Pills, flies, food stored in trashbags found at Mission taqueria

McALLEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — In this week's Food 4 Thought, be ready for the most violations caught on camera by a health inspector.

Fly swatters were found next to raw food and prescription drugs were found just inches from food. This combination could be considered a recipe for disaster.

The owners were not excited when the Food Patrol surprised them with the photos provided.

First, we surprised Edith's Mexican Buffet at 4809 W. Expressway 83 in McAllen.

It aced its March 8 inspection, making it this week’s Food 4 Thought Top Performer.

“I would like to have this every single week here in our restaurant," said Paula Varela, Edith's employee. “It’s an honor."

Varela is beaming with joy because of the Food Patrol’s surprise visit and is eager to show off the hard work she and her team do every day.

Owner, Mario Cruz was out of town on a well-earned vacation, but he can rest easy because the crew is operating like he were there.

Turning out quality food such as quesadillas, mole, enchiladas and all-you-can-eat menudo and pozole.

The Food Patrol was shocked with how fresh the food was.

“The tortillas are made right in front of you," said Varela.

At Edith’s, you get fresh food, smiling staff and a seal of cleanliness.

The sticker on the door is a proud moment for the team with exceptional food cleanliness and leadership.

A big congratulations to Edith's as they are opening up a second location in Harlingen.

That’s que rico!

But it’s que asco time!

We’re heading to Don Chepe’s Taqueria at 1722 West Mile Road in Mission.

It received 49 violations during its May 9th inspection and we received photos from the Hidalgo County Health Department showing the filth.

There is no air conditioning, the kitchen has a dusty fan blowing hot air on the food, raw meat was exposed to the flies and a busted flyswatter was inches away from the food.

If one photo can say a thousand words, try 19 snapshots!

Don Chepe’s sign says open but the doors are closed.

Owner Cynthia Perez admitted she and her husband shut down operations while they worked to correct the violations and claims the health department re-inspected them.

“We made an agreement he came back, he did another inspection and it's been passed," said Perez.

The Food Patrol asked for a copy of the inspection report but they were unable to provide the document at that time.

The Food Patrol visited Don Chepe’s on July 11, but it was not until the 16 that we received two phone calls and emails from Perez with a re-inspection report and a picture of its new permit.

As of the 16, Don Chepe's had 6 violations. A big improvement from the 49 they previously started out with.

During the visit, Perez said she could not find the report and that was because it was not an inspection, according to the health department.

“An inspector and supervisor visited the establishment on 05/15/24, but the owners indicated that they were going to sell the establishment so the visit turned into a consultation on what processes needed to be done to be able to have the new owner operate the establishment.”

You’re part of the Food Patrol! When you see dirty habits, please send us photos/videos and a copy of the complaint you filed to your local health department to News@KVEO.COM