Taqueria El Naranjito
Last inspected: Nov 19, 2025
82
Score
Inspectors have visited Taqueria El Naranjito seven times, with records going back to 2024. The newest entry in the record is dated Nov 19, 2025. A low risk rating suggests inspectors haven't found much to be concerned about lately.
Performance has remained roughly level over recent inspections, averaging near seven violations each time.
When inspectors have written things up, “hand-washing sink installation” has been the most frequent reason, cited three times.
Taqueria El Naranjito's latest score of 82 falls below the Houston average of 88. Taken together, the history is a positive one.
7
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
4
Minor latest
Inspection History
Nov 19, 2025
Reinspection (002)
4 minor violations. 4 corrected on site.
View 4 violations
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
Refrigerated storage. rapid cooling temperatures. time/temperature controlled for safety (tcs) food not cooled from 135°f (57°c) to 70°f (21°c) within 2 hours.
(corrected on site)
20-21.03(b)(02)a
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)
Labeling of materials. working containers used for storing poisonous / toxic materials such as cleaners and sanitizers taken from bulk supplies not clearly / individually identified with the common name of the material.
(corrected on site)
20-21.27(b)
82
Sep 14, 2025
Routine Inspection (001)
10 minor violations. 6 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)
General. time without temperature control. except as specified under subitem d of this item, when time without temperature control is used as the public health control for a working supply of time/temperature controlled for safety (tcs) food before cooking, or for ready to eat time/temperature controlled for safety (tcs) food that is displayed or held for service written procedures not prepared in advance, maintained in the food establishment / not made available to the regulatory authority upon request. these written procedures shall specify methods of compliance with subitems b[01]-[03] or c[01]-[05] of this item; and methods of compliance with section 20-21.03(b)(02) of this code for food that is prepared, cooked, and refrigerated before time is used as a public health control.
20-21.02(a)(02)a
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)
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
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)
Cooking time/temperature controlled for safety (tcs) foods. consumer advisory (reminder). when animal food such as beef / eggs / fish / lamb / milk / pork / poultry / shellfish are served or sold raw / undercooked / without otherwise being processed to eliminate pathogens either in ready to eat form or as an ingredient in another ready to eat food (except as specified in items (03) and (08) of this subsection) not including an asterisking of the animal-derived foods that require disclosure in a menu or other listing to a footnote that states written information regarding the safety of these items is available upon request / consuming raw or undercooked meats, poultry, seafood, shellfish or eggs may increase the risk for foodborne illness / consuming raw or undercooked meats, poultry, seafood, shellfish, or eggs may increase the risk for foodborne illness, especially if certain medical conditions are present.
20-21.04(c)(07)
Time/temperature controlled for safety (tcs) food. except when time is used as a public health control as specified in section 20-21.02(a)(02) of this code, time/temperature controlled for safety (tcs) food shall be kept at an internal temperature of 41°f (05°c) or below or at a temperature of 135°f (57°c) or above during display and service, except that roasts cooked to a temperature and for a time specified in table 20-21.04-3 of this code or reheated as specified in table 20-21.04-01 of this code may be held for service at a temperature of 130°f (54°c) or above
(corrected on site)
20-21.05(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)
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)
Labeling of materials. working containers used for storing poisonous / toxic materials such as cleaners and sanitizers taken from bulk supplies not clearly / individually identified with the common name of the material.
(corrected on site)
20-21.27(b)
61
Apr 8, 2025
Routine Inspection (001)
8 minor violations. 1 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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
Floor junctures. in all new or extensively remodeled establishments utilizing concrete / terrazzo / ceramic tile / similar flooring materials, and where water flush cleaning methods are used, the junctures between walls and floors not coved / not sealed. in all other cases, the juncture between walls and floors shall not present an open seam of more than one-thirty-second of an inch.
20-21.22(f)
Sanitation poster not conspicuously posted in area accessible to all employees / not conforming to all requirements.
20-26(c)
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 2, 2025
Routine
No violations found.
100
May 30, 2024
Reinspection (002)
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Maintenance. walls / ceilings, including doors, windows, skylights, and similar closures, not kept clean.
20-21.23(a)
95
May 29, 2024
Reinspection (002)
17 minor violations. 4 corrected on site.
View 17 violations
Special ventilation. filters not cleaned at sufficient frequency to prevent accumulation.
20-21.25(b)(03)
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 establishment failed to maintain on premises a certificate of completion of the food handler course for each food employee.
20-53(g)
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)
Cross contamination. except when combined as ingredients, raw animal foods such as fish, beef, lamb, pork, and poultry not separated from each other during storage, preparation, holding, and display by: using separate equipment for each type of food; preparing each type of food at different times or in separate areas; and arranging each type of food in equipment so that cross contamination of one type with another is prevented.
(corrected on site)
20-21.02(b)(02)
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)
Cooking time/temperature controlled for safety (tcs) foods. permit holder failed to inform consumers of the significantly increased risk of consuming foods by way of a disclosure and reminder, as specified in items (06) and (07) of this subsection by using brochures / deli case or menu advisories / label statements / table tents / placards / other effective written means when animal food such as beef / eggs / fish / lamb / milk / pork / poultry / shellfish is served or sold raw / undercooked / without otherwise being processed to eliminate pathogens either in ready to eat form or as an ingredient in another ready to eat food (except as specified in items (03) and (08) of this subsection).
20-21.04(c)(05)
Materials; general. single-service and single-use articles. single-service articles / single-use articles reused.
20-21.10(a)(05)
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. 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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
Maintenance. walls / ceilings, including doors, windows, skylights, and similar closures, not kept clean.
20-21.23(a)
43
Feb 13, 2024
Routine Inspection (001)
11 minor violations. 3 corrected on site.
View 11 violations
Refrigerated storage. methods for rapid cooling. approved methods for rapid cooling not utilized.
(corrected on site)
20-21.03(b)(03)
Cooking time/temperature controlled for safety (tcs) foods. consumer advisory (disclosure). when animal food such as beef / eggs / fish / lamb / milk / pork / poultry / shellfish are served or sold raw / undercooked / without otherwise being processed to eliminate pathogens either in ready to eat form or as an ingredient in another ready to eat food (except as specified in items (03) and (08) of this subsection) not including a description of the animal-derived foods, such as \"oysters on the half shell (raw oysters)\", \"raw-egg caesar salad\", and \"hamburgers (can be cooked to order) / identification of the animal-derived foods in a menu or other listing by asterisking them to a footnote that states that the items are served raw or undercooked or contain (or may contain) raw or undercooked ingredients.
20-21.04(c)(06)
Materials; general. single-service and single-use articles. single-service articles / single-use articles reused.
20-21.10(a)(05)
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)
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)
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)
Containers. in containers designed with drains, drain plugs not in place at all times, except during cleaning.
20-21.20(a)(03)
Maintenance. walls / ceilings, including doors, windows, skylights, and similar closures, not kept clean.
20-21.23(a)
Special ventilation. filters not cleaned at sufficient frequency to prevent accumulation.
20-21.25(b)(03)
Storage, separation of materials. poisonous or toxic materials not stored so they cannot contaminate food / equipment / utensils / linens / single-service and single-use articles. this may be accomplished by separating the poisonous / toxic material by spacing / partitioning and locating the poisonous / toxic material in an area that is not above food / equipment / utensils / linens / single-service or single-use articles. this item does not apply to equipment or utensil cleaners or sanitizers that are stored in utensil-washing areas for availability and convenience if the materials are stored to prevent contamination of food / equipment / utensils / linens / or single-service or single-use articles.
(corrected on site)
20-21.27(c)
Food employee failed to successfully complete a food handler training course within 60 days of employment.
20-53(f)
58
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Taqueria El Naranjito last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Taqueria El Naranjito on file is from Nov 19, 2025. The public record contains seven inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Taqueria El Naranjito?
Across the inspection record, “hand-washing sink installation” has been cited three times, more than any other issue at Taqueria El Naranjito.
How does Taqueria El Naranjito compare to other restaurants in Houston?
Taqueria El Naranjito most recently scored 82 out of 100, which is lower than the Houston average of 88.
Has Taqueria El Naranjito's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Taqueria El Naranjito have averaged around seven violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Taqueria El Naranjito 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 Taqueria El Naranjito inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Taqueria El Naranjito is inspected around four times per year on average.
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