EL HERRADERO MEXICAN RESTAURANT LLC

Inspection summary

EL HERRADERO MEXICAN RESTAURANT LLC has been inspected 6 times by Public Health – Seattle & King County since July 21, 2021. The most recent inspection, on March 31, 2026, recorded 5 infractions.

None of the 6 inspections on record were free of infractions. In the past 12 months there was 1 inspection with 5 infractions recorded. The higher-risk findings here relate to: Handwashing and staff hygiene, Cleaning and sanitizing and Food temperature control.

Recent inspections have recorded more infractions than earlier ones, so it is worth reading the latest reports closely.

What these findings mean

Health authorities word their violations differently, so we group them by what they mean for food safety. Higher-risk findings are the ones inspectors treat as critical, because they can directly make someone sick.

• Handwashing and staff hygieneHigher risk

  Hands are the main way germs like norovirus move from people to food. Inspectors look for stocked, accessible handwashing sinks, staff washing hands when required, hair restraints, and sick employees being kept away from food. Gaps here can spread illness quickly.

  Recorded 5 times across 5 separate inspections, most recently on March 31, 2026. For example: 0400 - Hands washed as required

• Cleaning and sanitizingHigher risk

  Anything that touches food, such as cutting boards, dishes and utensils, must be washed, rinsed and sanitized. Inspectors check dishwasher temperatures, sanitizer strength and how wiping cloths are stored. Poor sanitizing lets bacteria survive from one use to the next.

  Recorded 3 times across 3 separate inspections, most recently on March 31, 2026. For example: 4100 - Warewashing facilities properly installed, maintained, used; sanitizer concentration; test strips available and used

• Food temperature controlHigher risk

  Bacteria multiply fastest between about 4 °C and 60 °C (40 °F to 140 °F). Inspectors check that cold food stays cold, hot food stays hot, cooked food is cooled quickly, and that staff have accurate thermometers. Temperature problems are one of the most common causes of food poisoning, so these are treated as critical findings.

  Recorded 2 times across 2 separate inspections, most recently on May 26, 2022. For example: 2110 - Proper cold holding temperatures; greater than 45 degrees Fahrenheit (F) (7 degrees Celsius (C))

• Food source, labelling and allergensHigher risk

  Food must come from approved suppliers, stay in labelled containers and be thrown out when it is spoiled or damaged, such as dented or swollen cans. Labelling matters for allergies: an unlabelled container can hide an allergen.

  Recorded once on January 6, 2025. For example: 3100 - Food properly labeled; proper date marking

• PestsHigher risk

  Signs of mice, rats, cockroaches or flies, or gaps and clutter that let them get in or hide. Pests carry bacteria and can contaminate food and surfaces, so evidence of activity is treated seriously and usually triggers a follow-up visit.

  Recorded once on March 18, 2024. For example: 3200 - Insects, rodents, animals not present; entrance controlled

About this data

These results come from Public Health – Seattle & King County, which inspects food premises and other public facilities in this area. We republish the authority's public disclosure data and refresh it regularly; the official record is the final word.

• View the official Public Health – Seattle & King County disclosure site
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• How to read an inspection report