Taqueria in Lawrenceville receives a 44% on their recent health inspection

Taqueria, located at 2346 Lawrenceville Hwy, Suite A in Lawrenceville, received a score of 44 points out of a possible 100 points during their 03/20/2026 inspection by the Georgia Department of Public Health.

The violations noted by the inspector were:

Violation #1:
1-2A: .03(2)(a)-(n),(p)Several violations of risk factors due to lack of active managerial control. It is the responsibility of the person in charge to ensure compliance with the food code by demonstrating active managerial control within their facility. (Pf)

Violation #2:
2-1B: .03(5)(c)Observed employee handle raw poultry with gloves, discard gloves, not wash hands, don new gloves then touch cooler handles. Employees must wash hands and exposed portions of arms immediately before engaging in food preparation including working with exposed food, clean equipment and utensils, and unwrapped single-service articles, and: 1) after touching exposed body parts; 2) after using the toilet room; 3) After caring for or handling service animals or aquatic animals; 4)after coughing, sneezing, using tobacco, eating, or drinking; 5) after handling soiled equipment or utensils; 6) during food preparation, as often as needed to remove soil and contamination and to prevent cross contamination when changing tasks; 7) when switching between working with raw food and working with ready-to-eat food; 8) before putting on gloves; 9) after engaging in other activities that contaminate hands; 10) a second time when entering the kitchen from using the restroom. (P)
Corrective Actions: Employee discarded gloves, washed hands and sanitized handles that had been touched.

Violation #3:
2-2A: .03(2)(o)Person in charge could not demonstrate that he has signed an employee health agreement and did not demonstrate knowledge of the policy. No employee health agreement on site. Food employees and conditional employees shall be informed in a verifiable manner of their responsibility to report to the person in charge information about their health and activities as they relate to diseases that are transmissible through food. (Pf)

Violation #4:
2-2A: .03(2)(o)Person-in-charge (PIC) could not demonstrate the symptom and diseases that need to be reported to the health department. Food employees and conditional employees shall be informed in a verifiable manner of their responsibility to report to the person in charge information about their health and activities as they relate to diseases that are transmissible through food. (Pf)
Corrective Actions: PIC made aware that jaundice and the 6 diseases must be reported to the health department.

Violation #5:
2-2B: .03(5)(k)1&2Observed an open water bottle and employee cup sitting on a prep table. Employees shall consume food and drink only in approved designated areas separate from food preparation and serving areas, equipment or utensil areas and food storage areas (unless drinking from a single service beverage cup with a secure lid and straw that is handled to prevent contamination of the employee’s hands, the container, exposed food, clean equipment, utensils and linens, unwrapped single-service and single-use articles). (C)
Corrective Actions: Water bottle discarded and cup moved below the prep table to an employee disignated area.

Violation #6:
2-2D: .07(3)(b)Observed handwash sink next to chest freezer and handwash sink next to warewashing sink not stocked with paper towels or any hand drying device. Each handwashing sink shall be provided with individual, disposable towels,; a continuous towel system that supplies the user with a clean towel; a heated-air hand drying device; or a hand drying device that delivers high velocity, pressurized air at ambient temperatures. (Pf)

Violation #7:
2-2D: .06(2)(o)Observed sanitizer buckets stacked in a handwashing sink next to the warewashing sink. A handwashing sink shall be maintained so that it is accessible at all times for employee use and not used for purposes other than handwashing. An automatic handwashing facility shall be used in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions. (Pf)
Corrective Actions: Buckets were removed from the sink.

Violation #8:
2-2D: .07(3)(a)Observed front and rear handwash sink that not stocked with soap. Each handwashing sink or group of two adjacent handwashing sinks shall be provided with a supply of hand cleaning liquid, powder, or bar soap. (Pf)

Violation #9:
2-2E: .03(6)Person in charge could not provide written procedures for vomit or diarrheal events. A food establishment shall have written procedures for employees to follow when responding to vomiting or diarrheal events that involve the discharge of vomitus or fecal matter onto surfaces in the food service establishment. The procedures shall address the specific actions employees must take to minimize the spread of contamination and the exposure of employees, consumers, food, and surfaces to vomitus or fecal matter. (Pf)

Violation #10:
4-1A: .04(4)(c)1(i)(ii)(iii)(v) (vi)(vii)(viii)Observed raw chorizo stored above cooked beef in the stand-up cooler. Observed raw chorizo stored above ready-to-eat cheese in the open-top cooler. Observed unwashed vegetables stored above ready to eat foods in the back stand-up cooler. Observed repackaged raw fish stored above ready-to-eat foods in the chest freezer and the back stand-up freezer. Food shall be protected from cross contamination during display, storage, and preparation. (P)
Corrective Actions: Food rearranged to according to cook temp.

Violation #11:
6-1C: .04(6)(d)Observed sliced tomatoes and shredded lettuce that did not cool to <41F within 4 hours. Observed rice in stand up cooler that did not cool to 41F overnight. See temp log. TCS foods being cooled from 135°F to 70°F in 2 hours MUST cool 0.54°F per minute (roughly 32.5°F per hour). TCS foods being cooled from 70°F to 41°F MUST cool 7.25°F per hour (0.121°F per min or 29°F in 4 hours).
Corrective Actions: Rice, lettuce and tomatoes discarded.

Violation #12:
6-2: .04(6)(g)Observed several cooked (chicken prepared in facility >24 hrs prior) and repackeged foods in the stand up freezers that were not date marked such as empandas and pizza pastries. Refrigerated, ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety foods prepared and held in a food establishment for more than 24-hours shall be clearly marked to indicate the date of prep or the date by with the food shall be consumed, sold, or discarded when held at 41°F (5°C) or below for a maximum of 7 days. The day of preparation shall be counted as Day 1. (Pf)

Violation #13:
8-2B: .07(6)(g)Observed chlorine sanitizer that tested >100 ppm. Chemical sanitizers, including chemical sanitizing solutions generated on-site, and other chemical antimicrobials used on food contact surfaces shall not exceed stated concentrations as listed on the EPA-registered label, in 40 CFR 180.940 and 40 CFR 180.2020, (100 ppm for chlorine and 400 ppm for quaternary ammonia). (P)
Corrective Actions: Sanitizer was re-made so that the concentration was 50-100ppm.

Violation #14:
11A: .04(6)(e)Observed sliced tomatoes and cut lettuce stored in an active cooler covered that did not cool to 41F or below within 4 hours as required. Rice in a large covered container in a stand-up cooler did not cool to 41F overnight. Foods shall be cooled using one or more methods approved by the health authority (e.g., smaller batches, thinner portions, using rapid cooling equipment, stirring food in containers placed in an ice water bath, using containers that facilitate heat transfer and ice as an ingredient; placing items in the walk-in cooler or walk-in freezer partially or completely uncovered as long as the food is protected from overhead contamination). (Pf, C)
Corrective Actions: Foods discarded.

Violation #15:
11C: .04(6)(c)Observed raw chicken thawing on a prep table since the previous day per the person in charge. Time/temperature control for safety food shall be thawed: 1) under refrigeration that keeps the food at 41°F or less; 2) completely submerged in running water with the temperature of the water at 70°F or less, has sufficient flow to agitate and float off loose particles in an overflow, and that no part of the food exceeds 41°F; 3) as a part of the cooking process. (C)
Corrective Actions: Chicken discarded

Violation #16:
12A: .04(4)(q)Observed a box of indiviual sauces stored under a leak in the stand up cooler. Food shall be protected from contamination by storing the food: 1) in a clean dry location; (C) 2) where it is not exposed to splash, dust, or other contamination; (C) and 3) at least 6 inches (15 cm) above the floor. (C)
Corrective Actions: Sauces removed from box and moved to another area.

Violation #17:
12B: .03(5)(h)Observed an employee preparing food while wearing a watch. Food employees may not wear jewelry including medical information jewelry on their arms and hands while preparing food (except for a plain ring such as a wedding band). (C)
Corrective Actions: Employee removed watch.

Violation #18:
14A: .04(4)(k)Observed in-use utensils stored in standing water that was not 135F or above. During pauses in food preparation or dispensing, food preparation and dispensing utensils shall be stored: 1. in the food with their handles above the top of the food and the container; 2. In food that is not time / temperature control for safety food with their handles above the top of the food within containers or equipment that can be closed; 3. On a clean portion of the food preparation table or cooking equipment only if the in-use utensil and the food-contact surface of the food preparation table or cooking equipment are cleaned and sanitized at a frequency; 4. in running water of sufficient velocity to flush particulates to the drain, if used with moist food such as ice cream or mashed potatoes; 5. in a clean, dry container; or 6. in a container of water if the water is maintained at a temperature of at least 135°F (57°C) and the container is cleaned at the required frequency. (C)
Corrective Actions: Utensils removed from water and stored in a dry container.

Violation #19:
15B: .05(3)(h),(i)Observed that sanitizer test strips were expired. A test kit or other device that accurately measures the concentration in mg/L (or ppm) of sanitizing solutions shall be provided. (Pf)

Violation #20:
18: .07(5)(k)Observed several ants crawling on a prep table, cutting board and in employee food. The presence of insects, rodents, and other pests shall be controlled to minimize their presence on the premises by: 1. Routinely inspecting incoming shipments of food and supplies; (C) 2. Routinely inspecting the premises for evidence of pests; (C) 3. Using methods, if pests are found, such as trapping devices or other means of pest control as specified under Rule .07(6)(e),(m),(n); (Pf) and 4. Eliminating harborage conditions.(C)

Violation #21:
18: .07(2)(m)Observed a rear exterior door that was not self-closing due to the arm being broken. Outer openings of a food service establishment shall be protected against the entry of insects and rodents by: 1) filling or closing holes and other gaps along floors, walls, and ceilings; (C) 2) closed, tight-fitting windows; (C) and 3) solid self-closing, tight-fitting doors. (C)

Additional remarks:
Note: All cold holding temperatures are in compliance unless otherwise noted.

Note: All hot holding temperatures are in compliance unless otherwise noted.

Joint inspection with KMC

Note: No additives is used at this facility.

Note: Thermometers calibrated today (see temp log).

Note: Remove display unit from restaurant by 3/30/2026.

Note: Remove materials (wood, ceiling tile pieces) holding up pipe under warewashing sink by 3/30/2026.

Note: Add consumer allergy notification to facility or menu by 3/30/2026. Guidance document provided.

A follow-up inspection will occur on or before 3/30/2026. Correct violations by this date or permit may be suspended.

Two consecutive unsatisfactory scores will result in permit suspension.

Three consecutive violations on routine inspections will result in permit suspensions.

A required additional routine inspection will occur within 12 months.

Facility given a copy of the current major food allergens poster.

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