A recent health inspection at El Pariente Mexican Restaurant in Tennessee identified multiple food safety violations. Inspectors found a series of violations of serious health codes, leading to a failing score, as per the Tennessee Department of Health reports.
Please note that the scores mentioned here are from a particular inspection conducted on April 29 and may not represent the future health inspection status of the establishments.
Highlights
- EL Pariente was given a health score of 63 during its April 2025 inspection.
- Critical violations involved improper temperatures for food storage and unsanitary conditions.
- A follow-up inspection will be conducted to establish compliance.
Health Inspection Results Recorded at EL Pariente
- Where: EL Pariente Mexican Restaurant, Tennessee
- Date: April 29, 2025
- Score & Grade: 63
A total of 14 violations were found by health inspectors during the assessment. Additional concerns recorded involved raw meats being on top of ready-to-eat foods, leading to the danger of cross-contamination. Foods were also not being kept at correct temperatures, and such conditions facilitates bacterial development.
The employees were observed not to wash hands between handling raw and cooked food, a state health code requirement. Inspectors observed improper utensils and equipment storage, some of which were not sanitized between use. Various kitchen surfaces – the prep tables, as well as the cutting boards, were found being visibly dirty while under observation.
Besides, unlabeled cleaning chemical containers were placed close to food preparation areas and therefore had greater risks of chemical contamination by accident. Proper consumer advisories on undercooked or raw menu foods were missing. These are imperative for informing customers of potential health risks.
Violation History of EL Pariente
The score of 63 in April 2025 is not an isolated incident for EL Pariente. The restaurant exhibits a record of fluctuating health inspection scores. In June 2024, it passed inspection with a score of 86, but just few months later, in December, it managed a mere 77 score.
The decline from previous higher scores over a matter of months indicates potential inconsistencies in management or employee adherence to health standards. These repeated issues put the restaurant under increased regulatory observation by the Tennessee Department of Health.
Any score less than 70 necessitates the business to make corrections immediately and undergo re-inspection, per the policy of the health department. Temporary closure in case of a failure to correct the violations may remain in effect until the establishment achieves compliance standards.
EL Pariente Mexican Restaurant currently holds a failing health rating after its recent inspection. With several serious food safety violations identified, the restaurant is under close scrutiny. The health department has set a follow-up inspection, and further action could be considered in case of continued non-compliance.
