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DETROIT RESTAURANT INSPECTIONS

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El Rancho Mexican Restaurant
5900 W Vernor St

Food Service Establishment

StatusLicensed
License typeFixed Establishment
State license number035230
OwnerAlfonso Avila
Complexity levelHigh
Review frequencyEvery 150 days

9 Inspections
Since 8-1-2016

10-07-2025
Routine Inspection

OutcomeCompliant
2 violations cited :
Code 4-501.11
Equipment in poor repair
FULL FOOD CODE:
EQUIPMENT shall be maintained in a state of repair and condition that meets the requirements of the code.
Core
Not corrected
Code 3-304.14
Wiping cloth(s) stored soiled
FULL FOOD CODE:
(A) Cloths that are in use for wiping FOOD spills on TABLEWARE shall be maintained dry and used for no other purpose. (B) Cloths in-use for wiping counters and equipment shall be held between uses in a chemical sanitizer solution, and laundered daily. (C) Cloths in-use for wiping surfaces in contact with raw animal FOODS shall be kept separate from cloths used for other purposes. (D) Dry wiping cloths and the chemical sanitizing solutions shall be free of FOOD debris or visible soil. (E) Containers of chemical sanitizing solutions shall be stored off the floor and used in a manner that prevents contamination of FOOD, EQUIPMENT, UTENSILS, LINENS, SINGLE-SERVICE, or SINGLE-USE ARTICLES. (E) SINGLE-USE disposable sanitizer wipes shall be used in accordance lable instructions.
Core
Corrected on 12-16-2025

02-21-2025
Routine Inspection

OutcomeCompliant
1 violation cited :
Code 3-304.14
Wiping cloth(s) stored soiled
FULL FOOD CODE:
(A) Cloths that are in use for wiping FOOD spills on TABLEWARE shall be maintained dry and used for no other purpose. (B) Cloths in-use for wiping counters and equipment shall be held between uses in a chemical sanitizer solution, and laundered daily. (C) Cloths in-use for wiping surfaces in contact with raw animal FOODS shall be kept separate from cloths used for other purposes. (D) Dry wiping cloths and the chemical sanitizing solutions shall be free of FOOD debris or visible soil. (E) Containers of chemical sanitizing solutions shall be stored off the floor and used in a manner that prevents contamination of FOOD, EQUIPMENT, UTENSILS, LINENS, SINGLE-SERVICE, or SINGLE-USE ARTICLES. (E) SINGLE-USE disposable sanitizer wipes shall be used in accordance lable instructions.
Core
Corrected on 12-16-2025

07-19-2024
Routine Inspection

OutcomeCompliant
0 violations cited

01-25-2024
Routine Inspection

OutcomeCompliant
2 violations cited :
Code 3-501.18
Ready to eat, potentially hazardous food(s) beyond consume by date
FULL FOOD CODE:
A FOOD specified in ¶ 3-501.17(A) or (B) shall be discarded if it: (1) Exceeds the temperature and time combination specified in ¶ 3-501.17(A), except time that the product is frozen; (P) (2) Is in a container or PACKAGE that does not bear a date or day; (P) or (3) Is appropriately marked with a date or day that exceeds a temperature and time combination as specified in ¶ 3-501.17(A). (P)
Priority
Corrected on 12-16-2025
Code 5-205.11
Handwashing sink(s) not easily accessible items stored in front of
FULL FOOD CODE:
(A) A HANDWASHING SINK shall be maintained so that it is accessible at all times for EMPLOYEE use and used for no other purpose. (Pf) (B) An automatic handwashing facility shall be used in accordance with manufacturer's instructions. (Pf)
Priority Foundation
Corrected on 12-16-2025

06-30-2023
Routine Inspection

OutcomeNot compliant
6 violations cited :
Code 3-302.11
Food not covered
FULL FOOD CODE:
(A) FOOD shall be protected from cross contamination by: (1) Except as specified in (1)(c) below, separating raw animal FOODS during storage, preparation, holding, and display from: (a) Raw READY-TO-EAT FOOD including other raw animal FOOD such as FISH for sushi or MOLLUSCAN SHELLFISH, or other raw READY-TO-EAT FOOD such as fruits and vegetables,(P) and (b) Cooked READY-TO-EAT FOOD; (P) (c) 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. (2) Except when combined as ingredients, separating types of raw animal FOODS from each other such as beef, FISH, lamb, pork, and POULTRY during storage, preparation, holding, and display by: (a) Using separate EQUIPMENT for each type, (P) or (b) Arranging each type of FOOD in EQUIPMENT so that cross contamination of one type with another is prevented, (P) and (c) Preparing each type of FOOD at different times or in separate areas; (P)
Priority
Not corrected
Code 3-501.17
In house prepared ready-to-eat potentially hazardous food(s) without date of consumption marking
FULL FOOD CODE:
(A) READY-TO-EAT, POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD (TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOOD) prepared and held refrigerated for more than 24 hours in a FOOD ESTABLISHMENT shall be clearly marked at the time of preparation to indicate the date or day by which the FOOD shall be consumed. (Pf) (B) A container of refrigerated, commercially prepared READY-TO-EAT POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD (TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOOD) shall be clearly marked, at the time the original container is opened in a FOOD ESTABLISHMENT, to indicate the date or day by which the FOOD shall be consumed. (Pf) A date marking system that does not exceed 7 days, including date of preparation, or opening is to be used. (Pf)
Priority Foundation
Corrected on 12-16-2025
Code 4-602.11
Food-contact surface(s) and utensil(s) not cleaned
FULL FOOD CODE:
(A) Equipment FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES and UTENSILS shall be cleaned: (1) Except as specified in ¶ (B) of this section, before each use with a different type of raw animal FOOD such as beef, FISH, lamb, pork, or POULTRY; (P) (2) Each time there is a change from working with raw FOODS to working with READY-TO-EAT FOODS; (P) (3) Between uses with raw fruits and vegetables and with POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD (TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOOD); (P) (4) Before using or storing a FOOD TEMPERATURE MEASURING DEVICE; (P) and (5) At any time during the operation when contamination may have occurred. (P) (B) Subparagraph (A)(1) of this section does not apply if the FOOD-CONTACT SURFACE or UTENSIL is in contact with a succession of different raw animal FOODS each requiring a higher cooking temperature as specified under § 3-401.11 than the previous FOOD, such as preparing raw FISH followed by cutting raw poultry on the same cutting board. (C) Except as specified in ¶ (D) of this section, if used with POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD (TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOOD), EQUIPMENT FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES and UTENSILS shall be cleaned throughout the day at least every 4 hours. (P) (D) Except when dry cleaning methods are used as specified under § 4-603.11, surfaces of UTENSILS and EQUIPMENT contacting FOOD that is not POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS (TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOOD) shall be cleaned: (1) At any time when contamination may have occurred; (2) At least every 24 hours for iced tea dispensers and CONSUMER self-service UTENSILS such as tongs, scoops, or ladles; (3) Before restocking CONSUMER self-service EQUIPMENT and UTENSILS such as condiment dispensers and display containers; and (4) In EQUIPMENT such as ice bins and BEVERAGE dispensing nozzles and 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: (a) At a frequency specified by the manufacturer, or (b) Absent manufacturer specifications, at a frequency necessary to preclude accumulation of soil or mold.
Core
Not corrected
Code 3-301.11
Food item(s) handled
FULL FOOD CODE:
(A) To prevent food contamination FOOD EMPLOYEES shall properly wash their hands. (B) FOOD EMPLOYEES may not contact exposed, READY-TO-EAT FOOD with their bare hands and shall use suitable UTENSILS such as deli tissue, spatulas, tongs, single-use gloves, or dispensing EQUIPMENT. (P) (C) FOOD EMPLOYEES shall minimize bare hand and arm contact with exposed FOOD that is not in a READY-TO-EAT form. (Pf)
Core
Not corrected
Code 3-307.11
Food not safe
FULL FOOD CODE:
FOOD shall be protected from contamination that may result from a factor or source not specified under Subparts 3-301 - 3-306.
Core
Corrected on 12-16-2025
Code 3-302.12
Food item(s) not identified
FULL FOOD CODE:
Except for containers holding FOOD that can be readily and unmistakably recognized such as dry pasta, working containers holding FOOD or FOOD ingredients that are removed from their original packages for use in the FOOD ESTABLISHMENT, such as cooking oils, flour, herbs, potato flakes, salt, spices, and sugar shall be identified with the common name of the FOOD.
Core
Not corrected

09-29-2022
Routine Inspection

OutcomeCompliant
2 violations cited :
Code 4-302.14
Sanitizer test kit chlorine not provided
FULL FOOD CODE:
A test kit or other device that accurately measures the concentration in mg/L of SANITIZING solutions shall be provided. (Pf)
Priority Foundation
Corrected on 12-16-2025
Code 6-501.14
Ventilation system intake air ducts not clean
FULL FOOD CODE:
(A) Intake and exhaust air ducts shall be cleaned and filters changed so they are not a source of contamination by dust, dirt, and other materials. (B) If vented to the outside, ventilation systems may not create a public health HAZARD or nuisance or unLAWful discharge.
Core
Not corrected

03-08-2022
Routine Inspection

OutcomeCompliant
3 violations cited :
Code 3-305.11
Food item(s) in storage stored on floor or less than 6 inches above floor
FULL FOOD CODE:
FOOD shall be protected from contamination by storing the FOOD: (1) In a clean, dry location; (2) Where it is not exposed to splash, dust, or other contamination; and (3) At least 15 cm (6 inches) above the floor, unless otherwise approved.
Core
Not corrected
Code 4-501.11
Equipment broken
FULL FOOD CODE:
EQUIPMENT shall be maintained in a state of repair and condition that meets the requirements of the code.
Core
Not corrected
Code 6-501.11
Physical facilities floor s in poor repair
FULL FOOD CODE:
PHYSICAL FACILITIES shall be maintained in good repair.
Core
Not corrected

08-26-2021
Routine Inspection

OutcomeCompliant
6 violations cited :
Code 3-403.11
Reheated food(s) reheated to less than 165 degrees f
FULL FOOD CODE:
(A) POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD that is cooked, cooled, and reheated for hot holding shall be reheated so that all parts of the FOOD reach a temperature of at least 165°F for 15 seconds, if reheated in a microwave oven the FOOD must be rotated or stirred, covered, and allowed to stand covered for 2 minutes after reheating. (P) (B) Commercially processed READY-TO-EAT FOOD shall be heated to a temperature of at least 135°F for hot holding. (P) (C) Reheating for hot holding shall be done rapidly and the may not exceed 2 hours. (P)
Priority
Corrected on 12-16-2025
Code 3-501.16
Cold food item(s) stored above 41 degrees f
FULL FOOD CODE:
Except during preparation, cooking, or cooling, or when time is used as the public health control POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD (TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOOD) shall be maintained: (A) 135ºF or above, except that roasts properly cooked and cooled may be held at a temperature of 130ºF; or (P) (B) At 41ºF or less (P)
Priority
Corrected on 12-16-2025
Code 4-301.11
Equipment cold holding refrigerator inadequate
FULL FOOD CODE:
EQUIPMENT for cooling and heating FOOD, and holding cold and hot FOOD, shall be sufficient in number and capacity to provide FOOD temperatures as required. (Pf)
Priority Foundation
Corrected on 12-16-2025
Code 4-502.11
Food thermometer(s) not calibrated
FULL FOOD CODE:
(A) UTENSILS shall be maintained in a state of repair or condition that complies with the requirements specified under Parts 4-1 and 4-2 or shall be discarded. (B) FOOD TEMPERATURE MEASURING DEVICES shall be calibrated in accordance with manufacturer's specifications as necessary to ensure their accuracy. (Pf) (C) Ambient air temperature, water pressure, and water TEMPERATURE MEAURING DEVICES shall be maintained in good repair and be accurate within the intended range of use.
Priority Foundation
Corrected on 12-16-2025
Code 4-501.11
Equipment components broken
FULL FOOD CODE:
EQUIPMENT shall be maintained in a state of repair and condition that meets the requirements of the code.
Core
Corrected on 12-16-2025
Code 3-304.14
Wiping cloth(s) wet stored on prep table
FULL FOOD CODE:
(A) Cloths that are in use for wiping FOOD spills on TABLEWARE shall be maintained dry and used for no other purpose. (B) Cloths in-use for wiping counters and equipment shall be held between uses in a chemical sanitizer solution, and laundered daily. (C) Cloths in-use for wiping surfaces in contact with raw animal FOODS shall be kept separate from cloths used for other purposes. (D) Dry wiping cloths and the chemical sanitizing solutions shall be free of FOOD debris or visible soil. (E) Containers of chemical sanitizing solutions shall be stored off the floor and used in a manner that prevents contamination of FOOD, EQUIPMENT, UTENSILS, LINENS, SINGLE-SERVICE, or SINGLE-USE ARTICLES. (E) SINGLE-USE disposable sanitizer wipes shall be used in accordance lable instructions.
Core
Corrected on 12-16-2025

01-19-2021
Routine Inspection

OutcomeCompliant
2 violations cited :
Code 4-501.114
Chlorine solution concentration below 50 ppm
FULL FOOD CODE:
A chemical SANITIZER used in a SANITIZING solution for a manual or mechanical operation shall meet these limits or as otherwise approved: (P) Chlorine ppm pH<10 pH<8 25 120 F 120 F 50 100 F 75 F 100 55 F 55 F Iodine a concentration of between 12.5 and 25 ppm and minimum temp of 75 F and pH of 5 or less or meets manufacturer's specifications. (P) Quats minimum temperature of 75 F, hardness of 500 ppm or less and meet manufacturers use directions. (P)
Priority
Corrected on 12-16-2025
Code 3-302.11
Raw animal food(s) stored over next to ready to eat food s
FULL FOOD CODE:
(A) FOOD shall be protected from cross contamination by: (1) Except as specified in (1)(c) below, separating raw animal FOODS during storage, preparation, holding, and display from: (a) Raw READY-TO-EAT FOOD including other raw animal FOOD such as FISH for sushi or MOLLUSCAN SHELLFISH, or other raw READY-TO-EAT FOOD such as fruits and vegetables,(P) and (b) Cooked READY-TO-EAT FOOD; (P) (c) 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. (2) Except when combined as ingredients, separating types of raw animal FOODS from each other such as beef, FISH, lamb, pork, and POULTRY during storage, preparation, holding, and display by: (a) Using separate EQUIPMENT for each type, (P) or (b) Arranging each type of FOOD in EQUIPMENT so that cross contamination of one type with another is prevented, (P) and (c) Preparing each type of FOOD at different times or in separate areas; (P)
Priority
Corrected on 12-16-2025
About inspections
A restaurant is compliant when zero Priority or Priority Foundation violations are cited during an inspection, or when all are corrected; Core violations will be reviewed at the next routine inspection and are not required to be corrected to be in compliance.

Establishments nearby

Built using open data | Site last updated 12-16-2025 with inspection data thru 11-26-2025.