El Ranchito Mexican Restaurant

7306 Highway 21, Port Wentworth, GA 31407
Mexican / Latin
License: Food Service
Last inspected: Mar 9, 2026
78
Score
Low Risk

Public records show four inspections at El Ranchito Mexican Restaurant stretching back to 2024. On Mar 9, 2026, the health department conducted the most recent visit. A low risk tier reflects an inspection that turned up minimal issues.

There hasn't been much movement either way: counts have stayed near two violations per visit across recent inspections.

The pattern that stands out is “proper cold holding temperatures”, which has been cited three times.

Compared to other Port Wentworth restaurants (averaging 95), there's room to close the gap. Overall, the inspection record reads well.

4
Inspections
1
Critical latest
1
Major latest
0
Minor latest
Inspection History
Mar 9, 2026
Routine
1 critical violation. 1 major violation.
View 2 violations
6-1A - proper cold holding temperatures
Inspector notes: Observed several TCS items to be above 41F degree, made PIC discard of food items. RCA: PIC through out the items that were above temperature. Told PIC to start doing ice baths on items to ensure that TCS items stay cold.
511-6-1.04(6)(f)
4-2B - food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: Observed facility to be actively using dish machine, dish machine was not pulling any sanitizer through. RCA: Told PIC that they need to re-sanitize/sanitize dishes in 3 compartment sink until dish machine is fixed. RCA:
511-6-1.05(6)(n)
78
Sep 9, 2025
Routine
1 critical violation. 1 major violation.
View 2 violations
6-1A - proper cold holding temperatures
Inspector notes: Observed raw beef and chicken in the walk in cooler to be temped at (46F-47F). Both meats were prepped in cooler on 9/8/2025. RCA: Time/Temperature Control for Safety Food, Hot and Cold Holding. Except during preparation, cooking, or cooling, or when time is used as the public health control, time/temperature control for safety food shall be maintained at 41°F
511-6-1.04(6)(f)
4-2B - food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: Observed a slight built-up inside the ice machine. Dish machine was actively being used while sanitizer wasn't properly coming through the machine. RCA: Told pic to increase the cleaning frequency of the ice machine and to not use the dish machine until it is fixed, use 3 compartment sink.
511-6-1.05(6)(n)
78
Mar 10, 2025
Routine
1 critical violation. 1 corrected on site.
View 1 violation
6-1A - proper cold holding temperatures (corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Observed many TCS items above 41F degree in reach in cooler. Shrimp 54F, Shrimp 46F, chicken 48F, beef 47F. RCA:PIC made employee toss all items and replaced them with new items. Time/Temperature Control for Safety Food, Hot and Cold Holding. Except during preparation, cooking, or cooling, or when time is used as the public health control, time/temperature control for safety food shall be maintained at 41°F (5°C
511-6-1.04(6)(f)
86
Jun 12, 2024
Routine
2 minor violations. 2 corrected on site.
View 2 violations
14A - in-use utensils: properly stored (corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Observed bowls being used as scoops in containers of rice and sugar. COS/CA: PIC removed bowls. Scoops with handles shall be used with the handles stored above the food product.
511-6-1.04(4)(k)
4-2A - food stored covered (corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Observed multiple food items (chicken, pork, bacon) throughout the facility uncovered. COS/CA: PIC covered all food items. Food shall be covered to prevent contamination.
511-6-1.04(4)(c)
90

Frequently Asked Questions

When was El Ranchito Mexican Restaurant last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at El Ranchito Mexican Restaurant on file is from Mar 9, 2026. The public record contains four inspections in total.

What is the most common violation at El Ranchito Mexican Restaurant?

Across the inspection record, “proper cold holding temperatures” has been cited three times, more than any other issue at El Ranchito Mexican Restaurant.

How does El Ranchito Mexican Restaurant compare to other restaurants in Port Wentworth?

El Ranchito Mexican Restaurant most recently scored 78 out of 100, which is lower than the Port Wentworth average of 95.

Has El Ranchito Mexican Restaurant's inspection record improved over time?

Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at El Ranchito Mexican Restaurant have averaged around two violations per visit across the recent record.

What does a low risk rating mean?

A low risk rating at El Ranchito Mexican Restaurant means inspectors found minimal or no significant issues at the most recent visit. Most facilities at this tier have a clean recent inspection report.

How often is El Ranchito Mexican Restaurant inspected?

Based on the inspection history on file, El Ranchito Mexican Restaurant is inspected around two times per year on average.