Payless a to Z Food Mart

1920 Jensen Dr, Houston, TX 77026
Grocery / Market
Last inspected: Aug 1, 2025
52
Score
High Risk

There aren't many inspections to draw from yet: just two so far. The latest inspection on file is from Aug 1, 2025. Diners may want to take note: high risk reflects issues that a health inspector considered important.

The trend has been moving in the right direction: 15 violations last time, 13 this time.

Compared to other Houston restaurants (averaging 87), there's room to close the gap. The pattern in the record is worth a careful look.

2
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
13
Minor latest
Inspection History
Aug 1, 2025
Reinspection (002)
13 minor violations. 3 corrected on site.
View 13 violations
Applicability of article; compliance; penalty for violation; variances, etc. permit holder / person in charge of the food establishment / mobile food unit not in compliance in accordance with provisions of article ii concerning food storage / food preparation / food display / training of employees in basic food safety principles including allergy awareness / not ensuring that food and conditional employees are informed of their responsibility to report information regarding health and activities as they relate to diseases that are transmissible through food / not ensuring written procedures and plans are developed by the food establishment are maintained / implemented. (corrected on site)
20-19(d)
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. 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)
General. container of food not stored a minimum of 6 inches above the floor.
20-21.03(a)(02)
General. using shipping containers / milk / produce crates as storage racks / support shelves. (corrected on site)
20-21.03(a)(02)c
General. contamination event. food establishment without written procedures for employees to follow when responding to vomiting or diarrheal events. (corrected on site)
20-21.07(a)(03)
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)
Cleaning frequency. dry cleaning. when used, dry cleaning methods such as brushing, scraping, and vacuuming not only in contact with surfaces that are soiled with dry food residues that are not from time/temperature controlled for safety (tcs) food.
20-21.11(a)(08)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)
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)
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)
Cleaning equipment storage. after use, mops not placed in a position that allows them to air-dry without soiling walls / equipment / supplies.
20-21.28(e)
52
Jan 24, 2025
Routine Inspection (001)
15 minor violations.
View 15 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)
Design and fabrication; general.sinks and drain boards of utensil-washing sinks and dishwashing machines not self-draining.
20-21.10(b)(04)
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)
Cleaning frequency. food-contact surfaces of grills, griddles, and similar cooking devices and the cavities and door seals of microwave ovens not cleaned at least once a day; except that this shall not apply to hot oil cooking and hot oil filtering equipment if it is cleaned as specified in subsection (f) of this section. the food-contact surfaces of all cooking equipment shall be kept free of crusted grease deposits and other accumulated soil.
20-21.11(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)
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)
Toilet fixtures. toilet room not provided with at least one covered waste receptacle.
20-21.18(d)
Hand-washing sink supplies. supply of hand-cleansing liquid / powder / bar soap not available at each hand-washing sink or group of two adjacent hand-washing sinks.
20-21.19(c)
Hand-washing sink faucets. hand-washing sink not equipped to provide water at a temperature of at least 100°f (38°c) through a mixing valve or combination faucet. hand-washing sinks in facilities providing custodial care for preschool age children that are used only by the children may provide only cold running water.
20-21.19(b)
Openings. outside openings not protected against the entrance of insects by filling or closing holes and other gaps along floors / walls / ceilings / tight-fitting, self-closing doors, kept closed / closed windows / screening / properly designed and installed air curtains to control flying insects / other means.
20-21.21(b)
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)
Maintenance. walls / ceilings, including doors, windows, skylights, and similar closures, not maintained in good repair.
20-21.23(a)
Cleaning equipment storage. after use, mops not placed in a position that allows them to air-dry without soiling walls / equipment / supplies.
20-21.28(e)
Sanitation poster not conspicuously posted in area accessible to all employees / not conforming to all requirements.
20-26(c)
\"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

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Payless a to Z Food Mart last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at Payless a to Z Food Mart on file is from Aug 1, 2025. The public record contains two inspections in total.

How does Payless a to Z Food Mart compare to other restaurants in Houston?

Payless a to Z Food Mart most recently scored 52 out of 100, which is lower than the Houston average of 87.

Has Payless a to Z Food Mart's inspection record improved over time?

Yes. Recent inspections at Payless a to Z Food Mart have turned up fewer violations than earlier ones, with the latest finding around 13 violations compared to about 15 previously.

What does a high risk rating mean?

A high risk rating at Payless a to Z Food Mart means the most recent inspection flagged either critical violations or a substantial number of smaller ones. Diners may want to read the violation details before deciding to visit.