Roaches, flies, lizards, cement among 71 total violations at tortilleria

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — You never know who the Food Patrol is going to run into when we are surprising clean restaurants.

One place is welcoming, while the other one is kicking the Food Patrol out.

They did not want to answer questions about the 71 combined violations in three inspection reports and the three dozen photos to support the concern.

Here's what's que rico and what's que asco in this week's Food 4 Thought!

The Food Patrol surprised the team at Sarita's Mexican food located at 2101 North 10th Street in McAllen.

The Food Patrol is giving Sarita's a top performer sticker after scoring a perfect score in their inspection report.

(Courtesy of The Health Inspection Department for Hidalgo County)

Miguel Marquez, the owner and chef of Sarita's, shared how the taste of the food is what makes his restaurant stand out. On the other hand, Manager Fidel makes the dining experience special, encouraging customers to visit again.

“The flavor, the food is really good. Thank God. We are doing our best, and people keep on coming back. They like it a lot," Marquez said.

The Food Patrol interviewed some customers dining in, and they are also giving Sarita’s a top score.

“The specials are good. It’s good pricing and good tastes of food. It’s a good amount, too," Billy Gonzalez said.

A sticker on the door by the Food Patrol lets everyone know that Sarita's is keeping it clean.

Good food brings people together, including the voice of radio royalty, Rock N Roll James, whom the Food Patrol ran into while visiting Sarita's.

That’s que rico, but it’s que asco time!

The Food Patrol is heading to Diana’s Tortilleria, located at 5804 North FM 1015 in Mercedes.

Diana's Tortilleria has a total of three inspection reports and 36 inspection photos.

Hidalgo County health inspectors found 41 violations on July 21.

(Courtesy of The Health Inspection Department for Hidalgo County)

The health inspector shut them down and gave them three months to fix or relocate the tortilleria as listed on the back of the inspection report. “Business will be closed until the following violations are corrected."

• 3
• 10
• 14
• 18
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• 28
• 31
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• 36
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• All unused equipment must be removed from the premises.
  

The inspector also listed in the report that flies, roaches, and lizards were seen at the food establishment. Diana’s Tortilleria also had to throw out its product.

• Off-temperature foods
• Flies on the exposed tamales

In addition, Diana's septic tank was uncovered behind the food establishment, causing a foul odor, which was also listed on the inspection report.

On July 24, Diana’s Tortilleria was reinspected.

The inspection reported 24 violations, which was an improvement from the last report, but still had problems.

• Cement bags near food are a serious cross-contamination situation.

There were a lot of violations, and the inspector did not allow them to reopen.

Diana’s was inspected a third time on July 25, six violations were found, and it was cleared to reopen.

The report gave them 90 days to fix the violations or find a new location, with October 23 as a deadline.

The Food Patrol showed up at Diana's with evidence, photos, and questions.

An employee called the contact person on the report, Dora, and said she did not want to speak to the Food Patrol.

The Food Patrol called Dora as well, and they were told they did not have permission to enter the tortilleria without her being there.

The Food Patrol gave employees a card and told them to give them a call because the health inspector will be back before Halloween.

And that’s Food 4 Thought!

Remember that you are a part of the food patrol.

If you see something que asco or gross, take a video, a picture, and send it to your local health department.

Send it over to the Food Patrol at News@KVEO.COM.

A message to all the restaurants is that the food patrol is always watching.