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Taqueria Playa Tropical

334 6th St, New Westminster · Restaurant

17 inspections

  1. Follow-Up Inspection

    0 infractions

  2. Routine Inspection

    2 infractions

    • 401 - Adequate handwashing stations not available for employees [s. 21(4)]
      • Observation (CORRECTED DURING INSPECTION): Kitchen handsink did not have liquid soap for handwashing at start of inspection. Staff brought over a pump-style soap dispenser that was at a different handsink.
      • Corrective Action(s): ALL handwash stations must be fully supplied at all times. Ensure there is a pump-style dispenser and paper towels located at EACH hand sink - do not share dispensers or bring them over from another sink.
      • Violation Score: 5
    • 304 - Premises not free of pests [s. 26(a)]
      • Observation: Droppings observed in the following areas:
      • > Dry storage room - under the mop sink, between the boxes by the window
      • > Electrical/mop room - on the walls stuck to cobwebs
      • > Under the bar handsink - on the wall cutout for piping
      • All areas have been shown to a staff member during the inspection.
      • Corrective Action(s): Remove droppings, clean and sanitize the affected floors and walls with a strong bleach solution.
      • Date to be corrected by: March 2, 2026
      • Violation Score: 9
      • 305 - Conditions observed that may allow entrance/harbouring/breeding of pests [s. 26(b),(c)]
      • Observation: 1) Gaps in the ceiling around electrical wires are allowing rodent entry. Droppings are seen stuck to the walls around the gaps.
      • 2) Cutout for piping under the bar handsink. Droppings are seen on the parts of the wall that have been cut out.
      • All areas were shown to a staff member at the time of inspection.
      • Corrective Action(s): Close all gaps to prevent pest entry.
      • Date to be corrected by: March 2, 2026
      • Violation Score: 3
  3. Routine Inspection

    2 infractions

    • 206 - Hot potentially hazardous food stored/displayed below 60 °C. [s. 14(2)]
      • Observation (CORRECTED DURING INSPECTION): Sauces stored in the hot holding unit by the walk-in cooler measured to be 50C at start of inspection.
      • Corrective Action(s): Staff increased the heat setting. Sauces now measure at least 60C.
      • Ensure the hot holding unit is adequately heated BEFORE placing food in for storage.
      • Violation Score: 5
      • 302 - Equipment/utensils/food contact surfaces not properly washed and sanitized [s. 17(2)]
      • Observation (CORRECTED DURING INSPECTION): Bleach solution for surface sanitizing measured <10ppm chlorine. Required concentration is 100-200ppm.
      • Corrective Action(s): Staff remade the solution. Sanitizer solutions with wiping cloths submerged must be remade every 4 hours to maintain the required concentration.
      • Obtain chlorine test strips. Obtain enough so that each area of the facility that has a sanitizer solution has a bottle of test strips to use.
      • Violation Score: 5
    • 209 - Food not protected from contamination [s. 12(a)]
      • Observation: Pink and black mildew observed inside the ice machine under the ice grate.
      • Corrective Action(s): Clean and sanitize the interior of the machine. All surfaces that come in contact with ice/water must be adequately sanitized.
      • Date to be corrected by: September 4, 2025
      • Violation Score: 3
      • 304 - Premises not free of pests [s. 26(a)]
      • Observation: Rodent droppings noted in the following areas:
      • > Under the handsink in the bar area
      • > Around the ice machine
      • > Under the sink in the storage room
      • > Under the dishwashing area
      • Drain flies are also noted under the bar handsink and in the electrical room.
      • Corrective Action(s): Remove droppings. Clean and sanitize these areas with bleach to help remove scents. Continue to monitor for new entry points and seal them immediately.
      • For drain flies, clear all pipes and drains at the end of the day. Minimize the amount of standing water that is left overnight (eg. mop buckets in the electrical room, dishwashing area).
      • Date to be corrected by: September 4, 2025
      • Violation Score: 3
      • 305 - Conditions observed that may allow entrance/harbouring/breeding of pests [s. 26(b),(c)]
      • Observation: Small gap at the floor-wall junction observed under the sink in the storage room.
      • Corrective Action(s): Seal the gap.
      • Date to be corrected by: September 4, 2025
      • Violation Score: 3
  4. Follow-Up Inspection

    0 infractions

  5. Routine Inspection

    2 infractions

    • 302 - Equipment/utensils/food contact surfaces not properly washed and sanitized [s. 17(2)]
      • Observation (CORRECTED DURING INSPECTION): Staff are mixing bleach with detergent to soak wiping cloths.
      • Corrective Action(s): Do not continue this practice. Do not mix bleach with other chemicals.
      • Violation Score: 5
      • 401 - Adequate handwashing stations not available for employees [s. 21(4)]
      • Observation (CORRECTED DURING INSPECTION): Handwash sink in the dishwashing area was not supplied with liquid soap. The basin was obstructed by dishwashing supplies and not being used as a handwashing station.
      • Corrective Action(s): Staff provided liquid soap at the time of inspection. All handsinks must be available and used for handwashing at all times. Do not obstruct with other equipment.
      • Violation Score: 5
    • 209 - Food not protected from contamination [s. 12(a)]
      • Observation: Ice machine has pink mildew on the surfaces that are in contact with water and/or ice.
      • Corrective Action(s): Focus cleaning efforts on the grates in the centre.
      • Date to be corrected by: February 12, 2025
      • Violation Score: 3
      • 304 - Premises not free of pests [s. 26(a)]
      • Observation: Rodent droppings were observed in the following areas:
      • > Under the sink in the bar
      • > Under the prep table across from dishwashing
      • > Dry storage room
      • > On the wood shelves in the bar area
      • Corrective Action(s): Remove droppings. Clean and sanitize these areas with a strong bleach solution to help remove rodent scents and urine.
      • Date to be corrected by: February 12, 2025
      • Violation Score: 3
      • 305 - Conditions observed that may allow entrance/harbouring/breeding of pests [s. 26(b),(c)]
      • Observation: Gaps in the ceiling in the dry storage room are potential rodent entry points. Gap noted in the bottom of the wall behind the mop sink in the same room.
      • Corrective Action(s): Seal all gaps. Ceiling panels may need to be fully replaced if not able to be put back into place.
      • Date to be corrected by: Feburary 12, 2025
      • Violation Score: 3
      • 306 - Food premises not maintained in a sanitary condition [s. 17(1)]
      • Observation: General cleaning is required in the following areas:
      • > Vent hood filters, especially the three above the grill
      • > Under the cook line
      • > Dry storage room
      • > Bar cooler
      • > Under the bar counter
      • Corrective Action(s): Clean and sanitize as per your sanitation plan. Maintaining a high level of sanitation will help to prevent the presence of pests.
      • Violation Score: 3
      • 308 - Equipment/utensils/food contact surfaces are not in good working order [s. 16(b)]
      • Observation: Bar sink is slow to drain.
      • One prep cooler in the kitchen is broken and not in use.
      • Corrective Action(s): Repair the bar sink so that it can properly drain and able to facilitate handwashing. Until it is repaired, staff have access to the handsink next to the dishwashing area.
      • Repair the prep cooler ASAP as it is normally used to store raw meats on the cook line. Only take out from the other coolers what can be cooked within 2 hours to minimize the time spent outside of refrigeration.
      • Date to be corrected by: February 12, 2025
      • Violation Score: 3
  6. Follow-Up Inspection

    1 infraction

    • 304 - Premises not free of pests [s. 26(a)]
      • Observation: Repeat Violation: There are droppings in the back area of the food premise, including the hallway by the back entrance, the mop sink room, and ESPECIALLY in the dry storsge area.
      • Corrective Action(s): Clean the mentioned areas, and sanitize with 100-200 ppm bleach solution. Make sure to keep cleaning these areas more frequently until all entrance points are sealed. Remove the clutter from the dry storage area so it is easier for staff to see and to clean. The entrance points mentioned in the last report as well us on the pest management reports need to be sealed. There needs to be more traps set outside (boxes), and inside as well (corner boxes, snap traps, sticky traps).
      • Violation Score: 9
      • 305 - Conditions observed that may allow entrance/harbouring/breeding of pests [s. 26(b),(c)]
      • Observation: Repeat Violation: 1) The entrance points mentioned in the last inspection have not been sealed. 2) There was food debris on the ground by the dumpsters within a close range to the rat holes in the walls on the outside of the food premise. The holes were sealed with expanding foam, which the rats bit through.
      • Corrective Action(s): 1) Seal all mentioned entrance points, refer to previous inspection and pest management reports. 2) Make sure that your staff is not accidentally dropping food debris on the ground as this will attract the pests. Also, make sure they lock the dumpsters over night. The dumpster are very worn out, and need to be replaced immediately as they have holes big enough for pests to easily enter and use it as a food source. This may cause infestation issues to your business and also to neighbouring businesses. Contact Super Save Disposal about this, and reach out to City of New Westminster by laws if they refuse to act on this issue. When sealing holes, place metal wool inside first then put expanding foam, as the foam by itself is not effective, alternatively have the pest control company do this job.
      • Violation Score: 9
  7. Routine Inspection

    2 infractions

    • 302 - Equipment/utensils/food contact surfaces not properly washed and sanitized [s. 17(2)]
      • Observation (CORRECTED DURING INSPECTION): 1) Dirty sanitizer cloths observed on the counter used for cleaning food contact surfaces.
      • 2) Not enough sanitizer buckets and cleaning cloths available so that all employees can have easy access to them.
      • Corrective Action(s): 1) Ensure that cleaning cloths are always dispensed in the sanitizer buckets. If they are not, bacteria may grow on the cloth over time, and when these cloths are used to wipe down food contact surfaces it may lead to contamination, resulting in a food borne illness.
      • 2) Always have at least; one bucket readily available for each isle in the kitchen; one in the prep/dishwashing area; and one in the bar area.
      • Violation Score: 5
    • 104 - Permit not posted in a conspicuous location [s. 8(7)]
      • Observation: Health Permit was not present at the time of inspection, sticker is placed on the business license which can not be seen clearly as it is behind bottles in the bar area.
      • Corrective Action(s): Fill out the Health Operating Permit Replacement form to get a new Health Permit and post it somewhere where it can easily be seen by the public.
      • Correction Date: August 22, 2024.
      • Violation Score: 1
      • 304 - Premises not free of pests [s. 26(a)]
      • Observation: Abundance of droppings observed in the dry storage area. The entire perimeter near the walls and under the shevles had droppins. There is also a lot of clutter making it very hard to clean this area.
      • Corrective Action(s): De clutter entire dry storage area and do a thorough clean. After cleaning the droppings, entire area must be sanitized with 100-200 ppm bleach solution. Ensure this cleaning process is part of your cleaning schedule to avoid build up. Currently, there is no contact with food contact surfaces, but if it persists, it may get there.
      • Correction Date: August 22, 2024
      • Violation Score: 3
      • 305 - Conditions observed that may allow entrance/harbouring/breeding of pests [s. 26(b),(c)]
      • Observation: 1) The dry storage area has a massive hole in the wall, where the old water boiler used to be, that seems to be an entrance point for mice as there is an abundance of droppings by the hole.
      • 2) There is also ceiling tiles missing and right under the missing tiles there is a shelf that had some droppings on it.
      • 3) The dry storage area had many items stored on the floor with food debris spilled around.
      • Corrective Action(s): Your pest control company needs to start coming more frequently, minimum every 2 weeks until the issue is contained. You and them must work together to solve these issues:
      • 1) Fix the hole in the wall. Have the pest control company do a thorough check on entire food premise and seal any entrance points. They must also set more traps inside, not just the boxes outside.
      • 2) Fix the missing ceiling tiles because this can also be an entrance point, and it is not in regulation with your initial floor plans that were approved.
      • 3) Make sure all items stored on the floor are removed, and stored on shelves, to make it easier for employees to clean these areas and removing the direct food access for the pests.
      • Correction Date: August 22, 2024.
      • Violation Score: 3
      • 306 - Food premises not maintained in a sanitary condition [s. 17(1)]
      • Observation: The cooking area ventilation cleaning is past due since 2023, as per the sticker attached.
      • Corrective Action(s): The operator said the sticker has not been updated, and that they are just waiting for the company to come and have it done as they are backed up in the summer.
      • Correction Date: 1 month
      • Violation Score: 3
      • 311 - Premises not maintained as per approved plans [s. 6(1)(b)]
      • Observation: 1) The boiler was removed in the dry storage area leaving a large hole in the wall.
      • 2) There are missing/broken ceiling tiles in the dry storage area.
      • 3) The LED light fixtures are broken/missing.
      • Corrective Action(s): Fix the mentioned issues to ensure the premise is again operating as per approved floor plans.
      • Note: Inadequate lighting in the dry storage area is also affecting the cleaning process for employees in this room as it is too dark. The manager noted that cleaning takes place late at night, making it very difficult to see droppings and other debris when cleaning.
      • Correction Date: August 22, 2024.
      • Violation Score: 1
  8. Follow-Up Inspection

    0 infractions

  9. Routine Inspection

    2 infractions

    • 301 - Equipment/utensils/food contact surfaces not maintained in sanitary condition [s. 17(1)]
      • Observation (CORRECTED DURING INSPECTION): Low temperature dishwasher had 0ppm residual chlorine.
      • Corrective Action(s): During inspection operator fixed dishwasher, about 50ppm residual chrlorine after dishwasher was fixed.
      • Violation Score: 5
      • 302 - Equipment/utensils/food contact surfaces not properly washed and sanitized [s. 17(2)]
      • Observation (CORRECTED DURING INSPECTION): Spray bottle of sanitizer (bleach and water solution) was reading over 200ppm on chlorine test strip.
      • Corrective Action(s): Bleach and water solution sanitizer was re made and final reading was around 100ppm on chlorine test strip.
      • Violation Score: 5
    • 101 - Plans/construction/alterations not in accordance with the Regulation [s. 3; s. 4]
      • Observation: Two light tubes in the dry storage area were not working during time of inspection.
      • Corrective Action(s): Replace light tubs in the dry storage area so that there is light.
      • Date to be corrected: July 11, 2022
      • Violation Score: 1
      • 311 - Premises not maintained as per approved plans [s. 6(1)(b)]
      • Observation: Exposed ceiling in the dry storage area because panel is hanging out.
      • Corrective Action(s): Fix ceiling in dry storage area so that the ceiling is not exposed.
      • Date to be corrected: July 11, 2022
      • Violation Score: 1
  10. Follow-Up Inspection

    0 infractions

  11. Routine Inspection

    2 infractions

    • 303 - Equipment/facilities/hot & cold water for sanitary maintenance not adequate [s. 17(3); s. 4(1)(f)]
      • Observation: The hand sinks in the portable male and female washroom in back parking lot not equipped with running hot water.
      • Corrective Action(s): All hand sinks shall be equipped with both hot and cold running water for handwashing purposes. Operator called portable washroom rental company at time of inspection for an immediate service request.
      • Date to be corrected: November 14, 2019
      • Violation Score: 5
    • 308 - Equipment/utensils/food contact surfaces are not in good working order [s. 16(b)]
      • Observation: Wire racks in drink cooler across from hand sink in the bar is rusting due to worn out paint.
      • Corrective Action(s): Repaing the wire racks to make them smooth and easy to clean.
      • Date to be corrected: December 31, 2019
      • Violation Score: 3
      • 310 - Single use containers & utensils are used more than once [s. 20]
      • Observation: Single-use/disposable take out plastic containers used for reheating purposes during food preparation.
      • Corrective Action(s): Single-use/disposable take out containers are not meant to be used more than once as they are supposed to be discarded after each use. Single-use/disposable containers are also not meant to be cleaned or used to repeatedly reheat foods, as these actions can cause the plastic to deteriorate faster and make it harder to clean. Kitchen manager instructed kitchen staff to immediately discontinue repeated use of single-use/disposable containers. Switch to food-grade containers that can be repeatedly washed, re-used and reheated for food preparation purposes.
      • Date to be corrected: November 21, 2019
      • Violation Score: 3
      • 311 - Premises not maintained as per approved plans [s. 6(1)(b)]
      • Observation: Exposed ceiling in the dishwashing area.
      • Corrective Action(s): Fix the ceiling in the dishwashing area to avoid exposed ceiling voids.
      • Date to be corrected: December 14, 2019
      • Violation Score: 1
  12. Routine Inspection

    2 infractions

    • 301 - Equipment/utensils/food contact surfaces not maintained in sanitary condition [s. 17(1)]
      • Observation (CORRECTED DURING INSPECTION): Mildew was found inside of the ice machine - in the water tray.
      • Corrective Action(s): The inside of the ice machine needs to be kept clean and maintained in a sanitary manner on a regular basis to prevent contamination of ice. Discard all of the ice and thoroughly clean the inside of the ice machine. Operator started discarding ice in preparation for cleaning at time of inspection.
      • Violation Score: 5
    • 304 - Premises not free of pests [s. 26(a)]
      • Observation: Indian meal moths found in the back dry storage area.
      • Corrective Action(s): The indian meal moths could spread contamination and if left uncontrolled the infestation could increase in severity. Use sticky traps to control indian meal moths and monitor your dry food products for the presence of infestation by stored products pests. Most dry food products were stored in air tight containers, but reminded operator to ensure all dry products are stored in this manner to help control the infestation.
      • Date to be corrected: July 11, 2019
      • Violation Score: 3
      • 307 - Equipment/utensils/food contact surfaces are not of suitable design/material [s. 16; s. 19]
      • Observation: New wooden shelving is not smooth, impervious to moisture or easy to clean.
      • Corrective Action(s): Ensure the bare wood surfaces of the shelf is made smooth, impervious to moisture and easy to clean (e.g. paint). Bare wood surfaces may be difficult to clean thoroughly in the event of a spill.
      • Date to be corrected: July 24, 2019
      • Violation Score: 3
  13. Follow-Up Inspection

    0 infractions

  14. Routine Inspection

    1 infraction

    • 301 - Equipment/utensils/food contact surfaces not maintained in sanitary condition [s. 17(1)]
      • Observation: 1. Mildew was found in the ice machine.
      • 2. Mildew was found on almost all of the plastic cutting boards.
      • Corrective Action(s): 1. Mildew in the ice machine can contaminate the ice. Ice machine must be cleaned and maintained in a sanitary manner to avoid contaminating ice that is used for drinks. Operator discarded all of the ice and started cleaning the ice machine at tiem of inspection.
      • 2. Mildew on the cutting boads can contaminate the foods that are prepared on them. Cutting boards shall be thoroughly washed and sanitized after each use. If the wear and tear on the cutting boards (e.g. deep cuts from knives) is too extensive and/or prevent adequate cleaning and sanitizing, then the cutting boards shall be replaced. At time of inspection, the operator started soaking the cutting boards in bleach.
      • Date to be corrected: November 26, 2018
      • Violation Score: 15
      • 303 - Equipment/facilities/hot & cold water for sanitary maintenance not adequate [s. 17(3); s. 4(1)(f)]
      • Observation: In-use wiping cloths not stored in a bucket of sanitizer.
      • Corrective Action(s): In-use wiping cloths shall be stored in a bucket of sanitizer in between uses to prevent bacteria from growing on the cloths. Each work station (including the bar and dining area) shall be equipped at least one bucket of bleach sanitizer. Each bucket of bleach sanitizer shall be changed every 2 hours.
      • Date to be corrected: November 26, 2018
      • Violation Score: 5
      • 401 - Adequate handwashing stations not available for employees [s. 21(4)]
      • Observation: Hand sinks in the kitchen are not adequately stocked for staff to wash hands.
      • Corrective Action(s): The hand sink along the cook line requires a paper towel holder/dispenser. The other hand sink in the kitchen requires liquid hand soap.
      • Date to be corrected: November 26, 2018
      • Violation Score: 5
  15. Follow-Up Inspection

    0 infractions

  16. Routine Inspection

    2 infractions

    • 205 - Cold potentially hazardous food stored/displayed above 4 °C. [s. 14(2)]
      • Observation: Temperature inside walk-in cooler was 8-10 degrees Celsius.
      • Corrective Action(s): Cold holding units must be 4 degrees Celsius or less. Cook explained that prior to inspection the premise experienced a busy lunch period and they had just received a shipment of produce that was placed in the cooler. At time of inspection the temperature did not appear to cool down very quickly. Operator agreed to have cooler serviced and move all protein products and pre-cooked products to other coolers until the temperature returns to 4 degrees Celsius or less.
      • Date to be corrected: May 11, 2018
      • Violation Score: 5
    • 304 - Premises not free of pests [s. 26(a)]
      • Observation: Mouse droppings found in back storage room and some beside the stove.
      • Corrective Action(s): Clean up all droppings and sanitize the affected areas with bleach and water. Premise is serviced by pest control company on a monthly basis and live traps in use throughout the premise. Reminded operator to clean up droppings as soon as they are discovered.
      • Date to be corrected: May 14, 2018
      • Violation Score: 3
      • 305 - Conditions observed that may allow entrance/harbouring/breeding of pests [s. 26(b),(c)]
      • Observation: Spilled food and ingredients in storage room and cooking area.
      • Corrective Action(s): Spilled food and ingredients shall be cleaned up immediately to avoid attracting mice.
      • Date to be corrected: May 14, 2018
      • Violation Score: 3
      • 307 - Equipment/utensils/food contact surfaces are not of suitable design/material [s. 16; s. 19]
      • Observation: Newspaper lining shelves in dry storage areas and the bottoms of coolers.
      • Corrective Action(s): Do not use newspaper in food storage areas. All newspaper shall be removed from shelving and coolers.
      • Date to be corrected: May 14, 2018
      • Violation Score: 3
  17. Routine Inspection

    1 infraction

    • 304 - Premises not free of pests [s. 26(a)]
      • Observation: 1. Mouse droppings in back storage room.
      • 2. Fruit flies in bar and dishwashing area.
      • Corrective Action(s): Clean up mouse droppings and sanitize the affected areas. Premise is serviced by a licensed pest control company once/per month for rodent control using mechanical traps. Mouse droppings were not found anywhere else.
      • Noticed numerous fruit flies in the bar and dishwashing area. Sticky traps are in use but are full of flies. Please ensure to keep the bar area as clean as possible and prevent standing water in the bar and dishwashing areas. Suggested to operator to consult with licensed pest control company to determine what else can be done to control and eliminate flies.
      • Date to be corrected: 1 day.
      • Violation Score: 3