Four Albuquerque food spots ordered to close after failing health checks

Diners and hotel guests in Albuquerque faced immediate closures at four locations this week after environmental health inspectors identified hazards that required immediate action. The city’s latest report covers inspections conducted between Oct. 25 and Oct. 31. Three of the four red-tagged businesses received conditional approval or passed follow-up inspections within 24 hours. One business remains pending a re-inspection.

Acapulco Taco at 840 San Mateo SE failed an inspection on Oct. 29. Inspectors found ready-to-eat foods lacking date markings and hot food overfilled in a cooler, which slowed cooling. The site operated with an expired permit and had no sanitizer in the three-compartment sink. Exterior doors allowed light through their edges, and employee personal items sat on food preparation surfaces. The business was conditionally approved on the same day.

El Bronco Restaurant at 100 Coors SW received an unsatisfactory grade on Oct. 30. The chlorine sanitizing solution tested at 0 PPM, rendering it ineffective. Menudo and green chile failed to cool to 70 degrees within the required two-hour window. Red chile and carne rojo sat uncovered in the kitchen. A food employee on the cook line lacked hair restraints, and temperature logs were missing. The restaurant requires a re-inspection.

Naan & Dosa at 6501 Wyoming NE was closed on Oct. 27 after tandoori chicken was held at an unsafe 115 degrees. Sanitizers in wiping cloth containers tested at 0 PPM. Food items on the self-service buffet bar lacked protective guards. Employees did not possess valid food handler cards. The restaurant passed a follow-up inspection the next day on Oct. 28.

Red Roof Inn at 2015 Menaul NE was closed on Oct. 28. Milk in the continental breakfast area was held at 52 degrees. Raw shelled eggs were stored above ready-to-eat muffins in a cooler. No sanitizer was available for cleaning prep areas. Hand soap and drying methods were missing at two sinks. The inn requires a re-inspection.

The city’s inspection system assigns grades based on violation severity. A red tag indicates major violations that present an imminent hazard. The report lists 38 establishments that received a green passing grade during the same week. These included Albertsons Market, Chipotle Mexican Grill, and Fuddruckers. Fifteen businesses received a yellow grade, meaning they may operate but must correct specific violations.

Inspectors noted common issues across the red-tagged sites. All four lacked a certified food protection manager on staff. Three of the four failed sanitizer concentration tests. The city directs the public to the environmental health food safety page for detailed inspection records and historical data for each establishment.