Pupuseria Emanuel

5620 Telephone Rd, Houston, TX 77087
Mexican / Latin
Last inspected: Oct 7, 2025
50
Score
High Risk

Going back to 2024, Pupuseria Emanuel has three inspections in the public record. The most recent visit was on Oct 7, 2025. The high risk label is a heads-up that the most recent visit didn't go well.

Violation counts have ticked up lately, averaging around 14 violations per visit versus roughly six violations earlier in the record.

The most common issue across all inspections has been “refrigerated storage”, showing up three times.

The city-wide average sits at 88, which Pupuseria Emanuel's 50 doesn't quite reach. The pattern in the record is worth a careful look.

3
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
14
Minor latest
Inspection History
Oct 7, 2025
Reinspection (002)
14 minor violations. 3 corrected on site.
View 14 violations
Special requirements. manufactured food. all food manufactured, processed, or packaged in commercial food processing establishments or commissaries not labeled according to all applicable laws as defined in tfer 228.78 and 228.79.
20-21.01(b)(06)
Refrigerated storage. cold storage of foods. time/temperature controlled for safety (tcs) food not maintained at 41°f (5°c) in cold storage. (corrected on site)
20-21.03(b)(09)
General. raw / prepared food removed from original containers / packages being stored in unclean containers / being stored in uncovered containers..
20-21.03(a)(01)
General. bulk food removed from original container not stored in a container identifying the food by common name.
20-21.03(a)(06)
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
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)
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)
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)
Controlling pests, generally. premises not kept in such condition as to prevent the harborage or feeding of insects or rodents.
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)
Maintenance. walls / ceilings, including doors, windows, skylights, and similar closures, not kept clean.
20-21.23(a)
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)
Food employee failed to successfully complete a food handler training course within 60 days of employment.
20-53(f)
\"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)
50
Jun 2, 2025
Routine Inspection (001)
8 minor violations. 2 corrected on site.
View 8 violations
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.
20-21.03(a)(02)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. raw / prepared food removed from original containers / packages being stored in unclean containers / being stored in uncovered containers..
20-21.03(a)(01)
Materials; general. all equipment and utensils not maintained in good repair. (corrected on site)
20-21.10(a)
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)
Maintenance. walls / ceilings, including doors, windows, skylights, and similar closures, not maintained in good repair.
20-21.23(a)
Food establishment failed to maintain on premises a certificate of completion of the food handler course for each food employee.
20-53(g)
67
Apr 8, 2024
Reinspection (002)
5 minor violations. 2 corrected on site.
View 5 violations
Special requirements. manufactured food. all food manufactured, processed, or packaged in commercial food processing establishments or commissaries not labeled according to all applicable laws as defined in tfer 228.78 and 228.79. (corrected on site)
20-21.01(b)(06)
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. container of food not stored a minimum of 6 inches above the floor.
20-21.03(a)(02)
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)
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.
20-21.11(c)(02)
78

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Pupuseria Emanuel last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at Pupuseria Emanuel on file is from Oct 7, 2025. The public record contains three inspections in total.

What is the most common violation at Pupuseria Emanuel?

Across the inspection record, “refrigerated storage” has been cited three times, more than any other issue at Pupuseria Emanuel.

How does Pupuseria Emanuel compare to other restaurants in Houston?

Pupuseria Emanuel most recently scored 50 out of 100, which is lower than the Houston average of 88.

Has Pupuseria Emanuel's inspection record improved over time?

No. Recent inspections at Pupuseria Emanuel have averaged around 14 violations per visit, up from roughly six earlier in the record.

What does a high risk rating mean?

A high risk rating at Pupuseria Emanuel 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.

How often is Pupuseria Emanuel inspected?

Based on the inspection history on file, Pupuseria Emanuel is inspected around two times per year on average.