Local Burrito Restaurant Flagged as Immediate Health Hazard, Given Lowest Possible Inspection Score

A local restaurant was given the lowest possible health inspection score.Photo byMikael SeegenonUnsplash

Restaurant health inspections can often prove to be fickle around Tucson. In some instances, it can leave a person wondering why a restaurant is left operational after various failed inspections. At other times, continued inspections of a great-performing eatery can come across as harassment. However, in the end, very few restaurants have shut down because of this problem. Only an Immediate Health Hazard (IHH) can shut down a restaurant. For one local Tucson restaurant, that is exactly what happened during its most recent inspection. 

The city of Tucson has very specific examples of what is considered an Immediate Health Hazard (Pima County Code 8.08.060). This includes sewage backup in the food prep area, the failure to retain or dispose of sewage, the lack of functional hand-washing facilities, or grossly unsanitary conditions. Such a violation was discovered during a recent inspection of Viva Burrito Co. at 1372 West Saint Mary’s Road here in Tucson.

A total of 11 violations were identified during the inspection, which took place on June 20. Violations started right out of the gate with the failure to have a certified food protection manager on-site. The Person In Charge (PIC) said an employee was currently “working” on obtaining the certification, but nobody had such a document or education. 

The health inspector saw the PIC touching food, washing dishes, handling dirty dishes, and performing different tasks all with the same pair of gloves. Wearing the same gloves without removing them is no different from not washing hands. 

There were various problems with proper temperature control. All foods within a walk-in cooler or refrigerator must have a temperature below 41 degrees. Anything above this allows the growth of harmful bacteria. Despite this, shredded cheese had a temperature of 60 degrees, as did beef tacos. The fridge itself wasn’t functioning properly either, as the ambient temperature within the appliance was 50 degrees. 

The problem with the fridge was what led to the IHH health score. Because the refrigerator could not cool below 50 degrees, it was, essentially, worthless. If it’s not possible to cool food to a safe temperature the kitchen is not allowed to remain operational. Due to this, the restaurant was given 24 hours to make the repair or face receiving an IHH. 

An inspector returned the following day, June 21, and the repair had not yet been performed, so it was given the IHH rating. This is the lowest, most dangerous rating, as it leads to the greatest possibility of health hazards to consumers. 

No additional reports have been issued by the city, but Viva Burrito Co. is currently open for business.