Taqueria Juarez in SEATTLE, WA Failed Its Health Inspection on 08/13/25

SEATTLE, WA - Health department officials identified compliance issues at Taqueria Juarez in an inspection dated 08/13/2025.

Located at 4222 UNIVERSITY WAY NE in the University District area, the establishment serves the local community. The University District neighborhood maintains numerous food service establishments that undergo regular health monitoring.

The inspection identified 7 distinct violations requiring correction. These findings represent specific conditions observed during the inspection that must be addressed to meet health code requirements.

The first violation involved food safety requirements. Inspectors documented: 4500 - Sewage, waste water properly disposed. Health code violations require correction to maintain safe operating conditions.

The second violation concerned food safety requirements. Inspectors documented: 4400 - Plumbing properly sized, installed,.... Health code violations require correction to maintain safe operating conditions.

The third violation involved thermal management. Inspectors documented: 2110 - Proper cold holding temperatures (greater than 45° F). The FDA Food Code requires cold foods to be held at 41°F or below and hot foods at 135°F or above to prevent bacterial growth in the "danger zone." For more information, see FDA guidelines on temperature control. Time-temperature abuse allows harmful bacteria to multiply to levels that can cause illness.

The fourth violation concerned thermal management. Inspectors documented: 1900 - No room temperature storage; proper use of time as a control. The FDA Food Code requires cold foods to be held at 41°F or below and hot foods at 135°F or above to prevent bacterial growth in the "danger zone." For more information, see FDA guidelines on temperature control. The CDC reports that temperature abuse is a factor in many foodborne illness outbreaks.

The fifth violation involved pest control. Inspectors documented: 0100 - PIC present, demonstrates knowledge and performs duties to maintain AMC; certified manager on. The FDA Food Code requires establishments to eliminate conditions that attract and harbor pests, including proper waste management and facility maintenance. For more information, see FDA pest control standards. Rodents can transmit Salmonella, Hantavirus, and other serious pathogens through their droppings and urine.

The sixth violation involved pest management. Inspectors documented: 1400 - Raw meats below and away from ready-to-eat food; species separated. The FDA Food Code requires establishments to eliminate conditions that attract and harbor pests, including proper waste management and facility maintenance. For more information, see FDA pest control standards. Pest droppings and debris can trigger allergic reactions and asthma in sensitive individuals.

The seventh violation involved pest management. Inspectors documented: 2600 - Compliance with valid permit; operating and risk control plans and required written procedure. The FDA Food Code requires establishments to eliminate conditions that attract and harbor pests, including proper waste management and facility maintenance. For more information, see FDA pest control standards. Flies can transfer pathogens from garbage and feces to food preparation areas.

Establishments receiving violations must submit correction plans and may face additional inspections. Failure to address violations can result in fines, permit suspension, or closure.

This inspection data is provided by Public Health - Seattle & King County. The establishment had violations identified during the 08/13/2025 inspection. Conditions may have changed since this inspection. For current compliance status, consult the Public Health - Seattle & King County. For more information about restaurant inspection regulations in this area, visit the Washington State Retail Food Code. Learn more about food safety at FDA.gov and CDC.gov.