EL MARIACHI MEXICAN RESTAURANT
5825 MERLE HAY RD, JOHNSTON, IA, 50131
Most recent inspection
- Date
- June 8, 2026
- Type
- Routine
- Result
- Not reported
- Risk category
- Not reported
- Cited findings
- 6
- Jurisdiction
- Polk County (Des Moines)
- Source risk checklist count
- 2
- Good Retail Practices findings
- 4
Published report comment
Discussions with Management. Item #15: Inspector discussed best practices for raw meat storage with owner and manager. Owner and manager agree to do additional training with all food employees.
Violations (6)
- 3-302.11(A)(1)CriticalCorrected on site
Iowa food code item 15 (Risk Factors)
Observation:Raw beef stored above cooked tamales and raw tomatoes in walk-in cooler. Corrected by: Raw beef was moved to bottom shelf during the inspection.
Risk Factors | P | Item 15
- 4-601.11(A)CriticalCorrected on site
Iowa food code item 16 (Risk Factors)
Observation:Wall mounted vegetable chopper soiled. Corrected by: Chopper was cleaned and sanitized during the inspection.
Risk Factors | PF | Item 16
- 3-305.14
Iowa food code item 39 (Good Retail Practices)
Observation:Food employee preparing guacamole on prep table right next to handwashing sink with no splash protection.
Good Retail Practices | C | Item 39
- 2-303.11Corrected on site
Iowa food code item 40 (Good Retail Practices)
Observation:Food employee preparing food while wearing bracelet. Corrected by: Bracelet was removed during the inspection.
Good Retail Practices | C | Item 40
- 4-204.119, 4-204.120
Iowa food code item 48 (Good Retail Practices)
Observation:Ice buckets not stored sloped to drain. Corrected by: Ice buckets were inverted during the inspection.
Good Retail Practices | C | Item 48
- 6-501.12, 6-501.13
Iowa food code item 55 (Good Retail Practices)
Observation:Flooring throughout kitchen soiled and wet.
Good Retail Practices | C | Item 55
Source: Polk County (Des Moines) health department. Data refreshed October 16, 2026. Results are shown in the health department's own wording. This record is provided for general information; confirm current status with the health department before relying on it.