CONDITIONAL
Taqueria Chapala: Multiple Violations Found - Conditional
August 13, 2025
11:45 AM - 12:45 PM
Routine Inspection
7
Total Violations
1
Critical
2
Major
4
Minor
2
Corrected On Site
Inspector's Report
Multiple violations found including improper cooling methods, mold in ice machine, fruit fly infestation, and broken equipment. Some issues corrected on site including cooling methods and chemical storage.
Violations Cited
7
#23
CRITICAL
No Insects, Rodents, Birds or Nonservice Animals
Why This Matters
Mice produce 50 droppings daily containing Salmonella and hantavirus. Cockroaches carry 33 bacteria types and 6 parasitic worms. Rats spread plague and leptospirosis.
What Was Observed
Observed numerous fruit flies all over the area where the soiled linens are stored and dead ones on the ledge of the wall.
CA Retail Food Code: Section 114259, 114259.1, 114259.3
#14
MAJOR
Food Contact Surfaces: Clean and Sanitized
Why This Matters
Dirty cutting boards and utensils cause 76% of cross-contamination. Biofilms protect bacteria from cleaning. One contaminated surface spreads pathogens to dozens of foods.
What Was Observed
Observed mold-like growth inside of the ice machine. Sanitizer bucket in the prep-area had no detectable levels of chlorine.
CA Retail Food Code: Section 114099, 114099.6, 114117
#9
CORRECTED
MAJOR
Proper Cooling Methods
Why This Matters
Improper cooling is the #1 cause of restaurant foodborne illness. Clostridium perfringens spores germinate and multiply rapidly during slow cooling.
What Was Observed
Observed cooked chicken inside of two plastic buckets being cooled inside the 1-cp prep-sink in standing water. Per food staff the ice used had melted and the internal temperatures were 112 & 118*F. The water was drained and ice refilled.
CA Retail Food Code: Section 114002, 114002.1
#29
CORRECTED
MINOR
Toxic Substances Properly Identified, Stored and Used
What Was Observed
Sanitizer bucket in back is stored above the prep-sink. It was relocated to the floor. Never store chemicals above food or food contact surfaces.
#33
MINOR
Nonfood Contact Surfaces Clean
Why This Matters
Dirty surfaces harbor pests and serve as bacteria reservoirs. Accumulated grease and food debris attract cockroaches and rodents.
What Was Observed
Observed food debris cooking oil throughout the prep area. Perform a deep clean and pay attention to hard to reach areas.
CA Retail Food Code: Section 114115, 114117
#35
MINOR
Equipment Approved: Clean; Installed; Good Repair; Capacity
Why This Matters
Household equipment cannot withstand commercial use and harbors bacteria in cracks. Latex gloves cause severe allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
What Was Observed
Prep-top fridge cutting board is broken. Have it replaced before the follow-up inspection.
CA Retail Food Code: Section 114130, 114160
#35
MINOR
Equipment Approved: Clean; Installed; Good Repair; Capacity
Why This Matters
Household equipment cannot withstand commercial use and harbors bacteria in cracks. Latex gloves cause severe allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
What Was Observed
Prep-top fridge cutting board is broken. Have it replaced before the follow-up inspection.
CA Retail Food Code: Section 114130, 114160