El Cantarito Restaurant in Placentia failed a health inspection. A follow-up inspection was scheduled after several food safety violations were noted. Health inspectors identified several infractions that required corrective action.
Please note that the report mentioned here is from a particular inspection conducted on June 2 and may not represent the future health inspection status of the establishment.
Highlights
- Several foods were held at unsafe temperatures, including salsas that ranged from 44°F to 47°F and milk that ranged from 48°F to 51°F.
- The ice machine was found to have an unidentified substance leaking onto the ice.
- Health inspectors removed pottery dishes pending verification of compliance with safety standards.
El Cantarito Fails Health Inspection
- Where: 120 W Santa Fe Ave, Placentia, CA 92870
- When: June 2, 2025
El Cantarito Restaurant failed its health inspection that identified major offenses like incorrect food storage temperature and contaminated ice.
Inspector T. Juarez of the Environmental Health Division discovered that foods required to be kept at 41 degrees F or colder were being held at temperatures above that. Nine containers of cooked salsa were between 44°F and 47°F, and two half-gallons of milk were at 48°F and 51°F. All of those items were voluntarily discarded by the person in charge.
Inspectors observed a leak from a food contact surface in the ice machine, affecting the edible ice. The 40-pound contaminated ice was removed. Hot holding violations were mentioned in the report. The carnitas meat was measured at 121°F and asada meat at 116°F, both of which fell below the necessary minimum of 135°F.
Other violations were improper handwashing facilities, as wiping cloths were found in the handwash sink. Proper shell stock documentation was also missing, resulting in six unshucked oysters being discarded. Equipment problems included a malfunctioning 2-door refrigeration unit that maintained only 46°F, instead of the required 41°F or less.
Follow-Up Inspection
A re-inspection on June 9, 2025, will be conducted to confirm corrections of all the violations. The restaurant must fix all the problems before returning to normal operations. Reinspection charges are applicable. The inspection report included recommendations related to food temperature and storage compliance.
The inspection emphasizes the need for proper food handling and storage temperatures to benefit public health. The closure highlights the need to adhere to the correct food safety practices.
