touch.
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PRIORITY VIOLATION-4-602.11 (A-D) - Priority: Equipment Food-Contact Surfaces and Utensils-Frequency. 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. Predefined Comment: All food-contact surfaces that contact TCS foods must be cleaned every 4 hours by washing, rinsing, and sanitizing. Racks were moved to three compartment sink to properly wash. ***REPEAT VIOLATION**
Inspector's notes
Enclosed Observed broken hinge in employee restroom in employee restroom, prohibiting door from self closing. Please make repairs prior to next routine inspection.
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6-202.14 - Core: Toilet Rooms, Enclosed
Jul 10, 2024Routine1 priority2 foundation1 coreB
Predefined Comment: No County legal action will result from this inspection.
Inspector's notes
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. Must obtain within 90 days.
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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
Inspector's notes
Observed no paper towels in handwashing sink in meat room and in employee restroom. PIC restocked at time of inspection. All handwashing sinks must have soap and paper towels at all times for proper handwashing. 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.
Inspector's notes
Observed racks in back of establishment with accumulation of raw meat debris and blood on food contact surfaces. PIC stated the butcher was done for the day and would not be using the racks. Discussed importance of all food-contact surfaces must be cleaned to sight and touch.
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Repeat Violation 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. Predefined Comment: All food-contact surfaces that contact TCS foods must be cleaned every 4 hours by washing, rinsing, and sanitizing. Racks were moved to three compartment sink to properly wash. Corrective Action: Corrected at time of inspection.
Inspector's notes
Observed raw beef ribs, beef flap steak and chicken breast with an internal temperature of 50*F. PIC stated meat case had been previously opened and cleaned 30 minutes prior to inspection and had removed raw meats from temperature-controlled environment to allow proper cleaning. All meats out of temperature were moved to walk-in cooler to rapidly chill. 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. Predefined Comment: All TCS foods improperly cold held were relocated to alternative functioning refrigeration unit to rapidly cool to 41°F at time of inspection. Predefined Comment: Except during preparation, cooking, cooling or when time is used as a control all TCS foods must be maintained at 41°F or below.
Feb 14, 2024Routine2 priority1 coreC
This establishment received a(n) C Grade and had 2 Priority, 0 Priority Foundation violations on this inspection.Emailed report Core-2-102.12(A), C: Certified Food Protection Manager. Must obtain within 90 days. No County legal action will result from this inspection.Report emailed at time of inspection.Award: C,Review Complete: CHECKED,Review Notes: QA - TH (Changed times from PM to AM),Signer: Evelyn Torres
Core-6-202.14, C: Toilet Rooms, Enclosed Observed broken hinge in employee restroom in meat department, prohibiting door from self closing. Please make repairs prior to next routine inspection. Correct By: Correct Prior To Next Routine Inspection
PRIORITY VIOLATION-4-602.11, P: Equipment Food-Contact Surfaces and Utensils-Frequency. 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. Observed deli slicer, butcher saw and meat grinder with accumulation of food debris on food contact surface. According to employee, both pieces of equipment were last used previous day and were disassembled to be cleaned at time of inspection. Please maintain a regular cleaning schedule of 4 hours to prevent accumulation of food debris. Correct By: Corrected At Time Of Inspection
PRIORITY VIOLATION-3-202.12, P: Additives. 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/4619/AMC-Toolbox---Approved-Source. Observed box of sodium sulphite used to preserve raw meats. Label on box strictly states it cannot be used on food and must only be used as a cleaning agent. Instructed employee to discontinue use of food additive. Correct By: Corrected At Time Of Inspection
2023
Oct 24, 2023Routine1 coreA°
This establishment is not participating in the award program at this time and had 0 Priority, 0 Priority Foundation violations on this inspection.No County legal action will result from this inspection.Inspection was emailedCore-2-102.12(A), C: Certified Food Protection Manager. Per PIC, food manager is out sick and is the only employee with certification. Please ensure there is a CFM present during all hours of operation***Emailed the Operator the weblinks to the code references below, in regards to the safe handling instructions. Please send the inspector a copy of the label you wish to use.eCFR :: 9 CFR 317.2 -- Labels: definition; required features.eCFR :: 9 CFR Part 381 -- Poultry Products Inspection RegulationsOn July 1st, 2023, the Environmental Services Department started emailing permit card(s) and permit invoice(s) to permittees. Weneed 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 atthe below websitehttps://www.maricopa.gov/FormCenter/Environmental-Services-16/Administrative-Change-Request-Form-181.Award: Not Participating,Embargo Lbs: 0,Signer: Veronica Lopez
Core-3-201.11 (F-G) , C: Compliance with Food Law; Safe Handling Instructions. 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/4619/AMC-Toolbox---Approved-Source. Observed no safe handling instructions for all of the raw meat products sold in the meat market. Please provide a label. :
This address holds 4 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.
- 91The SubslingersA21 S Signal Butte Rd · 80 m away
- 97Domino's PizzaB10826 E Apache Trl · 180 m away
- 91Filiberto’s Mexican FoodA10749 E Apache Trl · 180 m away
- 83Papa John's PizzaA10745 E Apache Trl · 190 m away
- 97In the Zone VIA28 N Signal Butte Rd · 270 m away
- 95Lost DutchmanA°10936 E Apache Trl · 410 m away
- 100Sunrise PreschoolsA10633 E Apache Trl · 420 m away
- 93New Golden ChinaA10633 E Apache Trl · 420 m away
Data from Maricopa County Environmental Services public records, last checked Sep 18, 2026. Grades marked with ° are computed equivalents for establishments not participating in the county's voluntary grading program. View official county records →