Tacos Calafia Surprise

17239 N Litchfield Rd, Surprise 85374

Food Establishment - Eating & Drinking · Permit FD-87717

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.

Excellent

Surprise restaurant avg: 98

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Score over time

Score per routine inspection and re-inspection; dashed line marks the “Poor” threshold (60).

Inspection history14 on record

2026

May 15, 2026RoutinecleanA

No County legal action will result from this inspection.

Feb 4, 2026RoutinecleanA

No County legal action will result from this inspection.Si tiene alguna pregunta sobre este reporte de inspección, o le gustaría repasar lo con alguien en español, favor de llamar a nuestros enlaces hispanos al (602) 463-3132 o (602) 526-6123. If you have any questions regarding this inspection report or would like to review it with someone in Spanish, please contact our language liaisons at (602) 463-3132 or (602) 526-6123.

2025

Sep 3, 2025Routine1 coreA

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

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

Inspector's notes

Observed build up of slimy organic material on internal deflector plate of ice machine. Per PIC, a company services the machine at regular intervals. Discussed with PIC that all food contact surfaces, including the ice machine, must be maintained clean to sight and touch at all times. 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. Predefined Comment: All food-contact surfaces must be cleaned to sight and touch.

May 13, 2025Routine1 priorityall corrected on siteB

#22 — Proper Cold Holding TemperaturesPriority3-501.16

Inspector's notes

Observed TCS food being held in a salsa bar with an internal temperature of 51*F. Internal temperature registered with an internal probe thermometer. Facility is using ice baths to cold hold salsa's, but did not have enough ice and water to maintain temperature. Educated PIC that in order to use an ice bath for cold holding, adequate levels of ice are required so all parts of the metal container are in contact with the ice. Per PIC all TCS food items were in unit for less than an hour. TCS food items included; green and red salsas. All TCS foods improperly cold held were relocated to alternative functioning refrigeration unit to rapidly cool to 41°F at time of inspection. Except during preparation, cooking, cooling or when time is used as a control all TCS foods must be maintained at 41°F or below. Eggs not treated to destroy Salmonellae can be stored in equipment that maintains an ambient air temperature of 45°F or below. 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.

May 7, 2025Advisorynot scoredclean

Jan 24, 2025RoutinecleanA

No County legal action will result from this inspection.

2024

Sep 5, 2024Re-InspectioncleanA°

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

Sep 5, 2024Immediate Suspensionpermit suspended1 priority

#6 — Inability to Maintain TCS Foods at Proper Temperatures (ISFD)Priority8-404.11

Inspector's notes

Observed walk-in refrigeration unit with warm ambient temperature. Ambient temperature measured with min/max thermometer registered 47*F. TCS food items in unit internal temperature taken with internal probe thermometer registered 45-48*F. Cold holding equipment must have the capacity to maintain TCS foods at 41°F or below. Must repair cold holding equipment such that it maintains TCS foods at 41°F or below. PIC called maintenance for immediate repair of unit.

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8-404.11 - Priority: Ceasing Operations and Reporting. Predefined Comment: A permit holder shall immediately discontinue operations and notify the regulatory authority if an imminent health hazard may exist because of an emergency such as a fire, flood, extended interruption of electrical or water service, sewage backup, misuse of poisonous or toxic materials, onset of an apparent foodborne illness outbreak, gross insanitary occurrence or condition, or other circumstance that may endanger public health. Corrective Action: Correct at once.

Sep 5, 2024Routine1 priority1 foundationB

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

#22 — Proper Cold Holding TemperaturesPriority3-501.16

Inspector's notes

Observed a walk-in refrigeration unit with warm ambient temperature holding TCS food items. Ambient temperature taken with min/max thermometer registered 47*F. TCS food items in unit include salsas, shredded cheese, cooked beef, milk, and raw meats. Internal temperature of TCS food taken with internal probe thermometer registered 45-48*F. Per PIC all TCS food items had been in unit since the previous day. All TCS foods improperly cold held were discarded by PIC at time of inspection. Except during preparation, cooking, cooling or when time is used as a control all TCS foods must be maintained at 41°F or below. Eggs not treated to destroy Salmonellae can be stored in equipment that maintains an ambient air temperature of 45°F or below. Corrected at time of inspection.

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

Inspector's notes

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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.

Apr 29, 2024RoutinecleanA

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 rights reviewed with Juan C.Inspection report emailed.Discussed cold holding salsa bar and cleaning. 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 website https://www.maricopa.gov/FormCenter/Environmental-Services-16/Administrative-Change-Request-Form-181.Award: A,Signer: Juan Acosta

Jan 29, 2024Routine1 foundation2 coreB

This establishment received a B Grade and had 0 Priority, 1 Priority Foundation violations on this inspection.No County legal action will result from this inspection.Inspection rights reviewed with Alex H.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 website https://www.maricopa.gov/FormCenter/Environmental-Services-16/Administrative-Change-Request-Form-181.Award: B,Food Manager Licenses: 1,Signer: Alex Hernandez

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

Core-4-602.11 (E), C: 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. Black organic matter build up on the plastic ice shield inside the ice machine. Spoke with PIC and he directed a kitchen associate to clean the inside of the ice machine. Ensure all food and non-food contact areas are cleaned at a frequency to prevent the build up of food debris and organic matter. Correct By: Correct Prior To Next Routine Inspection

#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. Cooked tomato based sauce with internal temperature between 64 degrees F and 68 degrees F covered with plastic wrap and a lid was cooling in the walk-in cooler. Sauce has been cooling for 2 hours. Spoke with PIC and the sauce was uncovered and moved to the top shelf in the walk-in cooler. Ensure all TCS items are cooled uncovered and under refrigeration or in an ice bath. Correct By: Corrected At Time Of Inspection

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

Core-6-501.12, C: Cleaning, Frequency and Restrictions. Black matter on the floor under shelving in the walk-in cooler. Ensure this is cleaned at a frequency to prevent the build up of food debris and soil. Correct By: Correct Prior To Next Routine Inspection

2023

Oct 12, 2023Advisorynot scoredclean

Onsite visit with owner (Adaliberto C.) and caterer (Alejandro H.), who is also employed by the establishment. Catered food is prepared by both caterer and establishment staff. Food is prepared at the establishment and cooked at catered location. Dishes are washed at the establishment after events. All catering for Tacos Calafia is prepared at the Surprise location. Catering equipment is currently stored offsite.Reviewed permitting options and answered questions. Owner plans to apply for a catering permit under existing ownership. Catering operations will be temporarily halted until proper permit(s) and approval are obtained. Provided link to catering permit application. Advisory report emailed.No County legal action will result from this inspection.

Oct 9, 2023Advisorynot scoredclean

Spoke to the owner of the establishment via phone regarding catering operation. Establishment does not have an Issued Catering permit at this time. Advised to pause catering operations until the operation is properly permitted. Scheduled an onsite meeting with owner and caterer at 10:30AM this Thursday. Will review catering operation, discuss required permits, and answer questions.

Oct 5, 2023RoutinecleanA

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.Core-2-102.12(A), C: Certified Food Protection Manager. Each food establishment that provides open foods and/or TCS (Temperature Controlled for Safety) foods, shall have at least one (1) Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) on site during operation hours. Provide a Certified Food Protection Manager certificate from an ANSI approved program by the next routine inspection (see link). Third Consecutive violation. https://www.maricopa.gov/5114/Food-RestaurantsInspection rights reviewed with Juan C.Inspection report emailed.Observed sign promoting catering services. Sign states that grilling and service is performed at site location of the event. This would require an additional catering permit. 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 website https://www.maricopa.gov/FormCenter/Environmental-Services-16/Administrative-Change-Request-Form-181.Award: A,Food Manager Licenses: 0,Signer: Alejandro Hernandez

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 →