La Estrella Taqueria (Inside Laestrella Market)
Last inspected: Dec 28, 2025
61
Score
La Estrella Taqueria, located at 10420 Eastex Fwy in Houston, TX, underwent a moderate-risk inspection on December 28, 2025, with a score of 61. The inspection identified ten minor violations, including issues with maintaining proper food temperatures, preventing cross-contamination, and storing food in uncovered or unclean containers. This recent inspection aligns with a historical pattern of medium-risk assessments across six scored inspections at the facility.
6
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
10
Minor latest
Inspection History
Dec 28, 2025
Routine Inspection (001)
10 minor violations. 3 corrected on site.
View 10 violations
General. the internal temperature of time/temperature controlled for safety (tcs) food not maintained at 41°f (05°c) or below or 135°f (57°c) or above at all times, except as otherwise provided in this article or unless a packaged product is so labeled as exempted and approved by the appropriate state or federal health authority.
(corrected on site)
20-21.02(a)(01)
Cross contamination. except as specified in subitem c of this item, food not protected from cross contamination by separating raw animal foods during storage, preparation, holding and display from: raw ready to eat foods including other raw animal food such as fish for sushi or molluscan shellfish or other raw ready to eat food such as vegetables; cooked ready to eat foods. frozen, commercially processed and packaged raw animal food may be stored or displayed with or above frozen, commercially processed and packaged, ready to eat food.
(corrected on site)
20-21.02(b)(01)
General. raw / prepared food removed from original containers / packages being stored in unclean containers / being stored in uncovered containers..
(corrected on site)
20-21.03(a)(01)
Materials; general. all equipment and utensils not maintained in good repair.
20-21.10(a)
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)
Wiping cloths. moist cloths used for cleaning nonfood-contact surfaces of equipment such as counters, dining table tops and shelves 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.
20-21.11(c)(03)
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)
Floors. floors and floor coverings of all food preparation, food storage, utensil-washing areas, walk-in refrigerating units, dressing rooms, locker rooms, and toilet rooms shall be maintained in good repair.
20-21.22(a)
Special ventilation. cooking equipment not provided with a ventilation hood / not installed in the manner required by all applicable laws. this subsection does not apply to microwave ovens / electric convection ovens of approved types / electric rice cookers / ovens of approved types.
20-21.25(b)(05)
\"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)
61
May 23, 2025
Complaint (003)
5 minor violations. 2 corrected on site.
View 5 violations
General. the internal temperature of time/temperature controlled for safety (tcs) food not maintained at 41°f (05°c) or below or 135°f (57°c) or above at all times, except as otherwise provided in this article or unless a packaged product is so labeled as exempted and approved by the appropriate state or federal health authority.
(corrected on site)
20-21.02(a)(01)
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)
Wiping cloths. cloths used for wiping food spills on tableware, such as plates or bowls being served to the consumer, not clean, dry and used for no other purpose.
(corrected on site)
20-21.11(c)(01)
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)
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)
78
Mar 16, 2025
Routine Inspection (001)
10 minor violations. 3 corrected on site.
View 10 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)
Cross contamination. except as specified in subitem c of this item, food not protected from cross contamination by separating raw animal foods during storage, preparation, holding and display from: raw ready to eat foods including other raw animal food such as fish for sushi or molluscan shellfish or other raw ready to eat food such as vegetables; cooked ready to eat foods. frozen, commercially processed and packaged raw animal food may be stored or displayed with or above frozen, commercially processed and packaged, ready to eat food.
(corrected on site)
20-21.02(b)(01)
General. the internal temperature of time/temperature controlled for safety (tcs) food not maintained at 41°f (05°c) or below or 135°f (57°c) or above at all times, except as otherwise provided in this article or unless a packaged product is so labeled as exempted and approved by the appropriate state or federal health authority.
20-21.02(a)(01)
General. packaged / unpackaged food stored in contact with water / un-drained ice.
20-21.03(a)(05)
Materials; general. all equipment and utensils not maintained in good repair.
20-21.10(a)
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)
Storage. cleaned and sanitized utensils and movable equipment not stored at least six inches above the floor in a clean, dry location in a way that protects them from contamination by splash, dust, and other means.
(corrected on site)
20-21.14(b)(01)
Maintenance. walls / ceilings, including doors, windows, skylights, and similar closures, not maintained in good repair.
20-21.23(a)
Special ventilation. cooking equipment not provided with a ventilation hood / not installed in the manner required by all applicable laws. this subsection does not apply to microwave ovens / electric convection ovens of approved types / electric rice cookers / ovens of approved types.
(corrected on site)
20-21.25(b)(05)
\"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)
61
Aug 30, 2024
Routine
No violations found.
100
Aug 23, 2024
Routine
8 minor violations. 1 corrected on site.
View 8 violations
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)
Covering material installation. wall and ceiling covering materials not attached and sealed so as to be easily cleanable.
20-21.23(h)
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)
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)
Nonfood-contact surfaces. surfaces of equipment not intended for contact with food that are exposed to splash or food debris or otherwise require frequent cleaning not designed / fabricated to be smooth / washable / free of unnecessary ledges, projections, or crevices / readily accessible for cleaning / easily cleanable / not kept in good repair.
(corrected on site)
20-21.10(g)
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)
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)
Protective shielding. light bulbs not shielded / coated / otherwise shatter-resistant in areas where there is exposed food, clean equipment / utensils / linens / unwrapped single-service or single-use articles, except as specified in subitems a and b of this item shielded / coated / otherwise shatter-resistant bulbs need not be provided in areas used only for storing food and single-service articles in unopened packages if the integrity of the packages cannot be affected by broken glass falling onto them and the packages are capable of being cleaned of debris from broken bulbs before the packages are opened.
20-21.24(b)(01)
67
Aug 4, 2024
Routine Inspection (001)
15 minor violations. 1 corrected on site.
View 15 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)
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)
Temperature measuring device, food. food temperature measuring devices accurate to ±02°f in the intended range of use not provided / not used to assure attainment and maintenance of proper internal cooking, holding, or refrigeration temperatures of all time/temperature controlled for safety (tcs) food if the thermometers are scaled only in fahrenheit. if the thermometers are scaled in celsius or dually scaled, they shall be accurate to ±01°c in the intended range of use. a temperature measuring device with a suitable small-diameter probe that is designed to measure the temperature of thin masses not provided / not readily accessible to accurately measure the temperature in thin foods, such as meat patties and fish fillets.
20-21.04(i)
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)
Hand-washing signage. sign / icon / poster that notifies food employees to wash their hands not provided at all hand-washing sinks used by food employees / not clearly visible to food employees.
20-21.19(g)
Hand-washing sink maintenance. hand-washing sink / soap dispenser / hand-drying device/ related fixtures not kept clean / not in good repair.
20-21.19(d)
Hand-washing sink supplies. hand-washing sink or group of adjacent hand-washing sinks not provided with individual, disposable towels / a continuous towel system that supplies the user with a clean towel / a hand-drying device providing heated air or a hand-drying device that employs an air-knife system that delivers high velocity, pressurized air at ambient temperatures.
20-21.19(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)
Floors. floors and floor coverings of all food preparation, food storage, utensil-washing areas, walk-in refrigerating units, dressing rooms, locker rooms, and toilet rooms shall be kept clean.
20-21.22(a)
Special ventilation. filters not cleaned at sufficient frequency to prevent accumulation.
20-21.25(b)(03)
General. equipment / utensils not in current use not stored in a clean and sanitary condition.
20-21.28(a)(03)
Food establishment failed to maintain on premises a certificate of completion of the food handler course for each food employee.
20-53(g)
\"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)
47
Nearby Restaurants