EL PAISANO TAMALES

Inspection summary

EL PAISANO TAMALES has been inspected 13 times by Public Health – Seattle & King County since July 25, 2022. The most recent inspection, on June 16, 2026, recorded 1 infraction.

9 of 13 inspections on record found no infractions at all. In the past 12 months there were 3 inspections with 1 infraction recorded. The higher-risk findings here relate to: Food source, labelling and allergens, Handwashing and staff hygiene and Cleaning and sanitizing.

The number of infractions per inspection has stayed roughly the same over time.

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.

• 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 2 times across 2 separate inspections, most recently on March 13, 2024. For example: 3100 - Food properly labeled; proper date marking

• 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 once on April 21, 2025. 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 once on March 13, 2024. For example: 3400 - Wiping cloths properly used, stored; sanitizer concentration

• Permits, records and postingLower risk

  Operating permits, required signage, written procedures and logs. These findings are administrative: the documentation was missing or out of date at the time of inspection.

  Recorded 2 times on April 21, 2025. For example: 5000 - Posting of permit; mobile establishment name easily visible

• Equipment and utensilsLower risk

  Equipment has to be built from cleanable materials, kept in good repair and stored properly. These findings are mostly about upkeep, like a cracked shelf, a worn gasket or utensils stored the wrong way. They are generally lower risk but show how well the kitchen is maintained.

  Recorded once on June 16, 2026. For example: 4300 - Nonfood-contact surfaces maintained and clean

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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