JUN 11
2023
PASSED
12 violations3 CRITICALDETAILS
SANITARY INSPECTION RECORD — CITY OF DALLAS
✕
EL MERENDERO RESTAURANT.
BEAT. 18/100
333 W MOCKINGBIRD LN · STEMMONS CORRIDOR, DALLAS
Last inspected June 11, 2023 · passed
Failed 3 of 19 inspections. 61 critical violations on the cumulative record. Pattern of issues, not a one-off.
THE NUMBERS
INSPECTIONS
19
16 passed · 3 failed
VIOLATIONS
219
includes 61 critical
RECORDS COVER
6 YEARS
since Jan 2017
INSPECTION HISTORY
*21 RFSM - Not On Site
*24 Food Labeling- with common name of the food
label drink dispensers behind front counter
*40 Handle & dispense of cleaned utensils, single-use
store plastic ware in one direction
*43 Light bulbs, light shields provided
Replace missing lights underneath the ventahood system
*42 Dirty nonfood contact surfaces
Clean dirty vent filters
*41 Food Labeling - Bulk Food w/ Card or Sign
label bulk containers of flour, etc.
*34 Pest control-routine inspections for
observed flies in the back storage area
*37 Preventing contamination from other sources. Miscellaneous sources of Contamination
large container of banana's / soaking in water observed uncovered
*45 Premises shall be maintained in good repair
Replace damaged weather stripping at the back exit door. Front panel of ice machine expose/ cover it
*28 Date marking > 24 hrs,on site,temp 41F
all cooked ready to eat foods must be date marked with expiration date
*47 Other Violations
provide current pest control report
*33 Washing procedures selected based on type
observed staff just rinsing dirty dishes off with water. Dishes must be washed, rinse, and sanitize
DEC 82022PASSED10 violations3 CRITICALDETAILS
DEC 8
2022
PASSED
10 violations3 CRITICALDETAILS
*15 Bare hands contact with ready-to-eat foods
Observed employee touching the plantains with bare hand
*36 Cloths in-use for wiping between uses stored
*34 Outer openings:closing holes, gaps
Seal open gaps for the back door
*09 Raw ready to eat - Food protected from cross contamination by separating, storage, preparation,
Observed raw shrimp store next to cooked shrimp Raw seafood above slaw raw eggs store next to ham and sausages
*28 Date marking > 24 hrs,on site,temp 41F
Provide date marking for all food in the wic
*14 When to wash hands before donning new gloves
*37 Storing the food at least 15 cm (6 inches) above the floor
Keep all oil boxes and onion bag above floor 6 in
*21 RFSM - Not On Site
*10 Clean Sight and Touch
Provide cleaning for the wic, coolers
*37 Food protected from cross contamination by storing the food in packages, covered containers, or
Provide cover/lid for all food containers
NOV 212022PASSED11 violations3 CRITICALDETAILS
NOV 21
2022
PASSED
11 violations3 CRITICALDETAILS
*34 Outer openings:closing holes, gaps
Seal open gaps for the back door
*14 When to wash hands before donning new gloves
Must washing hand before donning new gloves
*07 Food safe, good condition, unadulterated, and honestly presented
No shopping bag allow to wrap the food
*09 Raw ready to eat - Food protected from cross contamination by separating, storage, preparation,
Observed raw fish above cooked meat
*15 Bare hands contact with ready-to-eat foods
observed employee bare hand contact with plantain and tortilla
*37 Food protected from cross contamination by storing the food in packages, covered containers, or
Provide cover for all food containers in ric and wic
*42 Floors/walls/ceiling/nonfood dirty
Observed standing water on the floor
*36 Cloths in-use for wiping between uses stored
Keep towel in sanitizer bucket between use
*21 RFSM - Not On Site
*10 Clean Sight and Touch
Provide cleaning for the prep area, ric, wic
*37 Storing the food at least 15 cm (6 inches) above the floor
Keep all food containers above floor 6 ins in wic
OCT 122022PASSED13 violations3 CRITICALDETAILS
OCT 12
2022
PASSED
13 violations3 CRITICALDETAILS
*45Floor, wall, ceiling - Exposed material
Seal the broken baseboard of wic
*09 Raw ready to eat - Food protected from cross contamination by separating, storage, preparation,
Observed raw beef store next to cooked meat raw shrimp store next to cooked shrimp
*36 Cloths in-use for wiping between uses stored
keep towel in sanitizer bucket between use
*18 Toxic items stored above food/utensils
Observed onion bag store next to bleach
*37 Food protected from cross contamination by storing the food in packages, covered containers, or
Provide cover for all food containers in wic and coolers
*28 Date marking > 24 hrs,on site,temp 41F
Provide date marking for the shrimp, soup, cooked meat
*20 Grease Trap Tickets
Provide grease trap cleaning for every 3 months
*32 Damaged Equipment
Fix the broken ice maker
*34 Outer openings:closing holes, gaps
Seal open gaps for the back door
*31 Individual, disposable towels
Provide paper towel for the hand sink
*10 Clean Sight and Touch
Provide cleaning for the wic, coolers
*22 Accredited food handler certificate - 60 days
All employees who working with the food must have food handler card
*21 RFSM - Not On Site
Expired RFSM
FEB 252022PASSED8 violations4 CRITICALDETAILS
FEB 25
2022
PASSED
8 violations4 CRITICALDETAILS
*32 Can openers-cleanability
Provide cleaning for the can opener
*18 Cover items during pest control application
observed flies catcher above prep table
*37 Food protected from cross contamination by storing the food in packages, covered containers, or
Provide lid/cover for all food containers in wic
*10 Clean Sight and Touch
Provide cleaning for the prep area, wic, food containers
*15 Bare hands contact with ready-to-eat foods
bare hand contact with the sausage
*34 Outer openings:closing holes, gaps
seal open gaps for all back doors
*28 Date marking > 24 hrs,on site,temp 41F
Provide date marking for all foods in wic
*09 Food protected cross contamination arrange each type food in equipment so cross is prevented
observed raw meat store next to cooked meat and above the produce raw fish next to cooked crab
show all 19 inspections →
JUL 282021PASSED12 violations4 CRITICALDETAILS
JUL 28
2021
PASSED
12 violations4 CRITICALDETAILS
*28 Date marking > 24 hrs,on site,temp 41F
Provide date marking for all foods in the WIC
*47 Handler-Certificate Not on site
*42 Nonfood-contact surfaces material
No towel allow under the cups
*20 Grease Trap Tickets
Provide grease trap cleaning for every 3months
*37 Food protected from cross contamination by storing the food in packages, covered containers, or
Provide cover for all food containers
*10 Clean Sight and Touch
Provide cleaning for the prep area, wic
*34 Pest control-routine inspections for
provide pest control record
*36 Cloths in-use for wiping between uses stored
*15 Bare hands contact with ready-to-eat foods
bare hand contact with slaw
*31 Individual, disposable towels
*14 When to wash hands before donning new gloves
*09 Food protected cross contamination arrange each type food in equipment so cross is prevented
observed raw shrimp store with cooked shrimp raw beef store with raw chicken
JAN 72021PASSED13 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
JAN 7
2021
PASSED
13 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
*07 Food safe, good condition, unadulterated, and honestly presented
observed bowel, food containers put direct on cheese, avocado
*09 Food protected cross contamination arrange each type food in equipment so cross is prevented
observed raw chicken store with milk above cooked meat raw eggs and limes store together
*10 Clean Sight and Touch
provide cleaning for the prep area, food containers, wic
*20 Grease Trap Tickets
provide grease trap ticket
*47 Handler-Certificate Not on site
*21 RFSM - Not On Site
*28 Date marking > 24 hrs,on site,temp 41F
provide date marking for all foods in cooler
*34 Outer openings:closing holes, gaps
seal open gaps for the back door
*31 Handwashing lavatory - used for other purpose
observed pitcher in the hand sink
*32 Food-contact surfaces. smooth, non-absorbent and easily cleanable
provide cleaning for all food equipments
*36 Cloths in-use for wiping between uses stored
*45Floor, wall, ceiling - Exposed material
fix the broken baseboard
*43 Light bulbs, light shields provided
JUN 252020PASSED9 violations3 CRITICALDETAILS
JUN 25
2020
PASSED
9 violations3 CRITICALDETAILS
*07 Food safe, good condition, unadulterated, and honestly presented
observed shopping bag wrapping foods and cooking on the oven
*09 Food protected cross contamination arrange each type food in equipment so cross is prevented
observed raw chicken store next to seafood
*10 Clean Sight and Touch
provide cleaning for the prep area
*20 Grease Trap Tickets
*22 Handlers-Certificate Not On Site
*21 RFSM - Not On Site
*28 Date marking > 24 hrs,on site,temp 41F
provide date marking all foods in cooler
*34 Pest control-routine inspections for
*36 Cloths in-use for wiping between uses stored
JAN 142020PASSED8 violations3 CRITICALDETAILS
JAN 14
2020
PASSED
8 violations3 CRITICALDETAILS
*02 Cold Hold (41øF/45øF or below)
cole slaw 51'f, avocado 51'f
*06 Discard TCS if date marked exceeds temp & time
cheese expired 11/19
*09 Food protected cross contamination arrange each type food in equipment so cross is prevented
observed raw meat above avocado raw eggs next to cheese
*20 Grease Trap Tickets
*21 RFSM - Not On Site
*28 Date marking > 24 hrs,on site,temp 41F
all foods in wic
*37 Food protected from cross contamination by storing the food in packages, covered containers, or
provide cover for pots in wic
*10 Clean Sight and Touch
provide cleaning for wic
JUL 192019PASSED6 violations3 CRITICALDETAILS
JUL 19
2019
PASSED
6 violations3 CRITICALDETAILS
*39 Store equipment & utensils in a clean, dry place
unused equipment at back area unused equipment must be cover in a dry and clean location
*42 Floors/walls/ceiling/nonfood dirty
floors behind equipment dirty with litter and food debris must be clean to avoid contamination
*37 Food protected from cross contamination by storing the food in packages, covered containers, or
food containers without lids or cover containers must be cover all food containers to avoid cross contamination
*43 Light bulbs, light shields provided
lights not working on kitchen area lights in kitchen area must be repair or replace to proper condition
*28 Date marking > 24 hrs,on site,temp 41F
missing date marking on some food containers must be date mark all food containers
*10 Equipment and Utensils Cleaning-contamination
blood inside RI cooler unit at bottom floor must be clean and sanitize outside and inside on all cooler units
JUN 102019FAILED24 violations11 CRITICALDETAILS
JUN 10
2019
FAILED
24 violations11 CRITICALDETAILS
*21 RFSM - Not On Site
RFSM not on site PIC must be present during operational hours
*29 Sanitizing solutions, testing devices
missing sanitizing solutions sanitizer bucket 100 ppm Chlorine concentration 3c sink 50 ppm Chlorine concentration missing test strips on site must be have test strips to verified chemical con
*45 Clean facilities as often as necessary.
floors dirty on all areas including WI cooler unit must be clean to avoid contamination
*24 Food Labeling- with common name of the food
missing labeling on all food containers inside cooler units must be have labels on all food containers
*46 Water, Plumbing, and Waste Plumbing Systems-good repair
3c sink at bar area broken faucets must be replace or repair to proper condition
*37 Storing the food at least 15 cm (6 inches) above the floor
food bags and food containers at floor level must be out the floor level to avoid cross contamination
*10 Equipment and Utensils Sanitization
utensils not sanitize all utensils must be clean and sanitize on site during operational hours
*34 Outer openings:closing holes, gaps
exit door back area with gaps missing weather strips must be repair or replace to proper condition to avoid pest harboring
*47 Handwashing signage
missing hand washing signage on all hand sinks
*20 Grease Trap Tickets
missing current grease trap ticket must be have current grease trap ticket
*45 Ceiling easily cleanable and light in color
ceiling soiled with grease accumulations must be replace or repair to proper condition
*31 Handwashing lavatory - accessible
hand sink blocked by equipment all hand sinks must be accessible at all times during operational hours
*29 Food thermometers provided and accessible
missing thermometers on all areas must be have visible and working thermometers
*22 Washing hands only at a designated hand sink
personnel not using hand sink to wash hands must be use hand sink to clean hands during operational hours
*39 Cooking equipment free of encrusted grease
cooking equipment with encrusted grease and soils deposits must be clean to avoid cross contamination
*09 Food protected cross contamination arrange each type food in equipment so cross is prevented
raw and cooked containers mixed on all shelving inside cooler units must be properly store to avoid cross contamination
*22 Handlers-Certificate Not On Site
missing current food handler cards must be have current food handler cards
*39 Soiled linens storage
soiled linens inside a not cover container expose to lawful smells and contamination must be have proper linen container with lids to avoid contamination
*39 Equipment in good repair and proper adjustment.
shelving and racks on all areas with rust and oxidation must be replace or repair to proper condition
*18 Toxic items storage adjacent to food/utensils
chemical containers on all areas must be store and properly separated from food
*12 A food employee shall comply with an exclusion or RESTRICTION
missing writing employee health policies
*28 Date marking > 24 hrs,on site,temp 41F
*21 A establishment shall have written procedures for employees to follow when responding to vomitin
missing body fluids clean up procedures / spill kit
*42 Floors/walls/ceiling/nonfood dirty
floors walls and ceiling dirty with soils accumulations and grease deposits must be clean to avoid contamination
NOV 242018PASSED10 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
NOV 24
2018
PASSED
10 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
*21 RFSM - Not On Site
RFSM not present at time of inspection
*29 Sanitizing solutions, testing devices
Please provide test strips
*02 Untreated shell eggs need to be at 45§F or <
Raw shell eggs left on countertop. Ambient temperature in interior of crates at 78.2°F
*10 Clean Sight and Touch
Interior of ice machine shows severe biofilm infections in interior ceiling compartment
*18 Toxic items stored above food/utensils
Can of spray paint over cans of coconut milk in storage area.
*28 Date marking > 24 hrs,on site,temp 41F
Date marked items have use by dates of 8/20/18
*34 Outer door: solid,selfclosing,tightfitting
*31 Individual, disposable towels
Paper towel dispenser empty in back kitchen
*44 Waste Receptacles thoroughly cleaned
*42 Dirty nonfood contact surfaces
MAY 232018PASSED8 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
MAY 23
2018
PASSED
8 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
*32 Damaged Equipment
Must replace damaged shelves in the WIC
*07 Food safe, good condition, unadulterated, and honestly presented
provide cover for an food containers
*28 Date marking > 24 hrs,on site,temp 41F
all food in WIC
*09 Food protected cross contamination arrange each type food in equipment so cross is prevented
Raw eggs and tomato Store together
*10 Clean Sight and Touch
provide cleaning for food containers, WIC
*18 Chemical sanitizer generated onsite, device criteria
Set up sanitizer bucket
*31 Individual, disposable towels
*34 Outer openings:closing holes, gaps
Seal open gaps for ack door
MAR 282018PASSED12 violations4 CRITICALDETAILS
MAR 28
2018
PASSED
12 violations4 CRITICALDETAILS
*02 Cold Hold (41øF/45øF or below)
meat, eggs, tomato veggies on table without ref
*15 Contact RTE Products w/ Bare Hands
lettuce, tomato, avocado
*07 Food safe, good condition, unadulterated, and honestly presented
must have lid/cover for all food containers
*10 Clean Sight and Touch
provide cleaning for the prep area, wic, ice machine
*09 Food protected cross contamination arrange each type food in equipment so cross is prevented
eggs, and juice store together
*28 Date marking > 24 hrs,on site,temp 41F
provide date marking for all food in wic, ric
*31 Handwashing lavatory - used for other purpose
utensils in the hand sink
*32 Damaged Equipment
ric door
*18 Chemical sanitizer generated onsite, device criteria
set up sanitizer bucket
*45Floor, wall, ceiling - Exposed material
broken tiles on the ceiling
*34 Outer openings:closing holes, gaps
seal open gaps for the back door
*37 Storing the food at least 15 cm (6 inches) above the floor
oil boxes
JAN 252018PASSED12 violations3 CRITICALDETAILS
JAN 25
2018
PASSED
12 violations3 CRITICALDETAILS
*18 Medicines labeled and stored properly
personal medication store on prep table next to food
*43 Light bulbs, light shields provided
missing light shield, light bulb on vent a hood system
*35 Hair Restraints effective
all employee must cover hair
*47 Handwashing signage
provide in restroom
*41 Food storage containers, identified with common name of food.
provide label for food storage containers
*31 No soap at handsink
provide soap at hand sink
*42 Dirty nonfood contact surfaces
clean shelves, coolers, gaskets, freezers
*10 Clean Sight and Touch
clean ice machine
*29 Mechanical holding unit, thermometer location
provide thermometers in coolers
*14 When to wash hands before donning new gloves
wash hands before donning new gloves
*37 Food protected from cross contamination by storing the food in packages, covered containers, or
squeeze bottles stores on cut sausages
*39 Utensils, single serve items 6 inches off - floor
cups 6 inches off floor
JAN 172018FAILED17 violations3 CRITICALDETAILS
JAN 17
2018
FAILED
17 violations3 CRITICALDETAILS
*28 Date marking > 24 hrs,on site,temp 41F
containers of food in prep table are not dated or identified by labels
*45 Premises shall be maintained in good repair
ceiling has water damaged
*35 Eating food, chewing gum, drinking beverages, or using tobacco
personal food/bevarages observed in prep area
*44 Frequency. Refuse, recyclables/returnables removed
garbage stalked at back door
*31 Individual, disposable towels
*47 Other Violations
sales tax, health permit issued to different entities.
*10 Clean Sight and Touch
mold debris inside ice machine
*39 Keep utensils handles upright or protected
keep utensils with handle up
*32 Approved Food Contact Equip.
residential appliances are unaccepted
*37 Storing the food at least 15 cm (6 inches) above the floor
food on floor
*03 Food products not maintained at 135øF or above
beans observed at 85 must be 135
*21 A establishment shall have written procedures for employees to follow when responding to vomitin
no bodily fluid kit found
*42 Dirty nonfood contact surfaces
debris observed on damaged prep box lid/utensils
*09 Food on display shall be protected from contamination
chips, foil observed in pico on prep line
*22 Handlers-Certificate Not On Site
none of the crew has a food handler certificate on premises
*29 Mechanical holding unit, thermometer location
thermometers are not provided in ric
*18 Use toxics according to additional condition
sanitizing solution over 200 ppm
JAN 122018FAILED15 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
JAN 12
2018
FAILED
15 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
*03 Food products not maintained at 135øF or above
bean:135
*10 Clean Sight and Touch
mold, debris inside ice machine
*18 Medicines labeled and stored properly
observed personal medication on shelf above prep area and storage
*10 Chlorine sanitizer concentration, minimum temp.
sanitize solution over 200 ppm
*22 Handlers-Certificate Not On Site
*28 Date marking > 24 hrs,on site,temp 41F
container of food in prep atable are not label
*29 Sanitizing solutions, testing devices
*31 No soap at handsink
*39 Store equipment & utensils - avoid contamination
handle in ice
*35 Eating food, chewing gum, drinking beverages, or using tobacco
personal food/bevearges observed in prep area
*37 Food in packages and working containers may be stored less than 15 cm (6 inches) above the floor
food on the floor
*45Floor, wall, ceiling - Exposed material
ceiling has water damaged
*42 Dirty nonfood contact surfaces
debris observed on damaged prep box lid/ utensils
*21 RFSM - Not On Site
*09 Food protected cross contamination by preparing each type of food at different times or in separ
JUL 202017PASSED10 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
JUL 20
2017
PASSED
10 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
*36 Cloths in-use for wiping food spills used for no other purpose
*44 Trash can provided for papertowel waste
*43 Light bulbs, light shields provided
*22 Handlers-Certificate Not On Site
*39 Equipment in good repair and proper adjustment.
RUST ON ICE MACHINE, DAMAGED PANEL OF ICE MACHINE
*31 Individual, disposable towels
*28 Date marking > 24 hrs,on site,temp 41F
*34 Pest control-routine inspections for
*09 Food protected cross contamination arrange each type food in equipment so cross is prevented
*10 Clean Sight and Touch
RUST AND MOLD INSIDE ICE MACHINE
JAN 122017PASSED9 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
JAN 12
2017
PASSED
9 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
*42 Dirty nonfood contact surfaces
*21 RFSM - Not On Site
*28 Date marking > 24 hrs,on site,temp 41F
*43 Light bulbs, light shields provided
*22 Handlers-Certificate Not On Site
*19 Water & Plumbing in good repair- per code
REPAIR CLOGGED FLOOR DRAIN
*10 Clean Sight and Touch
VARIOUS ITEMS
*15 Contact RTE Products w/ Bare Hands
*31 Handwashing lavatory - used for other purpose
SOAP STORED IN HAND SINK
Data sourced from City of Dallas Code Compliance. We'd love to link you straight to this restaurant's record — turns out Dallas considers that a luxury. The full dataset is what's on offer →