Health Inspection Information

The inspection history for the business you selected is displayed below. Each inspection may have zero or more violations. A health inspection report is a "snapshot" of the day and time of the inspection. On any given day, an establishment could have more or fewer violations than noted here. Inspections are based on regulations to eliminate risk factors for illness or injury. Every violation is coded indicating the degree of risk in causing an illness or injury.

  • Critical, Major, or Foodborne Illness Risk Factor Violations: These violations are more likely than other violations to contribute to illness or injury. Inspectors work with operators to make sure that these violations are corrected whenever feasible before they leave the establishment. A re-inspection may be scheduled to verify compliance.
  • Non-Critical, Minor or Good Retail Practice Violations: These violations are not directly related to the cause of illness or injury, but if uncorrected, could negatively affect the operation of the facility, such as maintenance and cleanliness.

Please Note: Tri-County converted to a new database in July 2013. Any inspections listed prior to July 2013 only display the date and type of inspection, but not the inspector comments because of the database conversion. For inspection reports prior to July 2013 please submit a written request to EHInspections@tchd.org.


Facility Details
Program Food
Facility Name Palateria La Michoacana
Business Name Palateria La Michoacan
Address 697 Peoria St
Aurora, CO 80011-8228
Phone 303-489-6854

Inspection Details
02/22/2019 Inspection, Follow-Up
02/19/2019 Inspection, Routine
09 - Foodborne Illness Risk Factors
No bare hand contact with RTE food or a pre-approved alternative procedure properly allowed
Inspector Comments: An employee was observed handling ready to eat strawberries using bare hand contact. Corrective Action: re-inspection required. 3-301.11 Preventing Contamination from Hands (P)
10 - Foodborne Illness Risk Factors
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector Comments: Hand washing sinks throughout the facility did not have signs reminding employees to wash their hands. Corrective Action: discussed proper signage required at all hand washing sinks. 6-301.14 Handwashing Signage (C)
11 - Foodborne Illness Risk Factors
Food obtained from approved source
Inspector Comments: Dry beef jerky was observed in the facility packaged in ziploc sandwich size bags and the facility could not provide documentation of approved source. Corrective Action: product was voluntary condemned. See voluntary condemnation. Corrective Action: options for approved service of dry beef jerky were discussed with facility. Follow-up required. 3-201.11 Compliance with Food Law (P)
22 - Foodborne Illness Risk Factors
Proper cold holding temperatures
Inspector Comments: A container of mayonnaise that measured 59°F was observed on the front kitchen counter. Corrective Action: an employee placed the mayonnaise in the refrigerator. Education on proper cold holding was provided. Corrected on site. 3-501.16(A)(2) Time/Temperature Control for Safety Food, Hot and Cold Holding (P)
39 - Good Retail Practices
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector Comments: An employee was observed preparing food items at the three compartment sink and a food preparation sink was available at the facility. Corrective Action: education was provided on proper use of the preparation sink. 3-305.14(C)
45 - Good Retail Practices
Single-use / single-service articles: properly stored & used
Inspector Comments: Multiple single use cardboard boxes were being reused throughout the facility to store ready to eat foods and single-service articles. 4-502.13 Single-use/ Single-service articles: properly stored and used (C)
47 - Good Retail Practices
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed, & used
Inspector Comments: Raw wood was observed lining the shelves in the back storage area. 4-101.19 Nonfood-Contact Surfaces (C)
51 - Good Retail Practices
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector Comments: The dipper well faucet was stored below the dipper well flood rim. Corrective Action: install faucet above the flood rim to create and air gap. Corrective Action: re-inspection required. A threaded hose was connected to the mop sink faucet while hanging in the basin downstream of the atmospheric vacuum breaker. Corrective Action: cut hose to removed threaded end or install a hose bib back flow device. Re-inspection required. 5-202.13 Backflow Prevention, Air Gap (P)
53 - Good Retail Practices
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector Comments: The employee restrooms did not have self closing doors. The women's restroom was not equipped with a covered receptacle. 6-202.14 Toilet Rooms, Enclosed (C) 5-501.17 Toilet Room Receptacle, Covered (C)
54 - Good Retail Practices
Garbage & refuse properly disposed; facilities maintained
Inspector Comments: The facility's dumpster was missing a drain plug. 5-501.114 Using Drain Plugs (C)
56 - Good Retail Practices
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector Comments: Several lights were not functioning in the refrigerator and freezer units throughout the facility. 6-303.11 Intensity-Lighting (C)
02/26/2018 Inspection, Routine
01b - Critical
Food Source: Wholesome, free of spoilage
Inspector Comments: Five (5) moldy cantaloupes were stored with wholesome cantaloupes in the three door reach in refrigerator in the front of the facility. Corrected during inspection by discarding (See Voluntary Condemnation).
03e - Critical, Food Borne Illness Risk
Food Temperature Control: Cold hold at 41°f or less
Inspector Comments: A container of mayonnaise measured 52°F on the front food preparation table. A container of parmesan cheese measured 60°F on the front food preparation table. Due to the mayonnaise and the parmesan cheese falling within proper time parameters, corrected during inspection by placing both items into the refrigerator.
08a - Critical
Poisonous Or Toxic Items: Properly stored
Inspector Comments: A spray bottle of Windex was stored with packages of caramel custard and packages of hot chocolate on the shelf below the hot sandwich press. Corrected during inspection by moving the spray bottle to an approved location.
08c - Critical
Poisonous Or Toxic Items: Properly used
Inspector Comments: The wiping cloth bucket located beneath the food preparation sink measured greater than 50 parts per million (ppm) chlorine residual upon inspection. Corrected during inspection by adding water until the proper sanitizing concentration was reached.
09b - Non-Critical
Food Labeling, Food Protection: Food protected from contamination
Inspector Comments: Chicharonnes were stored on the shelf adjacent to the microwave without being covered thus not protecting them from contamination. Two cases of watermelons were stored on the ground in the front food preparation area.
11a - Non-Critical
Testing Devices: Refrigeration units provided with accurate, conspicuous thermometer
Inspector Comments: A thermometer was missing from the sliding two door reach in refrigerated display case in the front of the facility.
12d - Non-Critical
Cleaning Of Equipment & Utensils: Wiping cloths
Inspector Comments: A damp wiping cloth was observed sitting on top of the ice cream refrigerator measuring less than 50 parts per million (ppm) chlorine residual upon inspection.
13b - Non-Critical
Utensils, Single-Service Articles: Single service articles stored, used
Inspector Comments: Multiple stacks of single use plastic take out containers were stored with their food contact surfaces facing upwards on the top of the tortilla holder.
02/23/2017 Inspection, Routine
01b - Critical
Food Source: Wholesome, free of spoilage
Inspector Comments: A moldy papaya was observed stored with wholesome produce at the reach in refrigerator at the customer service counter.
02e - Critical
Personnel: Smoking, eating, drinking
Inspector Comments: An twist top employee beverage was stored next to customer food in the back storage room.
08c - Critical
Poisonous Or Toxic Items: Properly used
Inspector Comments: A bottle of anti-freeze was stored on the floor underneath the food preparation sink.
09a - Non-Critical
Food Labeling, Food Protection: Original container, properly labeled
Inspector Comments: Four squeeze bottles of sauce were not labeled as to their contents.
09b - Non-Critical
Food Labeling, Food Protection: Food protected from contamination
Inspector Comments: A bucket of water containing soiled cloths were stored in the basin of the food preparation sink.
10a - Non-Critical
Equipment Design, Construction: Food-contact surfaces
Inspector Comments: A white cutting board at the three compartment sink was deeply grooved. A non-commercial blender was observed on a food preparation table by the three compartment sink.
12b - Non-Critical
Cleaning Of Equipment & Utensils: Nonfood-contact surfaces
Inspector Comments: The door gaskets of the reach in refrigerator and reach in freezer in the back storage room were soiled with debris.
13b - Non-Critical
Utensils, Single-Service Articles: Single service articles stored, used
Inspector Comments: A soiled ice cream sampling spoon was observed co-mingled in a container with clean plastic ice cream sampling spoons, and standing water was observed in the bottom of the container. Single service spoons and forks were stored with the food contact surface exposed at the customer service counter.
14a - Non-Critical
Physical Facilities: Plumbing: installed, maintained
Inspector Comments: The caulking at the hand sinks in the men's and women's bathrooms was in disrepair.
14c - Non-Critical
Physical Facilities: Floors, walls, and ceilings
Inspector Comments: Two ceiling tiles in the customer seating area were stained and one was broken. The ceiling vents in the customer seating area were soiled with dust. A portion of the ceiling in the back storage room was in poor repair.
14d - Non-Critical
Physical Facilities: Lighting
Inspector Comments: The light in the back storage room was not adequately shielded.
11/09/2016 Inspection, Follow-Up
11/01/2016 Inspection, Follow-Up
03f - Critical
Food Temperature Control: Food thermometer (probe type)
Inspector Comments: A food probe thermometer was not provided at the facility.
04a - Critical
Sanitation: Manual
Inspector Comments: An employee failed to sanitize dishes after rinsing and sanitizing during manual ware washing at the three-compartment sink.
10/20/2016 Inspection, Critical Item
01b - Critical
Food Source: Wholesome, free of spoilage
Inspector Comments: Moldy jicamas were observed stored with other wholesome produce in the reach in refrigerator behind the register.
02d - Critical, Food Borne Illness Risk
Personnel: Hygienic practices
Inspector Comments: An employee was observed washing their hands at the food preparation sink.
02e - Critical
Personnel: Smoking, eating, drinking
Inspector Comments: A twist top employee beverage was stored above food items by the mixer across from the three-compartment sink.
02g - Critical, Food Borne Illness Risk
Personnel: Preventing food contamination from bare hands
Inspector Comments: An employee was observed putting one ready to eat jalapeño on top of ready to eat nachos for a customer.
03e - Critical, Food Borne Illness Risk
Food Temperature Control: Cold hold at 41°f or less
Inspector Comments: Cut cantalope was 46°F, cut lettuce was 53°F, sour cream was 49°F, and opened clamato juice was 48°F in the short reach in refrigerator by the three-compartment sink.
03f - Critical
Food Temperature Control: Food thermometer (probe type)
Inspector Comments: The probe thermometer provided on site was not functioning properly.
05c - Critical
Water, Sewage, Plumbing Systems: Backflow, back siphonage
Inspector Comments: The water spout hung below the flood rim at the dipper well.
06c - Critical, Food Borne Illness Risk
Hand Washing: Soap and drying devices
Inspector Comments: Soap was not provided to the mens restroom hand sink.
04/13/2016 Inspection, Follow-Up
04/08/2016 Inspection, Follow-Up
08c - Critical
Poisonous Or Toxic Items: Properly used
Inspector Comments: Industrial antifreeze was being used in place of food grade antifreeze in the ice cream maker/refrigerator at the food preparation area.
04/08/2016 Inspection, Follow-Up
04/07/2016 Inspection, Routine
02d - Critical, Food Borne Illness Risk
Personnel: Hygienic practices
Inspector Comments: Ice and a plastic cup lid were observed in the hand sink basin at the food preparation area.
02e - Critical
Personnel: Smoking, eating, drinking
Inspector Comments: An employee drink was stored on the food preparation table next to ready to eat fruits and vegetables.
02g - Critical, Food Borne Illness Risk
Personnel: Preventing food contamination from bare hands
Inspector Comments: Employees were observed preparing ready to eat fruits with bare hands.
03e - Critical, Food Borne Illness Risk
Food Temperature Control: Cold hold at 41°f or less
Inspector Comments: Diced tomatoes were 60°F in the small beverage refrigerator by the hand sin at the food preparation area.
07b - Critical
Pest Control: Pesticide application
Inspector Comments: A domestic bug killer spray bottle was stored next to the water heater.
08a - Critical
Poisonous Or Toxic Items: Properly stored
Inspector Comments: Glass cleaner was stored in a water bottle (still with label) by the mop sink.
08c - Critical
Poisonous Or Toxic Items: Properly used
Inspector Comments: A plastic bucket of antifreeze was observed soiled with food debris inside, showing it was used for food preparation. A non food grade antifreeze was being used in direct contact with open and exposed food containers inside the refrigerator/ice cream maker unit at the food preparation area.
09b - Non-Critical
Food Labeling, Food Protection: Food protected from contamination
Inspector Comments: A pan with milk being heated on a portable electric stove was observed on the floor at the food preparation area.
10a - Non-Critical
Equipment Design, Construction: Food-contact surfaces
Inspector Comments: A domestic blender was observed on the wood shelves at the food preparation area. A beverage refrigerator was being used to store potentially hazardous food at the main preparation area.
12b - Non-Critical
Cleaning Of Equipment & Utensils: Nonfood-contact surfaces
Inspector Comments: The exterior of the nacho cheese dispenser was observed soiled with food debris.
13c - Non-Critical
Utensils, Single-Service Articles: No reuse of single-service articles
Inspector Comments: Single use containers were being reused to store food items like granola on the wood shelves at the food preparation area.
14a - Non-Critical
Physical Facilities: Plumbing: installed, maintained
Inspector Comments: The caulking on the hand sink at the food preparation area was observed in disrepair.
14c - Non-Critical
Physical Facilities: Floors, walls, and ceilings
Inspector Comments: Accumulation of food debris was observed on the floor under the service line counters and the wood shelves at the food preparation area.
14d - Non-Critical
Physical Facilities: Lighting
Inspector Comments: The light was not operational at the dry storage room at the time of inspection.
04/02/2015 Inspection, Routine
01b - Critical
Food Source: Wholesome, free of spoilage
Inspector Comments: Several moldy strawberries were stored with wholesome berries in the reach-in refrigerator at the front counter.
06c - Critical, Food Borne Illness Risk
Hand Washing: Soap and drying devices
Inspector Comments: Soap was not provided to the hand sink near the ware washing area.
08a - Critical
Poisonous Or Toxic Items: Properly stored
Inspector Comments: A chemical spray bottle was stored on a food contact surface above the ice machine.
08c - Critical
Poisonous Or Toxic Items: Properly used
Inspector Comments: Scented bleach was used as the sanitizer solution in the facility.
09a - Non-Critical
Food Labeling, Food Protection: Original container, properly labeled
Inspector Comments: A food spray bottle in the back preparation area was unlabeled as to its contents.
10a - Non-Critical
Equipment Design, Construction: Food-contact surfaces
Inspector Comments: A non-commercial crock pot was observed on the front counter and in the back preparation area. Trash bags were used as food storage containers in the back preparation area. A non-commercial refrigerator was used for the storage of potentially hazardous foods in the back room.
12a - Non-Critical
Cleaning Of Equipment & Utensils: Food-contact surfaces
Inspector Comments: The bottom of the food preparation table near the front counter was soiled with food debris.
12d - Non-Critical
Cleaning Of Equipment & Utensils: Wiping cloths
Inspector Comments: The sanitizer bucket near the three compartment sink measured less than 50ppm residual chlorine.
13a - Non-Critical
Utensils, Single-Service Articles: Utensils provided, used, stored
Inspector Comments: The utensils in the dipper well were stored in 67°F water while the dipper well was not running. The scoop in the ice machine had the handle stored in contact with the ice.
03/03/2014 Inspection, Routine
03c - Critical, Food Borne Illness Risk
Food Temperature Control: Hot hold at 135°f or greater
Inspector Comments: Corn was stored in a non-commercial warmer at 120°F.
06c - Critical, Food Borne Illness Risk
Hand Washing: Soap and drying devices
Inspector Comments: Soap was not available at the hand sink in the womens restroom.
08a - Critical
Poisonous Or Toxic Items: Properly stored
Inspector Comments: Personal medication was stored next to and above customer food.
09a - Non-Critical
Food Labeling, Food Protection: Original container, properly labeled
Inspector Comments: A bottle storing food content on the preparation table was not labeled. A container storing a dry food was not labeled as to its contents.
10a - Non-Critical
Equipment Design, Construction: Food-contact surfaces
Inspector Comments: A non-commercial warmer was being used to heat customer food. A reach-in refrigerator made only for drink storage was being used to store customer food. A non-commercial refrigerator was being used to store customer food.
10b - Non-Critical
Equipment Design, Construction: Nonfood-contact surfaces
Inspector Comments: The gaskets on the middle freezer were torn across from the ice cream freezer.
13a - Non-Critical
Utensils, Single-Service Articles: Utensils provided, used, stored
Inspector Comments: A common cup was being used to scoop uncooked oatmeal and ice cream sprinkles.
14a - Non-Critical
Physical Facilities: Plumbing: installed, maintained
Inspector Comments: The caulking on the hand sink was soiled with dirt. the mop sink was soiled with dirt.
05/29/2013 Inspection, Follow-Up
05/07/2013 Inspection, Routine
04/25/2012 Inspection, Routine
04/25/2012 Inspection, Routine
05/02/2011 Inspection, Follow-Up
04/28/2011 Inspection, Routine
03/30/2011 Inspection, First Operational

Please Note: Tri-County converted to a new database in July 2013. Any inspections listed prior to July 2013 only display the date and type of inspection, but not the inspector comments because of the database conversion. For inspection reports prior to July 2013 please submit a written request to EHInspections@tchd.org.


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