A routine health inspection on Tuesday at a Dallas Mexican restaurant identified multiple food code violations. The inspectors noted the violations in the report and gave the restaurant 64 points, which means it will face a follow-up inspection. Both critical and non-critical violations were documented.
Please note that the final score mentioned here is from an inspection conducted on June 10 and may not represent the future health inspection status of the food establishment.
Highlights
- Senda Del Sabor, a Mexican restaurant in Dallas, scored 64 points in the health inspection on June 10.
- Violations reported at the restaurant included improper food handling and storage, cleanliness issues, and others.
- The restaurant will face a follow-up inspection, which will ensure adherence to the food code.
Senda Del Sabor
- Where: 10118 Garland Rd, Dallas, TX 75218-2919
- When: June 10, 2025
- Score: 64
Senda Del Sabor serves “Authentic Mexican Food” and offers handmade tortillas, as per its website. The previous inspection at the restaurant was conducted on December 19, 2024, and it scored 81 points.
Inspection Summary
The inspector reported that time/temperature control for safety (TCS) foods were either not labeled with a date or had gone past their marked expiration date. It was also noted that squeeze bottles, individual salsas, and cooked, ready-to-eat foods did not have proper expiration labels.
It was also reported that raw meat, French fries, and ready-to-eat frozen items were being stored together in the same deep freezer, which could lead to cross-contamination. Desserts, juices, and other items prepared on-site were found to be missing proper labels, the report said.
Large pans of rice and cooked meats were left uncovered beneath the hot holding table, the report stated. Inspectors noted that plastic grocery bags not rated for hot food use were used in the hot holding area. Several food items were found directly stored on the floor.
Mold and dirt buildup inside the ice machine, and dirty cooler interiors and gaskets were also pointed out. Food debris was observed in the drains of the three-compartment sink area.
It was stated that no sanitizer solution was set up or in use at the time, and that sanitizer test strips were not available. Wiping cloths were reportedly left on surfaces without any sanitizer. It was also reported that chemicals such as bleach and bug spray were stored on shelves directly above food items.
Clean dishes were found stored on metal shelving that was rusting and flaking. Vent hood filters were observed to be damaged with visible gaps. The kitchen doorway leading to the backroom had damage that exposed the interior walls and baseboards.
Several issues with staff practices were also noted. Employees were seen handling food without wearing gloves, although one cook corrected this by washing hands and putting on new gloves. The certified food manager was absent at the time of the inspection. The employees lacked food handler certifications, the inspection report also noted.
Follow-Up Inspection
Senda Del Sabor will face a follow-up inspection as it scored unsatisfactorily. As per the City of Dallas Consumer Health Division, an establishment that scores between 60 and 69 points will face a follow-up inspection within 10 days.
The team at Senda Del Sabor must implement corrective actions to address the issues cited in the report. If violations persist, the establishment could face permit suspension or other enforcement actions.
