Cocina Latina
Last inspected: Oct 20, 2025
90
Score
Public records show eight inspections at Cocina Latina stretching back to 2023. The newest entry in the record is dated Oct 20, 2025. A low risk rating suggests inspectors haven't found much to be concerned about lately.
The trend has not been favorable: recent inspections average around 13 violations each, up from closer to six violations before.
The most common issue across all inspections has been “refrigerated storage”, showing up three times.
The city-wide average is 88, putting Cocina Latina squarely in typical territory. The record reflects steady performance over time.
8
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
2
Minor latest
Inspection History
Oct 20, 2025
Routine Inspection (001)
2 minor violations. 1 corrected on site.
View 2 violations
General. contamination event. food establishment without written procedures for employees to follow when responding to vomiting or diarrheal events.
20-21.07(a)(03)
Hand-washing sink installation. hand-washing sink used for purpose other than hand-washing as specified in section 20-21.08(b) of this code.
(corrected on site)
20-21.19(a)
90
Jul 21, 2025
Routine
12 minor violations. 3 corrected on site.
View 12 violations
General. food stored in locker rooms / dressing rooms / garbage room / mechanical rooms / toilet room / vestibule / under open stairwell / other sources of contamination.
(corrected on site)
20-21.03(a)(03)
Materials; general. all equipment and utensils not maintained in good repair.
20-21.10(a)
Plumbing fixture installation. plumbing fixtures, including compartment type utensil-and-food sinks, hand-washing sinks and mop or utility sinks, not installed to preclude splashes from running down mounting surfaces behind and adjacent to the fixture. acceptable installation methods include a liquid tight seal between fixture and mounting surface, insertion into a precut counter, table or cabinet with a perimeter seal or any other effective method. all materials used shall be safe, smooth, impervious and easily cleanable.
20-21.10(m)
Toilet room. toilet room not provided with tight-fitting / self-closing / solid doors, which shall be closed except during cleaning or maintenance except that this requirement does not apply to a toilet room that is located outside a food establishment and does not open directly into the food establishment such as a toilet room that is provided by the management of a shopping mall or stadium-type facilities.
20-21.18(c)
Containers. containers stored outside the establishment / dumpsters / compactors / compactor systems / receptacles / waste handling units for refuse / recyclables / and returnables not provided with tight-fitting lids / doors / covers, not kept covered when not in actual use. in containers designed with drains, drain plugs shall be in place at all times, except during cleaning.
20-21.20(a)(03)
Storage. outside storage areas / enclosures not constructed of durable and cleanable material / not large enough to store the garbage / recyclables / returnables / refuse containers that accumulate / not kept clean.
20-21.20(b)(03)
Removing dead or trapped birds / insects / rodents / other pests. dead or trapped birds / insects / rodents / other pests not removed from control devices and the premises at a frequency that prevents the accumulation or attraction of pests and minimizes exposure to decomposing remains.
(corrected on site)
20-21.21(d)
Controlling pests, generally. the presence of insects, rodents, and other pests shall be controlled to eliminate their presence within the physical facility and its contents and on the contiguous land or property under the control of the permit holder by using appropriate methods of pest control, such as trapping devices or other means of pest control as specified under section 20-21.27 of this code.\r\n
(corrected on site)
20-21.21(a)(03)
Construction. walls, including nonsupporting partitions / wall coverings / ceilings, of walk-in refrigerating units / food preparation areas / food storage areas / food display areas / equipment-washing areas / utensil-washing areas not light-colored / smooth / nonabsorbent / easily cleanable except for ceilings over areas used only for beverage preparation and/or service. concrete or pumice blocks used for interior wall construction in these locations shall be finished and sealed to provide an easily cleanable surface except in dry storage areas.
20-21.23(b)
General. at least 50 foot-candles (540 lux) of light not provided at a surface where a food employee may be working with food / with utensils / with equipment such as knives / slicers / grinders / saws where employee safety is a factor.
20-21.24(a)
General. food establishment and all parts of the property used in connection with operations of the establishment not kept free of litter and items that are unnecessary to the operation or maintenance of the establishment, such as equipment that is nonfunctional or no longer in use.
20-21.28(a)(01)
Changes made in proposed arrangement of facilities not appearing on both original sets of plans and specifications.
20-25(a)
55
Jun 24, 2025
Routine
24 minor violations. 1 corrected on site.
View 24 violations
Temperature measuring device, food. no temperature measuring device provided to assure attainment / maintenance of proper internal / holding refrigerated temperature of time/temperature controlled for safety (tcs) food.
20-21.04(i)
Materials; general. all equipment and utensils not maintained in good repair.
20-21.10(a)
Plumbing fixture installation. plumbing fixtures, including compartment type utensil-and-food sinks, hand-washing sinks and mop or utility sinks, not installed to preclude splashes from running down mounting surfaces behind and adjacent to the fixture. acceptable installation methods include a liquid tight seal between fixture and mounting surface, insertion into a precut counter, table or cabinet with a perimeter seal or any other effective method. all materials used shall be safe, smooth, impervious and easily cleanable.
20-21.10(m)
Materials; general. canvas cloths. with the exception of approved easily cleanable belts on equipment used for the conveying or shaping and conveying of bakery products in the precooked stage and napkins used when serving bread and rolls, use of canvas cloths or other cloth materials as food-contact surfaces is prohibited.
(corrected on site)
20-21.10(a)(06)
Cleaning frequency. nonfood-contact surfaces of equipment not cleaned as often as is necessary to keep the equipment free of accumulation of dust, dirt, food particles, and other debris.
20-21.11(a)(07)
Manual sanitizing. failure to demonstrate with approval by the department that food-contact surfaces of all equipment and utensils are sanitized by immersion in other solutions of the chemicals specified in items 20-21.12(e)(02) through 20-21.12(e)(04).
20-21.12(e)(05)
Using chemicals for sanitization. when using chemicals for sanitization, a test kit or other device that accurately measures the concentration of the solution in parts per million or milligrams per liter not provided and used.
20-21.12(g)
Ice manufacture. ice not made from water meeting the requirements of this section / not made in an approved ice-making machine or plant / not located, installed, operated, cleaned, and maintained so as to prevent contamination of the ice.
20-21.15(f)
Backflow. backflow prevention device not installed when a hose is attached to a faucet.
20-21.17(c)
Toilet room. toilet room opening directly into room in which food is prepared / utensils are washed.
20-21.18(c)
Hand-washing sink supplies. when disposable towels are used, easily cleanable waste receptacles not conveniently located near the hand-washing facilities.
20-21.19(c)
Containers. containers stored outside the establishment / dumpsters / compactors / compactor systems / receptacles / waste handling units for refuse / recyclables / and returnables not provided with tight-fitting lids / doors / covers, not kept covered when not in actual use. in containers designed with drains, drain plugs shall be in place at all times, except during cleaning.
20-21.20(a)(03)
Storage. outside storage areas / enclosures not constructed of durable and cleanable material / not large enough to store the garbage / recyclables / returnables / refuse containers that accumulate / not kept clean.
20-21.20(b)(03)
Removing dead or trapped birds / insects / rodents / other pests. dead or trapped birds / insects / rodents / other pests not removed from control devices and the premises at a frequency that prevents the accumulation or attraction of pests and minimizes exposure to decomposing remains.
20-21.21(d)
Construction. walls, including nonsupporting partitions / wall coverings / ceilings, of walk-in refrigerating units / food preparation areas / food storage areas / food display areas / equipment-washing areas / utensil-washing areas not light-colored / smooth / nonabsorbent / easily cleanable except for ceilings over areas used only for beverage preparation and/or service. concrete or pumice blocks used for interior wall construction in these locations shall be finished and sealed to provide an easily cleanable surface except in dry storage areas.
20-21.23(b)
Maintenance. walls / ceilings, including doors, windows, skylights, and similar closures, not kept clean.
20-21.23(a)
Attachments. light fixtures / vent covers / wall-mounted fans / similar equipment not including decorative items attached to walls and ceilings not easily cleanable / not maintained in good repair / not kept clean.
20-21.23(g)
General. at least 50 foot-candles (540 lux) of light not provided at a surface where a food employee may be working with food / with utensils / with equipment such as knives / slicers / grinders / saws where employee safety is a factor.
20-21.24(a)
Special ventilation. filters not cleaned at sufficient frequency to prevent accumulation.
20-21.25(b)(03)
General. walking and driving surfaces of all exterior area of food service establishment not kept free of litter.
20-21.28(a)(02)
General. food establishment and all parts of the property used in connection with operations of the establishment not kept free of litter and items that are unnecessary to the operation or maintenance of the establishment, such as equipment that is nonfunctional or no longer in use.
20-21.28(a)(01)
Changes made in proposed construction materials of work area not appearing on both original sets of plans and specifications.
20-25(a)
Sanitation poster not conspicuously posted in area accessible to all employees / not conforming to all requirements.
20-26(c)
Signs clearly stating that smoking is prohibited within not conspicuously posted at every entrance to a public place.
21-244(b)
30
Jun 2, 2025
Routine Inspection (001)
6 minor violations. 3 corrected on site.
View 6 violations
Applicability of article; compliance; penalty for violation; variances, etc. operating a food service / processing establishment not conforming to requirements of article ii.
20-19(b)
Refrigerated storage. date marking of ready to eat foods. time/temperature controlled for safety (tcs) and ready to eat food stored at 41°f (5°c) for more than seven days.
(corrected on site)
20-21.03(b)(10)b
General. bulk food removed from original container not stored in a container identifying the food by common name.
(corrected on site)
20-21.03(a)(06)
Maintenance. walls / ceilings, including doors, windows, skylights, and similar closures, not kept clean.
20-21.23(a)
Presence and use, restrictions, conditions of use. using pesticides that have not been properly registered and approved by appropriate governmental authorities for the purpose of maintaining food service establishments in a sanitary condition.
(corrected on site)
20-21.27(a)(02)
\"no smoking\" signs or the international \"no smoking\" symbol not clearly and conspicuously posted in a public place where smoking is prohibited
21-244(a)
74
Jan 23, 2025
Routine Inspection (001)
8 minor violations. 3 corrected on site.
View 8 violations
8-304.11(k) the permit holder shall notify customers that a copy of the most recent establishment inspection report is available upon request by posting a sign or placard in a location in the food establishment that is conspicuous to customers or by another method acceptable to the regulatory authority.
20-20(c)
Refrigerated storage. date marking of ready to eat foods. time/temperature controlled for safety (tcs) and ready to eat food stored at 41°f (5°c) for more than seven days.
(corrected on site)
20-21.03(b)(10)b
General. bulk food removed from original container not stored in a container identifying the food by common name.
(corrected on site)
20-21.03(a)(06)
Materials; general. multi-use equipment and utensils not designed, constructed and repaired with safe materials, including finishing materials / not corrosion-resistant and nonabsorbent / not smooth, easily cleanable and durable under conditions of normal use.
20-21.10(a)
Toilet fixtures. toilet room not provided with at least one covered waste receptacle.
20-21.18(d)
Attachments. light fixtures / vent covers / wall-mounted fans / similar equipment not including decorative items attached to walls and ceilings not easily cleanable / not maintained in good repair / not kept clean.
20-21.23(g)
Maintenance. walls / ceilings, including doors, windows, skylights, and similar closures, not kept clean.
20-21.23(a)
Presence and use, restrictions, conditions of use. using pesticides that have not been properly registered and approved by appropriate governmental authorities for the purpose of maintaining food service establishments in a sanitary condition.
(corrected on site)
20-21.27(a)(02)
67
Apr 25, 2024
Reinspection (002)
4 minor violations. 2 corrected on site.
View 4 violations
General. bulk food removed from original container not stored in a container identifying the food by common name.
20-21.03(a)(06)
Materials; general. single-service and single-use articles. single-service articles / single-use articles reused.
20-21.10(a)(05)
Cleaning frequency. kitchenware and food-contact surfaces of equipment not washed, rinsed, and sanitized after each use and following any interruption of operations during which time contamination may have occurred.
(corrected on site)
20-21.11(a)(02)
Wiping cloths. moist cloths used for wiping food spills on kitchenware and food-contact surfaces of equipment not clean / not rinsed frequently in one of the sanitizing solutions permitted in section 20-21.12(e)(02) through (06) of this code / used for no other purpose. these cloths shall be stored in the sanitizing solution between uses.
(corrected on site)
20-21.11(c)(02)
82
Apr 15, 2024
Routine Inspection (001)
10 minor violations. 6 corrected on site.
View 10 violations
Cross contamination not prevented by storing the food in packages, containers, or wrappings except as specified under section 20-21.03(a) of this code.
(corrected on site)
20-21.02(b)(03)b
Refrigerated storage. rapid cooling temperatures. time/temperature controlled for safety (tcs) food not cooled from 135°f (21° c) to 41°f (5°c) or below within 6 hours.
(corrected on site)
20-21.03(b)(02)a
Refrigerated storage. refrigeration facilities. the sensor of a temperature measuring device shall be located to measure the air temperature or a simulated product temperature in the warmest part of the mechanically refrigerated unit and designed to be easily readable.
20-21.03(b)(01)
Refrigerated storage. date marking of ready to eat foods. time/temperature controlled for safety (tcs) / ready to eat food opened / prepared / packaged and held refrigerated for more than 24 hours not clearly marked to indicate “time food is opened / prepared” and “disposition date”.
(corrected on site)
20-21.03(b)(10)b
Hair restraint. while handling food or utensils, food employees not wearing effective hair restraints and clothing that covers body hair to prevent the contamination of food or food-contact surfaces. an effective hair restraint means any cap / hat / hair net made of fabric / cord / plastic / paper that effectively covers and holds hair in place. the use of effective hair restraints also applies to any exposed scalp or facial hair where there is the potential for contamination of food or food-contact surfaces. an effective hair restraint shall also be used in the partial or complete absence of scalp hair to preclude touching of the scalp and returning to food handling without hand-washing. facial hair restraints are not be required when facial hair is well-groomed and trimmed.
(corrected on site)
20-21.08(f)
Materials; general. all equipment and utensils not maintained in good repair.
20-21.10(a)
Toilet fixtures. toilet room not provided with at least one covered waste receptacle.
20-21.18(d)
Attachments. light fixtures / vent covers / wall-mounted fans / similar equipment not including decorative items attached to walls and ceilings not easily cleanable / not maintained in good repair / not kept clean.
20-21.23(g)
Locker areas. lockers / other suitable facilities not located in the designated dressing room / in food storage room / other area containing only completely packaged food or packaged single-service articles.
(corrected on site)
20-21.26(b)
Presence and use, restrictions, conditions of use. poisonous / toxic materials unnecessary for the operation / maintenance of the establishment / cleaning and sanitization of equipment and utensils / control of insects and rodents are prohibited in the food establishment; provided, this requirement does not apply to packaged poisonous / toxic materials that are for retail sale. restricted use pesticides specified in item (03)c of this subsection shall meet the requirements specified in 40 cfr 152, subpart i, classification of pesticides.
(corrected on site)
20-21.27(a)(01)
61
Dec 7, 2023
Routine Inspection (001)
7 minor violations.
View 7 violations
8-304.11(k) the permit holder shall notify customers that a copy of the most recent establishment inspection report is available upon request by posting a sign or placard in a location in the food establishment that is conspicuous to customers or by another method acceptable to the regulatory authority.
20-20(c)
General. bulk food removed from original container not stored in a container identifying the food by common name.
20-21.03(a)(06)
Materials; general. multi-use equipment and utensils not designed, constructed and repaired with safe materials, including finishing materials / not corrosion-resistant and nonabsorbent / not smooth, easily cleanable and durable under conditions of normal use.
20-21.10(a)
Toilet room. toilet room not provided with tight-fitting / self-closing / solid doors, which shall be closed except during cleaning or maintenance except that this requirement does not apply to a toilet room that is located outside a food establishment and does not open directly into the food establishment such as a toilet room that is provided by the management of a shopping mall or stadium-type facilities.
20-21.18(c)
Controlling pests, generally. effective measures intended to eliminate the presence of rodents, flies, cockroaches, and other insects on the premises not utilized.
20-21.21(a)
Attachments. light fixtures / vent covers / wall-mounted fans / similar equipment not including decorative items attached to walls and ceilings not easily cleanable / not maintained in good repair / not kept clean.
20-21.23(g)
General. food establishment and all parts of the property used in connection with operations of the establishment not kept free of litter and items that are unnecessary to the operation or maintenance of the establishment, such as equipment that is nonfunctional or no longer in use.
20-21.28(a)(01)
70
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Cocina Latina last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Cocina Latina on file is from Oct 20, 2025. The public record contains eight inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Cocina Latina?
Across the inspection record, “refrigerated storage” has been cited three times, more than any other issue at Cocina Latina.
How does Cocina Latina compare to other restaurants in Houston?
Cocina Latina most recently scored 90 out of 100, which is about the same as the Houston average of 88.
Has Cocina Latina's inspection record improved over time?
No. Recent inspections at Cocina Latina have averaged around 13 violations per visit, up from roughly six earlier in the record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Cocina Latina 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 Cocina Latina inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Cocina Latina is inspected around four times per year on average.
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