Panchitos Taqueria was cited for food safety violations during a routine inspection on September 9. The Orange County Health Care Agency ordered its temporary closure due to cockroaches and other violations.
Please note that the report mentioned here is from an inspection conducted on September 9 and may not demonstrate the future health inspection status of the food establishment.
Highlights
- Panchitos Taqueria was reported for inadequate handwashing facilities, unsafe food temperatures, and more food code violations.
- The Mexican food facility draws patrons in Orange County for its pozole, tacos, micheladas, and other items.
- There is no current information regarding the follow-up inspection at Panchitos Taqueria.
Panchitos Taqueria
Mexican food served at Panchitos Taqueria (Source: Yelp)
- Where: 13048 Chapman Ave, Garden Grove, CA 92840
- When: September 9, 2025
The Mexican food establishment in Garden Grove underwent a routine inspection this Tuesday. However, owing to violations of the California Health and Safety Code, its health permit was temporarily suspended. Additionally, Panchitos Taqueria was immediately closed.
Inspection Findings
Food employees at Panchitos Taqueria demonstrated a lack of knowledge regarding cleaning and sanitation. A valid Food Manager Certificate was unavailable during the routine inspection on Tuesday. The handwashing sink at the restaurant was obstructed by a rolling cart.
Diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, and red and green salsa measured 50-52°F in the 2-door cold top reach-in cooler. This violated the required limit of 41°F or below for cold PHF. Carnitas was reheated in the microwave and then placed in the steam table to continue reheating at the restaurant.
A black residue was observed on the ice machine’s internal compartment in the kitchen. The hot water supply was turned off at the handwash and prep sinks in the rear of Panchitos Taqueria.
Inspectors also found evidence of cockroach activity. Live and dead cockroaches were observed at different corners of the facility, including the soda machine, ice machine, 3-compartment sink, and more.
Food spices at the Mexican eatery were stored close to the prep sink in the back prep area without splash protection. Cans of grill cleaner were found on a shelf above food in the storage closet across from the customer restrooms. Some food items were kept on the floor inside Panchitos Taqueria’s walk-in cooler.
An unapproved pesticide was found on the Orange County facility’s chemical storage shelf. Unlabeled chemical spray bottles were observed in the 3-compartment sink area. Food debris was found on equipment, such as the ice machine’s top panel, the shelving unit above the 3-compartment sink, and more.
An improperly functioning cooler and a leaking reach-in cooler were observed at the Orange County eatery. Unchained pressurized cylinders were found next to the soda syrups and water heater. A dual burner was extending outside of the hood at Panchitos Taqueria. Broken display thermometers were also found.
Inspectors observed reusable towels left on counters in multiple areas. The restroom doors at Panchitos Taqueria were not self-closing. Several gaps were found at the food facility, including behind the handwash sink.
A detailed inspection report is available online.
The Orange County Health Care Agency ensures food safety across eateries through these routine inspections. While Panchitos Taqueria stays closed, it can reopen after correcting the health violations given in the agency’s report.
