A95

TAQUERIA CHONITA

4335 N TRYON ST, Charlotte, NC 28213

Mobile Food · NC permit/State ID 2060031349

Latest gradeA (95)

Last inspectedSep 18, 2026

Inspections on record17

On record sinceJun 3, 2021

Score history

Jun 3, 2021Higher is betterSep 18, 2026

Inspections & violations

Sep 18, 2026 A 95 · 2 violations

Inspector comments: MFU inspected at 2910 Freedom Dr. Advance Auto Parts parking lot. EHS reminded PIC that grade card must be posted to be visible at all times. EHS noted grade card behind a poster with drink prices on arrival.

#22 · Proper cold holding temperatures −3

Corrected during inspectionRepeat violation

-REPEAT- 3-501.16(A)(2) Maintain TCS foods in cold holding at 41F or less. -P Observed mostly empty container of diced tomatoes at 42F in prep top. All other items in prep top were below 41F. CDI - PIC voluntarily discarded tomatoes. For more information, please visit: www.mecknc.gov/foodsafety or view our training videos at the following weblinks: What are TCShttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q0iLZb7v0UM and Safe Food Temperatures https://youtu.be/tXP09IK-1TQ .

#38 · Insects & rodents not present; no unauthorized animals −2

-REPEAT- 6-202.15 Protect outer openings of establishment from insect or rodent entry. Observed open window with no screen and damaged door screen. Replace damaged door screen and either keep window closed or install a window screen to prevent pest entry.

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Mar 5, 2026 A 91.5 · 8 violations

Inspector comments: MFU inspected at 2910 Freedom Dr. Advance Auto Parts parking lot.

#3 · Management, food & conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities & reporting

Corrected during inspection

2-103.11(O) Ensure food employees are informed of their responsibility to report required symptoms, illnesses and exposure.-PF For more information on employee health policy, please visit: www.mecknc.gov/foodsafety Observed no guidance available for Employee health Policy. CDI: EHS provided an updated copy.

#8 · Hands clean & properly washed −2

Corrected during inspection

2-301.14 (I) Wash hands after engaging in other activities that contaminate hands. -P Observed employee wash hands and use bare hands to turn off faucet. CDI: EHS provided education and employee rewashed hands and used a paper towel as a barrier to turn off faucet.

#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: https://health.mecknc.gov/envhealth/food-and-facilities-sanitation Observed a container of raw shrimp being stored behind a container of beef in prep flip top cooler. CDI: PIC re-arranged items to proper storage order.

#22 · Proper cold holding temperatures −3

Corrected during inspectionRepeat violation

3-501.16(A)(2) Maintain TCS foods in cold holding at 41F or less. -P 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 . Observed ziplock bags of chicken stuffed tamales being stored at 62F in RIC, containers of raw chicken and raw pork being stored at 45F in low boy cooler, and a container of cow tongue being stored at 52F in prep reach in cooler. CDI: All cooked items were placed on ice in coolers and PIC called a representative from commissary to pick up items as they were brought from commissary approximately 90 minutes prior. Raw items were placed on ice and placed in another cooler to rapidly cool to at least 41F. REPEAT. NOTE: EHS spoke to MFU owner, Hector, via phone call during inspection and notified him that due to multiple repeated cold holding violations, a risk control plan may be implemented for future repeated violations to ensure proper cold holding of TCS foods is achieved.

#23 · Proper date marking & disposition −1.5

Corrected during inspectionRepeat violation

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) 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 . Observed ziplock bags of taquitos being held in reach in cooler and containers of beef and refried beans being held in prep cooler all missing date marks. CDI: PIC date marked items as they were prepared yesterday. REPEAT.

#28 · Toxic substances properly identified stored & used

Corrected during inspection

7-102.11 Label working containers of toxic materials such as cleaners and sanitizers.-Pf Observed a spray bottle of sanitizer being held on prep counter without a label. CDI: PIC labeled bottle.

#38 · Insects & rodents not present; no unauthorized animals −1

Repeat violation

6-202.15 Protect outer openings of establishment from insect or rodent entry. Observed window and door open to unit with no protection from insect entry. Keep window and door closed to prevent pest entry. REPEAT. Points reduced to half due to multiple violations on previous report.

#47 · Equipment, food & non-food contact surfaces approved, cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used −1

Repeat violation

4-501.11 Maintain equipment in good repair. Observed torn gasket on low boy cooler and a door with no working hinge on veggie prep cooler. Replace gasket and repair door. REPEAT.

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Nov 5, 2025 A 93.5 · 6 violations

Inspector comments: MFU inspected at 2910 Freedom Dr. Advance Auto Parts parking lot.

#6 · Proper eating, tasting, drinking or tobacco use

Corrected during inspection

2-401.11 (A). Employee beverages must be stored in a designated area where contamination of food, clean equipment, utensils, linens, and single-use articles cannot occur. Observed two open employee beverages being stored above prep counter. CDI: PIC removed employee beverages.

#22 · Proper cold holding temperatures −3

Corrected during inspectionRepeat violation

#23 · Proper date marking & disposition

Corrected during inspection

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) 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 . Observed all TCS cooked items being held in prep flip top cooler missing date marks. CDI: PIC date marked items as they were prepared yesterday.

#38 · Insects & rodents not present; no unauthorized animals −2

Repeat violation

6-202.15 Protect outer openings of establishment from insect or rodent entry. Observed window and door open to unit with no protection from insect entry. Keep window and door closed to prevent pest entry. REPEAT. 6-501.111 Keep the premises free of insects, rodents, and other pests. Observed a few flies on MFU. Keep door and window closed to prevent pest entry.

#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. Observed a torn gasket on low boy cooler. Replace gasket. REPEAT.

#56 · Meets ventilation & lighting requirements; designated areas used −1

Corrected during inspection

6-305.11/6-501.110 Designate and use an area for the orderly storage of employees' clothing and possessions. Observed employee cell phone being stored on prep counter. CDI: Employee removed cell phone.

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Aug 14, 2025 A 95 · 9 violations

Inspector comments: Inspected in Advance Auto parking lot 2910 Freedom Drive.

#10 · Handwashing sinks supplied & accessible −1

Corrected during inspection

6-301.11 Provide soap for handwashing at each handsink. -Pf Observed empty soap dispenser upon arrival for inspection. CDI: Employee refilled dispenser.

#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: https://health.mecknc.gov/envhealth/food-and-facilities-sanitation Observed a container of raw shrimp being stored in prep flip top cooler behind a container of ready to eat beef. CDI: PIC re-arranged items to proper storage order.

#16 · Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized

Corrected during inspection

4-501.114 Maintain sanitizer at correct concentrations when being used to sanitize. -P 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 and How to Test Sanitizer https://youtu.be/y0SjmnabFaY Observed a spray bottle of chlorine sanitizer that measured 10ppm concentration level. CDI: PIC added chlorine to spray bottle to bring concentration level to 50ppm.

#22 · Proper cold holding temperatures −1.5

Corrected during inspection

#28 · Toxic substances properly identified stored & used

Corrected during inspection

7-102.11 Label working containers of toxic materials such as cleaners and sanitizers.-Pf Observed spray bottle of chlorine sanitizer being stored on storage shelf unlabeled. CDI: PIC labeled spray bottle.

#38 · Insects & rodents not present; no unauthorized animals −2

Repeat violation

#45 · Single-use & single-service articles: properly stored & used

Corrected during inspection

4-903.11(C ) Single Service and Single Use items shall be kept in the original protective package or stored using other means that protect the item until used. Observed several stacks of single use to go containers being stored right side up outside of their original packaging. CDI: Employee inverted containers to protect against contamination.

#47 · Equipment, food & non-food contact surfaces approved, cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used

4-501.11 Maintain equipment in good repair. Observed a torn gasket on low boy cooler. Replace gasket.

#56 · Meets ventilation & lighting requirements; designated areas used −0.5

Corrected during inspection

6-305.11/6-501.110 Designate and use an area for the orderly storage of employees' clothing and possessions. Observed two cell phone being stored on prep counters. CDI: Employees removed cell phones.

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May 6, 2025 A 95 · 6 violations

Inspector comments: Inspected in Advance Auto parking lot 2910 Freedom Drive.

#6 · Proper eating, tasting, drinking or tobacco use −0.5

Corrected during inspection

2-401.11 (B) Closed beverage containers may be used if the container is handled to prevent contamination of the employee's hands, the container, and exposed food; clean equipment, utensils and linens; and unwrapped single-service and single-use articles. Observed open glass bottle of soda and bottle of water on prep table. Bottles removed from unit.

#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 rice from yesterday with no date mark. Date mark added.Date marking improved from last inspection. 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 .

#28 · Toxic substances properly identified stored & used −1

Corrected during inspection

7-102.11 Label working containers of toxic materials such as cleaners and sanitizers.-Pf Observed unlabeled spray bottle of chlorine sanitizer. Label added.

#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 beans cooling 2 hours in covered container. Lid removed and placed back in reach in unit to rach 41F. 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 .

#38 · Insects & rodents not present; no unauthorized animals −1

6-202.15 Protect outer openings of establishment from insect or rodent entry. Observed window and door open to unit with no protection from insect entry.

#42 · Washing fruits & vegetables −0.5

Corrected during inspection

3-302.15 Wash fruits and vegetables prior to use. Observed avocados with labels attached inside of prep unit. Washed and labels removed during the inspection.

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Dec 9, 2024 A 96 · 6 violations

Inspector comments: Inspected at 2910 Freedom Dr. This MFU is prohibited from the process of cooling prepared foods. Installed refrigeration shall be reserved for maintain temperatures as specified in Chapter 3 of the NC Food Code Manual. PIC stated that foods were being cooled from ambient temperatures today on MFU due to running behind this morning. EHS told PIC to remove picnic tables that are in front of MFU.

#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 Observed raw pork chorizo stored behind onions and raw shrimp stored behind beef tongue in prep unit. CDI- PIC moved raw proteins to be in front of RTE foods to prevent contamination. For more information on food storage order please visit: https://health.mecknc.gov/envhealth/food-and-facilities-sanitation

#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 rice, beans, pork tamales, and chicken tamales with no date labels. CDI- PIC was able to show foods were prepared Saturday 12/7, PIC labeled accordingly. 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 .

#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 salsa verde in single portioned cups cooling over stacked in flip top portion of prep unit. CDI- PIC moved salsa verde cups to low boy part of prep unit to promote faster cooling. 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 .

#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 with low battery and unable to be used. PIC must obtain thin probe thermometer. EHS will follow up within 10 days.

#40 · Personal cleanliness

2-402.11 Use head coverings, beard guards and clothing to restrain body hair from contacting exposed food, equipment, and utensils. Observed PIC cooking food without head covering. 2-303.11 Remove jewelry on hands and arms while preparing food. A plain ring, such as a wedding band, is allowed. Observed PIC with watch on wrist.

#45 · Single-use & single-service articles: properly stored & used

Corrected during inspection

4-903.11(C ) Single Service and Single Use items shall be kept in the original protective package or stored using other means that protect the item until used. Observed single use trays stored with food contact surface upright where contamination could occur. CDI- PIC flipped containers over to protect food contact surface.

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Jul 16, 2024 A 94 · 6 violations

#1 · PIC Present, demonstrates knowledge, & performs duties −1

Corrected during inspection

2-101.11 (A) PIC shall be present during all hours of operation. -PF Observed no PIC present at start of inspection. CDI- PIC arrived 25 minutes into the inspection. Ensure a person in charge that can maintain active managerial control is present during all hours of operation.

#2 · Certified Food Protection Manager

Corrected during inspection

2-102.12 (A) PIC shall demonstrate knowledge by being a certified food protection manager. Observed no CFPM on site at start of inspection. CDI- A CFPM arrived 25 minutes into inspection. Ensure a PIC with certified food protection manager certificate is present during all hours of operation. For more information on becoming a certified food protection manager please visit: https://health.mecknc.gov/envhealth/food-and-facilities-sanitation

#10 · Handwashing sinks supplied & accessible −2

Corrected during inspectionRepeat violation

6-301.12 Provide paper towels or approved alternative for hand drying at each handsink. -Pf Observed no paper towels available at hand washing sink. CDI-PIC provided napkins. Employees are not permitted to use a reusable rag/towel for hand drying. REPEAT

#15 · Food separated & protected

Corrected during inspection

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 stored over raw chorizo in lowboy. CDI-PIC changed storage order to have chicken below chorizo. For more information on food storage order please visit: https://health.mecknc.gov/envhealth/food-and-facilities-sanitation

#22 · Proper cold holding temperatures −3

Repeat violation

3-501.16(A)(2) Maintain TCS foods in cold holding at 41F or less. -P Observed 2 prep units holding TCS foods above 41F, see temperature chart. Ambient temperature of large prep unit is 50F and smaller prep unit ambient temperature is 49F. TCS foods were recently acquired from commissary and were placed on 4 hour TPHC until units can be repaired and verified by EHS. EHS will follow up within 3 days. -risk control plan is to be implemented if another cold holding violation is noted- EHS spoke extensively with PIC about holding items on time as a public health control, especially in summer months. REPEAT 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 .

#38 · Insects & rodents not present; no unauthorized animals

6-202.15 Protect outer openings of establishment from insect or rodent entry. Observed window and door open to unit with no protection from insect entry.

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May 16, 2024 A 96 · details not yet loaded