PlateScore

Carniceria Ponderosa 3

C

1909 W Thunderbird Rd, Phoenix 85023

Food Establishment - Eating & Drinking · Permit FD2404840

Score based on 6 scored inspections on record, weighted toward recent visits (one-year half-life). How scoring works

County record last checked Sep 22, 2026.

75
Fair

Phoenix restaurant avg: 95

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Score over time

10006020252026May 28, 2025 — Routine — score 65 (2 priority, 1 foundation, 0 core)May 29, 2025 — Re-Inspection — score 100 (0 priority, 0 foundation, 0 core)Oct 16, 2025 — Routine — score 50 (3 priority, 1 foundation, 0 core)Jan 8, 2026 — Routine — score 74 (1 priority, 2 foundation, 1 core)Jan 16, 2026 — Re-Inspection — score 100 (0 priority, 0 foundation, 0 core)Jun 29, 2026 — Routine — score 65 (1 priority, 4 foundation, 0 core)65
Score per routine inspection and re-inspection; dashed line marks the “Poor” threshold (60).

Inspection history6 on record

2026

Jun 29, 2026Routine1 priority4 foundationC

Predefined Comment: No County legal action will result from this inspection.Discussed all food items prepared and packaged onsite to be displayed for consumer self service retail sale to bare proper food label with all required information and date mark of preparation. Discussed adding "Raw Shrimp" to ingredient list of packaged ceviche. Discussed jarring of the escabeche (peppers, carrots, onions) to be jarred cold after fully cooling from cooking process.

#9 — No Bare Hand Contact with RTE Foods or a Pre-Approved Alternate Properly FollowedPriority3-301.11

Inspector's notes

Observed employee handling ready to eat bread rolls with bare hands.

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PRIORITY VIOLATION-3-301.11(B) - Priority: Preventing Contamination from Hands. 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: RTE food that was contacted by bare hands was discarded by PIC at time of inspection. Predefined Comment: Discussed the importance of preventing bare hand contact with ready-to-eat (RTE) foods with the person-in-charge (PIC). Bare hand contact is not approved with ready-to-eat (RTE) food items. Corrective Action: Corrected at time of inspection.

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

Inspector's notes

Observed immersion blender stored inside the handwash sink by the 3 comp sink.

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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. Predefined Comment: PIC will ensure establishment discontinues use of handwash sink for all activities that are not for handwashing. Predefined Comment: PIC relocated all items blocking handwash sink at time of inspection. Corrective Action: Corrected at time of inspection.

#14 — Required Records Available: Shellstock Tags, Parasite DestructionPriority foundation3-402.12

Inspector's notes

Observed establishment prepare and offer for retail sale raw marinated shrimp ceviche as ready to eat but have no parasite destruction letter from seafood provider.

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3-402.12 - Priority Foundation: Records, Creation & Retention; Raw as Ready-to-Eat Fish. 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. Predefined Comment: Parasite destruction records or letter from supplier are required for all non-exempt fish served raw or undercooked at establishment. Must provide parasite destruction letter from supplier prior to re-inspection. Corrective Action: Correct prior to re-inspection.

#24 — Time as a Public Health Control: Procedures and RecordsPriority foundation3-501.19

Inspector's notes

Observed cream cheese and jalapeno stuffed bread rolls stored at ambient in bakery display case with no time as control policy or time stamp of when the food item was placed under time as control.

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3-501.19 (A1, B2, C2-3) - Priority Foundation: Time as a Public Health Control; Documentation. 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: Must provide written time as a control procedures prior to re-inspection. Predefined Comment: All TCS foods being held under time as a control were properly time stamped at time of inspection. Predefined Comment: Time as a Public Health Control requires written procedures detailing process for Time as a Public Health Control and time-stamping for items actively held under Time as a Public Health Control. Corrective Action: Correct prior to re-inspection.

#48 — Warewashing Facilities, Installed, Maintained, Used, Test StripsPriority foundation4-302.14

Inspector's notes

Observed establishment utilize chlorine sanitizer but have no chlorine sanitizer test strips available.

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4-302.14 - Priority Foundation: Sanitizing Solutions, Testing Devices. 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: Test strips are required for any sanitizers used with food contact surfaces. Provide sanitizer test strips prior to re-inspection. Corrective Action: Correct prior to re-inspection.

Jan 16, 2026Re-InspectioncleanA°

Predefined Comment: No County legal action will result from this inspection.Predefined Comment: Upon re-inspection, all violations due for correction have been corrected.

Jan 8, 2026Routine1 priority2 foundation1 coreB°

Predefined Comment: No County legal action will result from this inspection.Pending repairs to the hot case, establishment is operating with reduced menu to provide cooked TCS foods for immediate service and minimal hot holding based on capacity of available alternate equipment (cook top/hot box).

#10 — Adequate Handwashing Sinks, Properly Supplied and AccessibleCore6-301.14

Inspector's notes

Observed no hand wash signage at hand wash sinks used by employees in food prep areas or toilet rooms. A sign or poster that notifies food employees to wash their hands shall be provided at all handwashing sinks used by food employees and shall be clearly visible to food employees. Corrective Action: Correct prior to next routine inspection.

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6-301.14 - Core: Handwashing Signage. 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.

#14 — Required Records Available: Shellstock Tags, Parasite DestructionPriority foundation3-402.12

Inspector's notes

Observed establishment prepare an serve raw marinated shrimp ceviche as ready to eat but have no updated parasite destruction letter.

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3-402.12 - Priority Foundation: Records, Creation & Retention; Raw as Ready-to-Eat Fish. 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. Predefined Comment: Parasite destruction records or letter from supplier are required for all non-exempt fish served raw or undercooked at establishment. Must provide parasite destruction letter from supplier prior to re-inspection. Corrective Action: Correct prior to re-inspection.

#21 — Proper Hot Holding TemperaturesPriority3-501.16

Inspector's notes

Observed the cooked TCS food items with internal temperature between 90-115F in the deli hot case. TCS items included ribs, chicken, tamales, chile relleno, sauteed onions/peppers, rice, beans, chicharron, carnitas, and carne asada, fish. The person in charge stated items were placed for hot holding beginning 930am, more than 4 hours ago. The food items were embargoed at the 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. Predefined Comment: Except during preparation, cooking, cooling or when time is used as a control all TCS foods must be maintained at 135°F or above. Predefined Comment: All TCS foods improperly hot held were discarded by PIC at time of inspection. Corrective Action: Corrected at time of inspection.

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

Inspector's notes

Observed hot case with maximum internal ambient temperature of 120F with sections of the hot case as low as 108F as measured by inspector min/max thermometer. Observed temperature setting displays of the hot case that did not operate or display digital setting. Observe the heating elements covered by aluminum foil under the food pans. The person in charge discontinued use of the hot case and placed a work order for service.

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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. Predefined Comment: Hot holding equipment must have the capacity to maintain TCS foods at 135°F or above. Must repair hot holding equipment such that it maintains TCS foods at 135°F or above. Corrective Action: Correct prior to re-inspection.

2025

Oct 16, 2025Routine3 priority1 foundationall corrected on siteD

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

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

Inspector's notes

Observed hand sink behind cookline wall no paper towels. 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. 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. 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. Addl Notes: Observed front hand sink near cash register no soap. Soap provided at time of inspection. 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.

#21 — Proper Hot Holding TemperaturesPriority3-501.16

Inspector's notes

*2nd repeat* Observed Hot bar holding jalapenos, pork skins, chicharrons, onions, carnitas, fried shrimp, fried tilapa, and chile relleno, 96-127*f degrees. Per PIC item had been placed inside case last then 2 hours prior. Corrective Action: Corrected at time of inspection.

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Repeat Violation 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. Predefined Comment: Except during preparation, cooking, cooling or when time is used as a control all TCS foods must be maintained at 135°F or above. Predefined Comment: All TCS foods improperly hot held were reheated to 165°F at time of inspection.

#22 — Proper Cold Holding TemperaturesPriority3-501.16

Inspector's notes

*2nd repeat* Observed main cookline cold table over filled holding green salsa, red salsa, cut cabbage, and pico at 49-51*f degrees. Per PIC item had been placed inside unit less than 4 hours prior. Corrective Action: Corrected at time of inspection.

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Repeat Violation 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. Eggs not treated to destroy Salmonellae can be stored in equipment that maintains an ambient air temperature of 45°F or below.

#23 — Proper Date Marking and DispositionPriority3-501.18

Inspector's notes

Todays date 10/16. Observed one batch carnitas dated 10/6 and three batches of barbacoa dated 10/8 inside main walk-in cooler. 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. 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).

May 29, 2025Re-InspectioncleanA°

Predefined Comment: No County legal action will result from this inspection.Predefined Comment: Upon re-inspection, all violations due for correction have been corrected.

May 28, 2025Routine2 priority1 foundationC

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

#21 — Proper Hot Holding TemperaturesPriority3-501.16

Inspector's notes

Observed the following hot case items improperly hot holding between 108-118*f degrees, halfed whole chicken, chicharrons, fried tilapa, prawns, onions, mixed cooked pork, and ribs. Per PIC items had been prepared with-in the last 2 hours. 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. Predefined Comment: Except during preparation, cooking, cooling or when time is used as a control all TCS foods must be maintained at 135°F or above. Predefined Comment: All TCS foods improperly hot held were reheated to 165°F at time of inspection.

#22 — Proper Cold Holding TemperaturesPriority3-501.16

Inspector's notes

Observed walk-in fridge holding milk, rice, cooked whole beans, cooked cabeza, pork beans, cooked tripa, barbacoa, and chicharrons, between 48-56*f degrees. Per PIC walk-in had been operating below 41*f 3 hours prior. Items moved to retail walk-in fridge to cool. Observed front cookline holding red salsa, green salsa, rice, and chorizo 56-51*f degrees. Per PIC items had been in unit less than 4 hours and sent to retail walk-in to cool.

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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: 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. Corrective Action: Corrected at time of inspection.

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

Inspector's notes

Observed main large food service walk-in fridge holding ambient air temp of 50*f degrees holding TCS foods. Establishment is able to operate safely with the retail walk-in fridge and meat walk-in fridge at this time. Observed main cookline reach-in holding ambient air temperature of 45*f degrees holding TCS food items. Corrective Action: Correct prior to re-inspection.

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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. Predefined Comment: 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. Re-inspection set for tomorrow (Thursday 5/29/24).

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 22, 2026. Grades marked with ° are computed equivalents for establishments not participating in the county's voluntary grading program. View official county records →