Donatos Taco Shop, a Mexican restaurant in San Diego, could not pass a health inspection conducted on May 6. Food safety violations such as vermin infestation, improper food storage, inadequate handwashing facilities, and more led to the facility’s closure until reinspection.
Please note that the results mentioned here are from a particular inspection conducted on May 6 and may not represent the future health inspection status of the establishment.
Highlights
- Non-compliant practices at Donatos Taco Shop were unveiled during a routine health inspection.
- The inspection was conducted on May 6, 2025, in San Diego, when the restaurant was asked to cease operations.
- Compliance status will be assessed during a reinspection, after which the restaurant can reopen.
Donatos Taco Shop Closed Temporarily in San Diego
- Where: 6780 Miramar Rd, San Diego, CA 92121
- When: May 6, 2025
Donatos Taco Shop offers Mexican plates to its customers in outdoor and indoor seating. Located in Miracrest Plaza, the sports screen in the restaurant is an added attraction for people to come with their friends and family for a good time.
However, for a short while, this won’t be possible as the restaurant was ordered to close temporarily on Tuesday. The decision was made in view of multiple violations found at the restaurant during a routine health inspection.
What Was Found During the Health Inspection
The inspection officials observed a major violation at the Donatos Taco Shop when rodents and insects were noticed within the premises. Vermin infestation is completely intolerable in a food facility.
The report also highlights minor violations, such as not maintaining food holding temperatures as per the required standards. The food items are supposed to be held at or between 130°F and 134°F, or 42°F and 50°F.
The officer found that the handwashing sink was obstructed and inaccessible. Adequate facilities shall be provided for handwashing, as per the officer’s instructions. Cooked food was not adequately separated from and protected from raw food. Even the food storage facilities had a flaw, as the 6-inch distance from the floor was not maintained.
Moreover, broken floor tiles and walls were observed at the restaurant. The inspection report mentions that the nonfood contact surfaces and the facility in general needed to be cleaned to remove any grease accumulation. Additionally, equipment and utensils should be of approved quality.
The negligence of the restaurant and failure to comply with the safety standards landed it in a situation where the establishment was asked to close. However, if no violations are found in a reinspection, the restaurant will be allowed to operate again. The date for reinspection is yet to be announced.
