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Mecklenburg County Health Dept
Public Health Inspections
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Premises Information

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NameEL VALLE MEXICAN RESTAURANT
Address305 W JOHN ST
 
City/State/ZIP
MATTHEWS NC 28105
Premise Type1 - Restaurant
CountyMecklenburg
Inspection Date 11/17/2025
Final Score @ Grade
95.50 A
General Comments

Violations

 
CDI=Corrected During Inspection  R=Repeat Violation  VR=Verification Required 
Violation Item Demerits Violation Description CDIRVRComments
8 0 Hands clean & properly washed Yes No No 2-301.14 (E) Wash hands after handling soiled equipment or utensils. -P Observed dishwasher load trays with dirty dishes and then handle clean dishes without washing hands in between. CDI - EHS explained reason for handwashing and employee was observed washing between dirty and clean dishes.
15 1.50 Food separated & protected Yes No No 3-302.11 (A)(2) Separate types of raw animal foods from each other such as beef, fish, lamb, pork, and poultry during storage, preparation, holding, and display. -P. Observed raw chicken over raw beef and raw beef over fish on wire shelving in Produce WIC. No active contamination was observed. CDI - PIC rearranged shelves for proper storage order. - 1.5 - For more information on food storage order please visit: https://health.mecknc.gov/envhealth/food-and-facilities-sanitation
23 1.50 Proper date marking & disposition Yes No No 3-501.18 Discard the food requiring date labels once time/temperature window has expired, if it has not been labeled, or if the label is incorrect. -P The PIC should train and assign staff to monitor date marking to prevent the use of food products that are no longer in compliance with 3-501.17 (A), (B), or (C) Observed dates on all items in WIC with an 8 day discard date. CDI - PIC allowed to date/re-date TCS food products in the WIC because Items were still within time window for use. In the future, the PIC may be required to discard food, per 3-501.18 (A), that is not dated or inappropriately dated in accordance with 3-501.17 (A), (B), or (C) - 1.5 - For more information, please visit: https://health.mecknc.gov/envhealth/food-and-facilities-sanitation or view our training videos at the following weblinks: What are TCS Foods https://youtu.be/bRvqAETDjQU and Date Marking Food Safely https://youtu.be/BOPsSNUajYs .
28 1 Toxic substances properly identified stored & used Yes Yes No 7-102.11 Label working containers of toxic materials such as cleaners and sanitizers.-Pf Observed a wiping cloth bucket for server use unlabeled. CDI: PIC labeled sanitizer/wiping cloth bucket. - 1 - REPEAT
33 0.50 Proper cooling methods used; adequate equipment for temperature control Yes Yes No 3-501.15 Quickly cool foods. Use methods such as open/vented shallow pans, large ice baths and active stirring. Cold air must flow around product to remove the heat. -Pf For more information, please visit: https://health.mecknc.gov/envhealth/food-and-facilities-sanitation or view our training videos at the following weblinks: What are TCS Foods https://youtu.be/bRvqAETDjQU and Cooling Food Safely https://youtu.be/P6x8b1ZVOxU . Observed a deep metal container of raw chorizo ambient cooling in walk in cooler above 41F with a lid. CDI - PIC removed lids and placed in WIF to finish cooling. - 0.5 - REPEAT
44 0 Utensils, equipment & linens: properly stored, dried & handled No No No 4-901.11(A) Air dry equipment and utensils after cleaning and sanitizing. Observed pans wet nested on shelf after cleaning. Allow utensils to air dry prior to stacking.
55 0 Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean No No No 6-501.11 Floors, walls, and ceilings including the attachments such as soap and towel dispensers; light fixtures; and heat/ac vents shall be maintained in good repair. Observed in tile floor with severe cracks and uneven grout lines throughout kitchen. Repair/replace tiles and re do grout lines to provide for a smooth easily cleanable surface.
56 0 Meets ventilation & lighting requirements; designated areas used No No No 6-303.11 Provide required lighting intensity. Observed produce WIC with a measured (Extech LT40 light meter) light intensity of .37 foot candles at back and 4 foot candles by door. Light intensity 30 inches above floor should be at least 10 foot candles in any walk in refrigeration unit. Change/add lights to produce 10 foot candles in Produce WIC.