PlateScore

Taqueria Los Nortenos

A°

17404 N Cave Creek Rd, Phoenix 85032

Mobile Food Annual - MF Type 3 · Permit MF-16-0695

Mobile unit — the address shown is its registered home base, not necessarily where it serves.

Score based on 13 scored inspections on record, weighted toward recent visits (one-year half-life). How scoring works

We last checked the county record 8 days ago (Sep 16, 2026). Any inspection since then would not appear here yet.

93
Excellent

Phoenix restaurant avg: 95

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Score over time

1000602023202420252026Aug 22, 2023 — Routine — score 100 (0 priority, 0 foundation, 0 core)Oct 20, 2023 — Routine — score 79 (1 priority, 1 foundation, 1 core)Nov 1, 2023 — Routine — score 100 (0 priority, 0 foundation, 0 core)Feb 27, 2024 — Routine — score 100 (0 priority, 0 foundation, 0 core)Aug 26, 2024 — Routine — score 84 (1 priority, 0 foundation, 1 core)Nov 22, 2024 — Routine — score 100 (0 priority, 0 foundation, 0 core)May 2, 2025 — Routine — score 39 (3 priority, 3 foundation, 1 core)May 12, 2025 — Re-Inspection — score 100 (0 priority, 0 foundation, 0 core)Sep 12, 2025 — Routine — score 99 (0 priority, 0 foundation, 1 core)Dec 5, 2025 — Routine — score 99 (0 priority, 0 foundation, 1 core)Dec 24, 2025 — Routine — score 100 (0 priority, 0 foundation, 0 core)Apr 20, 2026 — Routine — score 95 (0 priority, 1 foundation, 0 core)Jun 15, 2026 — Routine — score 100 (0 priority, 0 foundation, 0 core)100
Score per routine inspection and re-inspection; dashed line marks the “Poor” threshold (60).

Inspection history17 on record

2026

Jun 15, 2026Routineall corrected on siteA°

Predefined Comment: No County legal action will result from this inspection.Operator has removed all food related equipment from adjacent building per EF2600247.

#57 — MCEHC Mobile Food RequirementsCounty code (MCEHC)MCEHC Chap. 8, Sec. 3, Reg. 9e

Inspector's notes

*2nd repeat* Observed food truck operating outside of the scope of a type III mobile food truck permit. Establishment holding prepared food items such as cooked potatoes, green salsa, pico de gallo, cut cabbage, cut onions and cut limes, and horchata in exterior fridges and counters on ice in outside dining area. All food operations must remain inside the truck at all times and all food prepared and stored at commissary. Operator voluntarily closed at time of inspection. Corrective Action: Corrected at time of inspection.

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Repeat Violation MCEHC Chap. 8, Sec. 3, Reg. 9e - MF Type III-All cooking, processing, preparing, grilling, assembly, storage, and service of any food or beverage shall be conducted inside the permitted vehicle.

Apr 20, 2026Routine1 foundationall corrected on siteB°

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

#50 — Hot and Cold Water Available; Adequate PressurePriority foundation5-103.11

Inspector's notes

Observed mobile food truck in operation with no running water. Owner was in process of fixing water pump. Water restored at time of inspection. Corrective Action: Corrected at time of inspection.

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5-103.11 - Priority Foundation: Capacity-Quantity and Availability Predefined Comment: Hot and cold water under pressure is required at all sink fixtures.

#57 — MCEHC Mobile Food RequirementsCounty code (MCEHC)MCEHC Chap. 8, Sec. 3, Reg. 9e

Inspector's notes

Observed food truck operating outside of the scope of a type III mobile food truck permit. Establishment holding prepared food items such as cooked potatoes, green salsa, pico de gallo, cut cabbage, cut onions and cut limes in exterior fridges in outside dining area. Inside rented building on property observed meat slicers, knives, and containers with food debris. Large chest freezer inside building holding raw whole beef and pork products. All food operators must remain inside the truck at all times and all food prepared and stored at commissary. Corrective Action: Corrected at time of inspection.

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MCEHC Chap. 8, Sec. 3, Reg. 9e - MF Type III-All cooking, processing, preparing, grilling, assembly, storage, and service of any food or beverage shall be conducted inside the permitted vehicle.

Mar 31, 2026Advisorynot scoredclean

2025

Dec 24, 2025RoutinecleanA°

Renewal AttestaitonNo County legal action will result from this inspection.

Dec 5, 2025Routine1 coreA

No County legal action will result from this inspection.

#2 — Certified Food Protection ManagerCore2-102.12

Inspector's notes

SECOND CONSECUTIVE. No certified Food Manager was present at the time of inspection. In Compliance with the Food Code, Maricopa County requires a Food Manager present during operating hours. Emailed Maricopa Policy changes and additional resources on where to acquire a Food Manager Certification. Corrective Action: Correct prior to next routine inspection.

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Repeat Violation 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

Sep 12, 2025Routine1 coreA

No County legal action will result from this inspection.*****Provided MCESD bodily fluid cleanup guidance document.

#2 — Certified Food Protection ManagerCore2-102.12

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.

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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

#57 — MCEHC Mobile Food RequirementsCounty code (MCEHC)MCEHC Chap. 8, Sec. 3, Reg. 5e

Inspector's notes

-- Commissary visits log not available for review. Mobile food establishments serving time/temperature control for safety foods shall maintain a log of visits to the approved commissary or food service establishment as required by this Department. Corrective Action: Correct prior to next routine inspection.

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MCEHC Chap. 8, Sec. 3, Reg. 5e - Mobile food establishments serving time/temperature control for safety foods shall maintain a log of visits to the approved commissary or food service establishment as required by this Department. This log shall be maintained using a Department approved format and maintained with the establishment at all times. The logs shall be maintained for a period of 30 days and should be available for review by the Department.

May 12, 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 2, 2025Routine3 priority3 foundation1 coreD°

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

#2 — Certified Food Protection ManagerCore2-102.12

Inspector's notes

Observed no certified food protection manger onsite at the time of 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 Predefined Comment: 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.

#5 — Clean-up of Vomiting and Diarrheal EventsPriority foundation2-501.11

Inspector's notes

Observed no bodily fluid clean up kit or written instructions for cleaning bodily fluids.

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2-501.11 - Priority Foundation: Clean-up of Vomiting and Diarrheal Events. 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: Written procedures for clean-up of vomiting and diarrheal events is required onsite at all times. Corrective Action: Correct prior to next routine inspection.

#8 — Hands Clean and Properly WashedPriority2-301.14

Inspector's notes

Observed cook handle food then exit food truck and change tasks then return into the food truck and continue handling food with out washing hands.

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PRIORITY VIOLATION-2-301.14 - Priority: When to Wash. 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: Discussed the importance of proper hand washing procedures with the person-in-charge (PIC). Proper handwashing procedure is to rinse hands with warm water, scrub with soap for 10-15 seconds, rinse with warm water, dry with approved drying provision, and turn off in a manner to prevent re-contamination of hands. Entire process should take approximately 20 seconds for full and proper handwashing to prevent spread of pathogens and contamination. Predefined Comment: Discussed the importance of proper hand washing and when hand washing is required with the person-in-charge (PIC). Hands must be washed at any time contamination occurs and when changing tasks. Predefined Comment: Employee properly washed hands at handwash sink at time of inspection. Corrective Action: Corrected at time of inspection.

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

Inspector's notes

Observed hand wash sink inside the mobile food unit with insufficient capacity to hold clean water and provide adequate water supply for proper hand washing. Corrective Action: Correct prior to re-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.

#21 — Proper Hot Holding TemperaturesPriority3-501.16

Inspector's notes

Observed cooked meats (beef/chicken) stored in containers on the counter at ambient temperature. Cooked meats had internal temperatures between 75-85F. The person in charge stated the meats had been cooked less than 1 hour ago.

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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. Corrective Action: Corrected at time of inspection.

#22 — Proper Cold Holding TemperaturesPriority3-501.16

Inspector's notes

Observed TCS food itmes with internal temperatures between 50-70F in the prep coolers. TCS foods included shredded cheese, fresh salsa with cut tomatoes, cut leafy greens, cooked red/green salsas. The person in charge stated the food items had been obtained from the commissary kitchen less than 1 hour ago.

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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. The person in charge placed the food items in ice bath for rapid cooling. Corrective Action: Corrected at time of inspection.

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

Inspector's notes

Observed prep coolers with minimum ambient temperature between 50-62F as measured by inspector min/max thermometer.

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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. Corrective Action: Correct prior to re-inspection.

#57 — MCEHC Mobile Food RequirementsCounty code (MCEHC)MCEHC Chap. 8, Sec. 3, Reg. 5e

Inspector's notes

Observed no comissary visit logs available for verficiation. Discussed maintaining documentation and retaining records.

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MCEHC Chap. 8, Sec. 3, Reg. 5e - Mobile food establishments serving time/temperature control for safety foods shall maintain a log of visits to the approved commissary or food service establishment as required by this Department. This log shall be maintained using a Department approved format and maintained with the establishment at all times. The logs shall be maintained for a period of 30 days and should be available for review by the Department.

2024

Nov 22, 2024RoutinecleanA

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

Nov 22, 2024Advisorynot scoredclean
Aug 26, 2024Routine1 priority1 coreB°

Predefined Comment: No County legal action will result from this inspection.Reviewed probe thermometer calibration with the PIC.

#2 — Certified Food Protection ManagerCore2-102.12

Inspector's notes

No employee with supervisory and management responsibility with the authority to direct and control food preparation that is deemed a certified food protection manager (CFPM) was present at time of 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 Predefined Comment: 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.

#22 — Proper Cold Holding TemperaturesPriority3-501.16

Inspector's notes

Observed chopped cabbage/ 55°F, pico de gallo/ 54°F, red salsa 55°F in the prep cooler. Observed shredded cheese/ 45°F in small prep cooler.

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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. After discussion with the person in charge it was determined all TCS foods were within safe time parameter. All TCS foods were placed in deep ice baths at time of inspection or relocated to alternative functioning refrigeration unit to rapidly cool to 41°F at time of inspection. Corrective Action: Corrected at time of inspection.

Aug 20, 2024Advisorynot scoredclean
Feb 27, 2024RoutinecleanA

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. Emailed report and confirmed. On July 1st, 2023, the Environmental Services Department started emailing permit card(s) and permitinvoice(s) to permittees. We need a current and accurate email address on file to ensure you receive acopy 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: CARLOS BURQUEZ

2023

Nov 1, 2023RoutinecleanA

This establishment received an A Grade and had 0 Priority, 0 Priority Foundation and 0 Core violations on this inspection.No violations noted at time of inspection.Ok to renew permit.All food preparation and including grilling, barbecuing, cooking, displaying, serving, and storage must be done inside the Mobile Food Type III unit.Mobile Food Type II and III units shall operate from a commissary or other fixed food service establishment and shall report at least daily to such location for all supplies and for cleaning and service operations.Mobile Food Type I-III establishments shall at all times remain vehicle mounted and readily movable. No permanent utility connections are permitted. Any utility connection shall be of temporary, quick-disconnect design.No County legal action will result from this inspection.Inspection report printed and handed to the owner.Award: A,Signer: Carlos Burquez

Oct 20, 2023Routine1 priority1 foundation1 coreB

This establishment received a(n) B Grade and had 1 Priority, 1 Priority Foundation violations on this inspection.No County legal action will result from this inspection.Inspection report provided via email; confirmed delivery onsiteInspection with R.S. 1496On 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,Review Complete: CHECKED,Review Notes: QA,Signer: Carlos Burquez

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

Priority Foundation-6-301.11, Pf: 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.--During inspection observed the soap not present at the handwashing station. The soap was provided by the person in charge. Please ensure to maintain soap on the handwashing station at all hours of operation. Correct By: Corrected At Time Of Inspection

#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.---During inspection observed containers of pico de gallo & cut cabbage with an internal temperature of 68*F in the top portion of the prep refrigerator unit. Per the person in charge items had been out on the top portion of the prep refrigerator for approximately 30 minutes. The items were placed in an ice bath and placed in the lower portion of the prep refrigerator unit. The items were re-probed 45 minutes later to ensure a temperature of 41*F was re-established. Please ensure to maintain TCS food at 41*F degrees or lower at all times. Correct By: Corrected At Time Of Inspection

#55 — Physical Facilities Installed, Maintained, and CleanCore6-201.13

Core-6-201.13, C: Floor and Wall Junctures, Coved, and Enclosed or Sealed---During inspection observed the bottom flooring of the mobile food unit to be partially broken. Per the person in charge the flooring would be repaired. Please ensure the floors, walls, and ceilings, are maintained in good repair at all times. Correct By: Correct Prior To Next Routine Inspection

Aug 22, 2023RoutinecleanA

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. Emailed report and confirmed. 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,• Envquickservicerestaurants@maricopa.gov (facilities such as fast-food)• Envfullservicerestaurants@maricopa.gov (facilities that are full-service restaurants)• Envretailgrocery@maricopa.gov (facilities like grocery stores or retail food markets)• 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 website:https://www.maricopa.gov/FormCenter/Environmental-Services-16/Administrative-Change-Request-Form-181 or call 602-506-6824.Award: A,Signer: RAMON LOPEZ

Aug 8, 2023Advisorynot scoredclean

Establishment not accessible at time of visit.

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 16, 2026. Grades marked with ° are computed equivalents for establishments not participating in the county's voluntary grading program. View official county records →