Behind the Kitchen Door: Food storage issues lead to failing scores

SAN ANTONIO – Two Mexican restaurants received failing scores during their most recent inspections by San Antonio Metro Health.

Taqueria El Rodeo de Jalisco located at 4044 Culebra Road east of Callaghan failed their latest health inspection with 39 demerits. Their violations included:

• Food temperature concerns.
  
• The inspector watched an employee clean a food prep area with a dirty towel and then make tacos without washing up. 
  
• Tortillas were being stored in grocery bags. Those are not acceptable for food storage.
  

An employee tells Behind the Kitchen Door the inspector returned Tuesday and said their score should have been 35 demerits, not 39. That's still a failing score, but the employee added the re-inspection went very well and all corrections had been made.

Martha's Mexican Restaurant located at 818 N.E. Loop 410 near Broadway failed their most recent inspection with 33 demerits. Their violations included:

• The inspector witnessed improper hand washing and no use-by dates on leftovers.
  
• The staff was told clean everything from knife holders and storage racks to the ice machine.
  

An employee who spoke to Behind the Kitchen Door had no knowledge of a re-inspection. However, Metro Health reported the re-inspection went great and the violations were corrected.

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