Two El Paso Mexican-food favorites landed uncomfortably close to the bottom of this week’s city health inspections, turning in scores that put them on the low side of the health department’s report card. La Michoacana Tradicional received a 75, and 3 Garcia's came in at 73, both in the mid-70s range that inspectors flag for follow-up. Those scores count as passing, but sit well below many other kitchens this cycle. For anyone grabbing a plate of enchiladas or tacos, it is a reminder that an inspection reflects conditions at a single moment in time, not a permanent verdict.
According to the El Paso Times, the weekly roundup for inspections conducted June 22 to 26 highlights the two mid-70s scores and notes nearby results such as Sinbad Restaurant's 79. The list, compiled by reporter Kristian Jaime from the city's posted inspection records, lays out the names and scores from the latest round so readers can see how their regular spots fared.
What the scores mean
The City of El Paso's Food Establishment Scores portal explains that a score of 70 or higher is considered passing, while a score of 60 or below can lead to a closure for an establishment. The portal covers inspections throughout the city as well as nearby communities such as Anthony, Clint, Horizon City, Socorro, Vinton, and El Paso County. Inspectors focus on issues like proper temperature control, cross-contamination risks, and overall sanitation. Those thresholds are what put the mid-70s scores into perspective for both operators and customers.
Follow-ups and common violations
Inspectors routinely document problems such as incorrect food temperatures, potential cross-contamination, and signs of pests, and they usually allow operators to correct violations before a reinspection, the El Paso Times reports. A low score on a single visit does not automatically mean a kitchen is unsafe over the long haul, since many restaurants address the issues and earn higher marks on follow-up checks. Even so, scores in the 70s typically lead to extra scrutiny until inspectors verify that the problems have been fixed.
How to check full inspection reports
Customers and business owners can review summaries and request full inspection reports through the city's Food Establishment Scores site, which also provides contact details and an open-records path to obtain detailed documents. If someone believes a posted score is inaccurate, the portal lists a phone number and instructions for reaching the Department of Public Health. Watching the results of follow-up inspections is the clearest way to see whether a low score was a one-time slip or the sign of an ongoing pattern.
