A95
LA REINA DE LAS CARNITAS
6441 ALBEMARLE RD, Charlotte, NC 28212
Food Stands · NC permit/State ID 2060022798
Latest gradeA (95)
Last inspectedOct 14, 2026
Inspections on record32
On record sinceFeb 16, 2015
Score history
Feb 16, 2015Higher is betterOct 14, 2026
Inspections & violations
Oct 14, 2026 A 95 · 5 violations
#8 · Hands clean & properly washed −2
Corrected during inspection
2-301.14 (I) Wash hands after engaging in other activities that contaminate hands. -P 1 food employee observed touching face and then preparing food. Another employee observed using cell phone and continued handling clean utensils and preparing food. Food employees must wash hands after touching face, handling cell phone, or touching anything that contaminates hands. CDI - PIC educated on hand washing and he went and bought small soap dispensers from the store during inspection and placed them at hand sinks and employees washed hands.
#10 · Handwashing sinks supplied & accessible −1
Corrected during inspection
6-301.11 Provide soap for handwashing at each handsink. -Pf No hand washing sinks had soap. The soap dispensers had hand sanitizer cartridges in them. CDI - PIC bought small soap dispensers from grocery store during inspection and placed them and hand washing sinks.
#22 · Proper cold holding temperatures −1.5
Corrected during inspection
3-501.16(A)(2) Maintain TCS foods in cold holding at 41F or less. -P Cooked chicharrones in large container measured 68F and was by cooking equipment. Employee stated they were cooked yesterday and placed in walk-in cooler. He said they took them out to cook at 8AM and hadn't yet cooked them yet at 9:30AM. TCS foods must be held at 41F or less when in cold holding. Do not leave TCS foods out of temperature control for extended amount of time. CDI - Employee reheated the chicharrones upon instruction so they wouldn't be at an uncontrolled temperature for any longer.
For more information, please visit: www.mecknc.gov/foodsafety or view our training videos at the following weblinks: What are TCS Foods https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q0iLZb7v0UM and Safe Food Temperatures https://youtu.be/tXP09IK-1TQ .
#40 · Personal cleanliness
2-303.11 Remove jewelry on hands and arms while preparing food. A plain ring, such as a wedding band, is allowed. 1 food employee preparing tortillas had bracelets on wrists. Food employees must not wear jewelry on their hands or wrists. 0 pts.
#47 · Equipment, food & non-food contact surfaces approved, cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used −0.5
Repeat violation
4-501.11 Maintain equipment in good repair. Replace torn gasket on upright 2-door cooler. Some shelves in walk-in cooler are beginning to rust. REPEAT
Jun 17, 2026 A 97.5 · 4 violations
#10 · Handwashing sinks supplied & accessible
Corrected during inspection
5-205.11 (B) A handwashing sink may not be used for purposes other than handwashing Pf. Container observed in hand washing sink. Do not store items in hand washing sinks. CDI - PIC removed container. 0 pts.
#15 · Food separated & protected −1.5
Corrected during inspection
3-302.11(A)(1) Separate raw animal foods from ready-to-eat foods and washed/unwashed fruits and vegetables. -P Raw pork stored on shelf above salsa in wall-in cooler. Do not store raw animal foods above ready-to-eat foods. CDI - PIC corrected storage order.
For more information on food storage order please visit: https://health.mecknc.gov/envhealth/food-and-facilities-sanitation
#38 · Insects & rodents not present; no unauthorized animals −1
6-501.111 Keep the premises free of insects, rodents, and other pests. Flies observed in establishment. Keep back door closed to prevent flies from entering.
#47 · Equipment, food & non-food contact surfaces approved, cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
4-501.11 Maintain equipment in good repair. Rusted shelves in walk-in cooler. Replace rusted shelves. 0 pts.
Feb 17, 2026 A 97 · 5 violations
#20 · Proper cooling time & temperatures −1.5
Corrected during inspection
3-501.14(A) Quickly cool cooked foods within 2 hours from 135F to 70F; and within a total of 6 hours from 135F to 41F. -P. 2 large containers of chicharrones measured 45-48F. PIC stated they began cooling last night. CDI - PIC educated on cooling and the chicharrones were discarded.
For more information please visit: www.mecknc.gov/foodsafety or view our training videos at the following weblinks: What are TCS Foods https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q0iLZb7v0UM and Cooling Food Safely https://youtu.be/P6x8b1ZVOxU .
#21 · Proper hot holding temperatures −1.5
Corrected during inspection
3-501.16(A)(1) Maintain TCS foods in hot holding at 135F or above. -P Chicharrones in hot holding case measured 100-160F. TCS foods in hot holding shall measure at least 135F. CDI - PIC discarded chicharrones below 135F.
For more information, please visit: www.mecknc.gov/foodsafety or view our training videos at the following weblinks: What are TCS Foods https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q0iLZb7v0UM and Safe Food Temperatures https://youtu.be/tXP09IK-1TQ .
#33 · Proper cooling methods used; adequate equipment for temperature control
Corrected during inspection
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 Chicharrones were cooled overnight in deep tubs. Use shallow pans or containers and thinner portions when cooling TCS foods after cooking. CDI - PIC educated about cooling methods and the chicharrones were discarded. 0 pts.
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 .
#39 · Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
3-305.11 Store food in a clean, dry location, not exposed to contamination. Keep at least 6 inches above the floor. 1 container of raw meat observed on floor in walk-in cooler. Food must be stored at least 6 inches off the floor. 0 pts.
#44 · Utensils, equipment & linens: properly stored, dried & handled
4-903.11 (B) After cleaning and sanitizing, clean equipment and utensils shall be stored in a self-draining position that allows air drying and covered or inverted. Some stacks of pans and containers on clean dish shelf were stacked while still wet. Allow utensils to adequately air dry before stacking. 0 pts.
Aug 18, 2025 A 96 · 6 violations
#15 · Food separated & protected
Corrected during inspection
3-302.11(A)(1) Separate raw animal foods from ready-to-eat foods and washed/unwashed fruits and vegetables. -P Observed raw pork stored over cheese in walk in in two placed. CDI PIC had storage order switched.
For more information on food storage order please visit: https://health.mecknc.gov/envhealth/food-and-facilities-sanitation
#16 · Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
4-602.12 (B) The cavities and door seals of microwave ovens shall be cleaned at least every 24 hours by using the manufacturer's recommended cleaning procedure. Observed microwave inside with debris and residue. Clean more frequently.
#23 · Proper date marking & disposition −3
Corrected during inspection
3-501.17 (A) or (B) Date mark/label all TCS foods that are ready-to-eat once opened or prepared and are to be held for more than 24 hours. -Pf. Establish a date marking system consistent with 3-501.17 (A) or (B). Additional date marking system options are found in 3-501.17 (D). Observed no dates on salsas and pico in RIC behind register.PIC facilitated items date marked. Repeat VR required.
For more information, please visit: www.mecknc.gov/foodsafety or view our training videos at the following weblinks: What are TCS Foods https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q0iLZb7v0UM and Date Marking Food Safely https://youtu.be/BOPsSNUajYs .
#38 · Insects & rodents not present; no unauthorized animals
6-501.111 Keep the premises free of insects, rodents, and other pests. Observed small flying insects throughout facility.
#47 · Equipment, food & non-food contact surfaces approved, cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used −0.5
4-501.11 Maintain equipment in good repair. Observed leak inside walk in cooler. Leak is not contaminating any food during inspection. Repair.
#55 · Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean −0.5
Repeat violation
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. Floor tile damage in some areas in kitchen and wall damage in dry storage area. Repair physical facilities where needed. REPEAT reduction to 1/2 points because damaged wall was repaired. Still needs paint on another part of dry storage wall, on metal post, and fixing tile near fryers.
May 27, 2025 A 97 · 7 violations
#16 · Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Corrected during inspection
4-601.11(A) Equipment food contact surfaces and utensils shall be clean to sight and touch. -Pf. 3 pans and component to meat grinder had visible debris on them and were stored as clean. Food-contact surfaces of equipment and utensils shall be clean to sight and touch. CDI - PIC moved items to 3-compartment sink to be re-washed. 0 pts.
For more information, please visit: https://health.mecknc.gov/envhealth/food-and-facilities-sanitation or view our training videos at the following weblinks: Sanitizing Solutions - https://youtu.be/ykP2mr9CtRg , How to Test Sanitizer https://youtu.be/y0SjmnabFaY , and Cleaning and Sanitizing Food Contact Surfaces https://youtu.be/av1Rbh-lh08 .
#23 · Proper date marking & disposition −1.5
Corrected during inspection
3-501.17 Date mark/label all TCS foods that are ready-to-eat once opened or prepared and held more than 24hrs. -Pf // 3-501.18 Discard the food requiring date labels once time/temperature window has expired, if it is not been labeled, or if the label is incorrect. -P Some small containers of salsa arbol were labeled with 5-17 and 5-18 prep dates. Also, queso fresco from yesterday was missing prep dates labels. TCS ready-to-eat-foods must be labeled with prep date, and used or discarded within 7 days of preparation. CDI - PIC discarded salsas more than 7 days old and placed prep dates on containers of queso fresco.
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 .
#39 · Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
3-305.11 Store food in a clean, dry location, not exposed to contamination. Keep at least 6 inches above the floor. Container of raw pork meat stored on floor in walk-in cooler. Food must be stored at least 6 inches off the floor. 0 pts.
#40 · Personal cleanliness
2-303.11 Remove jewelry on hands and arms while preparing food. A plain ring, such as a wedding band, is allowed. Some food employees wearing bracelets and watches on wrists. Food employees must not wear jewelry on their hands or wrists. 0 pts.
#49 · Non-food contact surfaces clean −0.5
4-601.11(C ) Keep non food contact surfaces of equipment clean to avoid build up of dust, food residue or debris.4-602.13 Non food contact surfaces of equipment shall be cleaned frequently to preclude accumulation of soil residues. Clean shelves in walk-in cooler.
#54 · Garbage & refuse properly disposed; facilities maintained
5-501.16(A) Provide receptacles of sufficient capacity to hold refuse, recyclables, and returnables that accumulate. Cardboard dumpster was overfilled with some cardboard beside dumpster. Ensure waste is picked up at a frequency necessary to prevent waste from being put on ground. PIC states company is coming today to empty recycle dumpster. 0 pts.
#55 · Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean −1
Repeat violation
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. Floor tile damage in some areas in kitchen and wall damage in dry storage area. Repair physical facilities where needed. REPEAT
Jan 27, 2025 A 97.5 · 4 violations
#10 · Handwashing sinks supplied & accessible −1
Corrected during inspection
6-301.12 Provide paper towels or approved alternative for hand drying at each handsink. -Pf. Observed no paper towels at hand sink at beginning of inspection. CDI: Paper towels were placed at sink.
#33 · Proper cooling methods used; adequate equipment for temperature control −0.5
Corrected during inspection
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. Observed chorizo cooling at a rate of 0F/min inside walk in cooler covered in Saran Wrap. Observed chorizo cooling at a rate of 0.05F/min inside display case. CDI: Saran Wrap was removed and chorizo was placed in walk in cooler.
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 .
#55 · Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean −1
Repeat violation
REPEAT
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 cracked floor tiles near saw and 3 comp sink. Observed damaged wall in dry storage room. Repair.
#56 · Meets ventilation & lighting requirements; designated areas used
6-305.11/6-501.110 Designate and use an area for the orderly storage of employees' clothing and possessions. Observed employee cell phone inside a pot.
Oct 14, 2024 A 94.5 · 5 violations
#10 · Handwashing sinks supplied & accessible −1
Corrected during inspection
5-205.11 (B) A handwashing sink may not be used for purposes other than handwashing Pf. Observed sponge being stored in hand sink basin. CDI: Item was removed.
6-301.11 Provide soap for handwashing at each handsink. -Pf. Observed hand sink by cook line without soap. CDI: PIC replaced soap.
#21 · Proper hot holding temperatures
Corrected during inspection
3-501.16(A)(1) Maintain TCS foods in hot holding at 135F or above. -P. Observed chicharron hot holding below 135F on counter. CDI: Item was refried to above 165F.
For more information, please visit: www.mecknc.gov/foodsafety or view our training videos at the following weblinks: What are TCS Foods https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q0iLZb7v0UM and Safe Food Temperatures https://youtu.be/tXP09IK-1TQ .
#23 · Proper date marking & disposition −3
Corrected during inspectionRepeat violation
REPEAT
3-501.17 Date mark/label all TCS foods that are ready-to-eat once opened or prepared and held more than 24hrs. -Pf. Observed portions of pico, salsa verde and arbol sauce all in glass in reach in cooler without dates. CDI: PIC dated items.
For more information, please visit: www.mecknc.gov/foodsafety or view our training videos at the following weblinks: What are TCS Foods https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q0iLZb7v0UM and Date Marking Food Safely https://youtu.be/BOPsSNUajYs .
#36 · Thermometers provided & accurate −0.5
4-302.12 Provide an accessible thermometer for use. Provide a thin probe thermometer for accurate measure of thin foods.-Pf . Observed thin probe thermometer not operable during inspection. VERIFICATION REQUIRED.
#55 · Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean −1
Repeat violation
REPEAT
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 cracked floor tiles throughout establishment especially near saw and 3 compartment sink. Observed wall damage in dry storage area. Repair.
Jun 6, 2024 A 96.5 · 7 violations
#16 · Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Corrected during inspection
4-601.11(A) Equipment food contact surfaces and utensils shall be clean to sight and touch. -Pf. Observed meat grinder with food debris while being stored as clean. CDI: Item was placed to be rewashed.
For more information, please visit: https://health.mecknc.gov/envhealth/food-and-facilities-sanitation or view our training videos at the following weblinks: Sanitizing Solutions - https://youtu.be/ykP2mr9CtRg , How to Test Sanitizer https://youtu.be/y0SjmnabFaY , and Cleaning and Sanitizing Food Contact Surfaces https://youtu.be/av1Rbh-lh08 .
#23 · Proper date marking & disposition −1.5
Corrected during inspection
3-501.17 Date mark/label all TCS foods that are ready-to-eat once opened or prepared and held more than 24hrs. -Pf. Observed small portions of salsa verde, salsa roja and pico in glass door reach in without a date. CDI: PIC dated items.
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 .
#38 · Insects & rodents not present; no unauthorized animals
6-501.111 Keep the premises free of insects, rodents, and other pests. Observed small flying insects throughout facility.
#44 · Utensils, equipment & linens: properly stored, dried & handled −0.5
Repeat violation
REPEAT
4-901.11(A) Air dry equipment and utensils after cleaning and sanitizing. Observed metal pans wet stacked.
#47 · Equipment, food & non-food contact surfaces approved, cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
4-501.11 Maintain equipment in good repair. Observed leak inside walk in cooler. Leak is not contaminating any food during inspection. Repair.
#55 · Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean −0.5
Repeat violation
REPEAT
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 numerous cracked floor tiles throughout facility. Observed damaged walls near dry storage area.
#56 · Meets ventilation & lighting requirements; designated areas used −1
Repeat violation
REPEAT
6-305.11/6-501.110 Designate and use an area for the orderly storage of employees' clothing and possessions. Observed cellphone being stored inside a pot sitting on large saw. CDI: Phone was relocated and pot was placed to be washed.
Jan 25, 2024 A 94.5 · 7 violations
#8 · Hands clean & properly washed −2
Corrected during inspection
2-301.15 Only wash hands in handwashing sink. - Pf. Observed food employee washing hands inside of can wash before going back to food prep. Food handlers shall only wash their hands in dedicated handwashing sinks. CDI - Employee educated and redirected to nearby hand washing sink. -2-
#10 · Handwashing sinks supplied & accessible
Corrected during inspection
6-301.12 Provide paper towels or approved alternative for hand drying at each handsink. - Pf. No paper towels available at employee rest room. CDI - Paper towels replenished.
6-301.14 Post a handwash sign at each handsink. Observed a faded hand washing guidance poster at hand washing sink next to prep sink. CDI - Hand washing guidance provided to facility during inspection. -0-
#15 · Food separated & protected
Corrected during inspection
3-302.11(A)(1) Separate raw animal foods from ready-to-eat foods and washed/unwashed fruits and vegetables. - P. For more information on food storage order please visit: http://meck.co/FoodSafety. Observed raw pork stored over adobo sauce in walk in cooler. No physical evidence of contamination. CDI - Foods relocated for proper storage. -0-
#22 · Proper cold holding temperatures −3
Repeat violation
REPEAT: 3-501.16(A)(2) Maintain TCS foods in cold holding at 41 F or less. - P. Observed multiple small containers of TCS applicable foods such as salsa roja and salsa verde cold holding between 49-51 F degrees since previous day. Ambient Temperature of unit recorded at 52 F and rising. Unit determined to be malfunctioning. CDI - All products voluntarily discarded and staff instructed to discontinue cold holding at unit until repairs are made. VR IS REQUIRED. -3-
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 Safe Food Temperatures https://youtu.be/tXP09IK-1TQ.
#44 · Utensils, equipment & linens: properly stored, dried & handled
Corrected during inspection
4-901.11(A) Air dry equipment and utensils after cleaning and sanitizing. Observed an employee recently wash blender and place the utensil upwards with water sitting inside of the blender. CDI - Blender flipped over to allow proper air drying. -0-
#55 · Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
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 damaged wall and floor tiles in facility. Also observed water leaking from ceiling missing its tile behind front counter/entrance of tortilleria room. Repair and install ceiling tile. -0-
#56 · Meets ventilation & lighting requirements; designated areas used −0.5
Corrected during inspectionRepeat violation
REPEAT: 6-305.11/6-501.110 Designate and use an area for the orderly storage of employees' clothing and possessions. Observed employee cell phone stored inside meat grinder feed tray. CDI - PIC removed cellular device and feed tray relocated to 3-compartment sink to be washed, rinsed and sanitized.
6-403.11 (A) Areas designated for employees to eat and drink, shall be located so that food, equipment, linens, single service/use items are protected from contamination. Observed personal food stored on top of resale items at dry goods shelving unit. CDI - Personal food removed by PIC. -0.5-
Aug 23, 2023 A 97 · details not yet loaded
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May 3, 2023 A 95 · details not yet loaded
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Jan 31, 2023 A 97 · details not yet loaded
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Oct 10, 2022 A 97.5 · details not yet loaded
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Feb 22, 2022 A 94 · details not yet loaded
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Oct 4, 2021 A 95 · details not yet loaded
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Mar 29, 2021 A 95.5 · details not yet loaded
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Oct 13, 2020 A 99 · details not yet loaded
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Sep 11, 2019 A 99 · details not yet loaded
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Jun 4, 2019 A 98 · details not yet loaded
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Feb 22, 2019 A 95 · details not yet loaded
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Oct 9, 2018 A 97 · details not yet loaded
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Mar 9, 2018 A 95 · details not yet loaded
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Dec 28, 2017 A 95.5 · details not yet loaded
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Aug 30, 2017 A 97 · details not yet loaded
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Jun 19, 2017 A 97 · details not yet loaded
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Feb 13, 2017 A 96 · details not yet loaded
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Oct 26, 2016 A 96.5 · details not yet loaded
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Jun 2, 2016 A 95.5 · details not yet loaded
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Feb 1, 2016 A 96.5 · details not yet loaded
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Oct 19, 2015 A 95.5 · details not yet loaded
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Jun 29, 2015 A 97.5 · details not yet loaded
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Feb 16, 2015 A 94.5 · details not yet loaded
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Source: Mecklenburg County Public Health – Environmental Health public inspection portal (search for “LA REINA DE LAS CARNITAS” or State ID 2060022798). Inspection type (routine vs. follow-up) is not published in the county's data.