EL POLLO LOCO
5688 S RAINBOW BLVD, Las Vegas, NV 89118 · Restaurant
Inspection summary
EL POLLO LOCO has been inspected 7 times by Southern Nevada Health District since March 3, 2021. The most recent inspection, on June 22, 2026, recorded 1 infraction.
1 of 7 inspections on record found no infractions at all. In the past 12 months there was 1 inspection with 1 infraction recorded. The higher-risk findings here relate to: Protecting food from contamination, Food temperature control and Handwashing and staff hygiene.
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.
Protecting food from contaminationHigher risk
This covers how food is stored, prepared and displayed: raw meat kept away from ready-to-eat food, food covered and stored off the floor, and nothing dripping or splashing into it. Cross-contamination from raw to cooked food is a direct route for salmonella and E. coli.
Recorded 3 times across 3 separate inspections, most recently on January 11, 2024. For example:
Food protected from potential cross-contamination.
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 3 times across 2 separate inspections, most recently on January 11, 2024. For example:
TCS food at proper temperatures.
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 2 times across 2 separate inspections, most recently on January 6, 2022. For example:
Handwashing facilities adequate in number, stocked, accessible, and limited to handwashing only.
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 January 9, 2023. For example:
Restrooms, mop sink, and custodial areas maintained and clean. Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary equipment, or personal effects. Trash areas adequate, pest proof, and clean.
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 January 6, 2022. For example:
Kitchenware and food contact surfaces of equipment properly washed, rinsed, sanitized and air dried. Equipment for warewashing operated and maintained. Sanitizer solution provided and maintained as required.
About this data
These results come from Southern Nevada Health District, 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.
7 inspections
- Routine Inspection
1 infraction
- 92111: Proper backflow prevention devices in place and maintained.
- 3 demerits
- 92111: Proper backflow prevention devices in place and maintained.
- Routine Inspection
3 infractions
- 8078391: Nonfood contact surfaces and equipment properly constructed, installed, maintained, and clean.
- 8078395: Physical facility in sound condition and maintained.
- 8080495: Person in charge present, demonstrates knowledge, and performs duties. Effective employee health policy. Mandated certification and food handler card as required.
- 3 demerits
- Routine Inspection
4 infractions
- 8078379: Food protected from potential cross-contamination.
- 3 demerits
- 8078395: Physical facility in sound condition and maintained.
- 8078401: Small wares approved, properly designed, in good repair.
- 8078403: TCS food at proper temperatures.
- 5 demerits
- 8078379: Food protected from potential cross-contamination.
- Routine Inspection
3 infractions
- 76384: Restrooms, mop sink, and custodial areas maintained and clean. Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary equipment, or personal effects. Trash areas adequate, pest proof, and clean.
- 76457: Food protected from potential contamination during storage and preparation.
- 3 demerits
- 93159: Utensils, equipment, and single serve items properly handled, stored, and dispensed.
- Re-inspection
0 infractions
- Routine Inspection
6 infractions
- 76383: PHF/TCSs properly thawed. Fruits and vegetables washed prior to preparation or service.
- 3 demerits
- 76418: PHF/TCSs at proper temperatures during storage, display, service, transport, and holding.
- 5 demerits
- 76434: Kitchenware and food contact surfaces of equipment properly washed, rinsed, sanitized and air dried. Equipment for warewashing operated and maintained. Sanitizer solution provided and maintained as required.
- 3 demerits
- 76457: Food protected from potential contamination during storage and preparation.
- 3 demerits
- 76458: Handwashing facilities adequate in number, stocked, accessible, and limited to handwashing only.
- 3 demerits
- 93149: Facility in sound condition and maintained (floors, walls, ceilings, plumbing, lighting, ventilation, etc.).
- 76383: PHF/TCSs properly thawed. Fruits and vegetables washed prior to preparation or service.
- Routine Inspection
3 infractions
- 76458: Handwashing facilities adequate in number, stocked, accessible, and limited to handwashing only.
- 3 demerits
- 93149: Facility in sound condition and maintained (floors, walls, ceilings, plumbing, lighting, ventilation, etc.).
- 93158: Small wares and portable appliances approved, properly designed, in good repair.
- 76458: Handwashing facilities adequate in number, stocked, accessible, and limited to handwashing only.
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