Tu Casa
Last inspected: Jun 12, 2025
64
Score
Tu Casa, located at 11055 East Fwy in Houston, TX, had a moderate risk inspection on June 12, 2025, with a score of 64. The inspection identified nine minor violations, including issues with plumbing fixture installation, proper storage of wiping cloths, and the elevation of cleaned and sanitized utensils and equipment. This inspection continues a historical pattern of medium-risk assessments across five scored inspections at the Mexican/Latin restaurant.
5
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
9
Minor latest
Inspection History
Jun 12, 2025
Reinspection (002)
9 minor violations. 3 corrected on site.
View 9 violations
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)
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.
(corrected on site)
20-21.11(c)(03)
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.
20-21.14(b)(01)
Single-service articles. single-service and single-use articles not stored at least six inches (15 cm) above the floor on dollies / pallets / racks / skids designed as specified under section 20-21.03(a)2b of this code / not kept in closed cartons that protect them from contamination, except for automatic fire protection sprinkler heads that may be required by law.
20-21.14(c)(01)
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.
(corrected on site)
20-21.19(c)
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)
Cleaning equipment storage. after use, mops not placed in a position that allows them to air-dry without soiling walls / equipment / supplies.
(corrected on site)
20-21.28(e)
Food establishment failed to maintain on premises a certificate of completion of the food handler course for each food employee.
20-53(g)
64
Apr 16, 2025
Reinspection (002)
7 minor violations. 3 corrected on site.
View 7 violations
Condemnation and disposition of contaminated food. tagged food / equipment used/not held pursuant pending disposition.
20-02
Thawing time/temperature controlled for safety (tcs) food. reduced oxygen packaged fish that bears a label indicating that it is to be kept frozen until time of use not removed from the reduced oxygen environment prior to thawing under refrigeration as specified in item (01) of this subsection, or prior to, or immediately upon completion of thawing using procedures specified in item (02) of this subsection.
(corrected on site)
20-21.04(j)
Bulk food display, service. the sale of unpackaged food that is displayed and sold in bulk from a self-service container is authorized, provided that the self-service container has a tight-fitting lid that is securely attached to the container and kept closed except during service or refill; the container, lid and any other utensil are constructed of nontoxic materials that provide for easy cleaning and proper repair; a utensil equipped with a handle is provided and used for dispensing of food; and a conspicuous sign instructing the customer on the proper dispensing procedure is posted in the immediate display area.
(corrected on site)
20-21.05(i)(01)
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.
20-21.08(f)
Cleaning frequency. dry cleaning. surfaces of utensils and equipment contacting food that is not time/temperature controlled for safety (tcs) food not cleaned in equipment such as ice bins, beverage dispensing nozzles, enclosed components of equipment such as ice makers, cooking oil storage tanks and distribution lines, beverage and syrup dispensing lines or tubes, coffee bean grinders, and water vending equipment at a frequency specified by the manufacturer; or absent manufacturer specifications, at a frequency necessary to preclude accumulation of soil or mold. this subsection does not apply when dry cleaning methods are used as specified in subitems a and b of this item.
20-21.11(a)(08)c[04]
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.
(corrected on site)
20-21.23(g)
Food establishment failed to maintain on premises a certificate of completion of the food handler course for each food employee.
20-53(g)
70
Mar 2, 2025
Routine Inspection (001)
10 minor violations. 5 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)
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
General. container of food not stored a minimum of 6 inches above the floor.
20-21.03(a)(02)
Thawing time/temperature controlled for safety (tcs) food. reduced oxygen packaged fish that bears a label indicating that it is to be kept frozen until time of use not removed from the reduced oxygen environment prior to thawing under refrigeration as specified in item (01) of this subsection, or prior to, or immediately upon completion of thawing using procedures specified in item (02) of this subsection.
(corrected on site)
20-21.04(j)
Bulk food display, service. the sale of unpackaged food that is displayed and sold in bulk from a self-service container is authorized, provided that the self-service container has a tight-fitting lid that is securely attached to the container and kept closed except during service or refill; the container, lid and any other utensil are constructed of nontoxic materials that provide for easy cleaning and proper repair; a utensil equipped with a handle is provided and used for dispensing of food; and a conspicuous sign instructing the customer on the proper dispensing procedure is posted in the immediate display area.
20-21.05(i)(01)
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)
Cleaning frequency. dry cleaning. surfaces of utensils and equipment contacting food that is not time/temperature controlled for safety (tcs) food not cleaned in equipment such as ice bins, beverage dispensing nozzles, enclosed components of equipment such as ice makers, cooking oil storage tanks and distribution lines, beverage and syrup dispensing lines or tubes, coffee bean grinders, and water vending equipment at a frequency specified by the manufacturer; or absent manufacturer specifications, at a frequency necessary to preclude accumulation of soil or mold. this subsection does not apply when dry cleaning methods are used as specified in subitems a and b of this item.
20-21.11(a)(08)c[04]
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)
Food establishment failed to maintain on premises a certificate of completion of the food handler course for each food employee.
20-53(g)
61
Mar 6, 2024
Routine
No violations found.
100
Mar 5, 2024
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Toilet fixtures. easily cleanable receptacles not provided for waste materials.
20-21.18(d)
Utility line/duct installation. exposed utility service lines and pipes not installed in a way that does not obstruct or prevent cleaning of the walls and ceilings. utility service lines and pipes shall not be unnecessarily exposed on walls or ceilings in those areas listed in subsection (b) of this section. service lines behind counters used only for beverage preparation may be exposed on the inside counter walls if necessary for service and if kept to a minimum. if exposed in rooms or areas allowed in subsection (c) of this section, air conditioning / ventilation / heating ducts shall be of smooth rigid metal and designed with a circular cross-section.
20-21.23(f)
Wall protection. walls within water closet compartments / walls within two feet of the front and sides of urinals / hand-washing sinks / utensil-washing sinks / food sinks / mop or utility sinks / walls subject to damage from moisture not provided to a height of at least four feet above the finished floor with a smooth / light-colored impervious surface of a type not adversely affected by moisture or grease except that light-colored wall protection is not required in toilet rooms.
20-21.23(d)
\"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)
82
Violations — Jun 12, 2025 Inspection
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)
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.
(corrected on site)
20-21.11(c)(03)
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.
20-21.14(b)(01)
Single-service articles. single-service and single-use articles not stored at least six inches (15 cm) above the floor on dollies / pallets / racks / skids designed as specified under section 20-21.03(a)2b of this code / not kept in closed cartons that protect them from contamination, except for automatic fire protection sprinkler heads that may be required by law.
20-21.14(c)(01)
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.
(corrected on site)
20-21.19(c)
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)
Cleaning equipment storage. after use, mops not placed in a position that allows them to air-dry without soiling walls / equipment / supplies.
(corrected on site)
20-21.28(e)
Food establishment failed to maintain on premises a certificate of completion of the food handler course for each food employee.
20-53(g)
Substantial (Critical)
Serious (Major)
General (Minor)
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