El Cactus Mexican Restaurant
272 Sand Lane, Staten Island, NY 10305
Mexican Old Town-Dongan Hills-South Beach (718) 541-6886
Grade A · as of Aug 12, 2025
El Cactus Mexican Restaurant was last inspected on August 12, 2025 and scored 7 points (A range). Inspectors found 2 violations, 1 of them critical.
Latest inspection
August 12, 2025 · Cycle Inspection · Initial Inspection
Score: 7 points (A range)
1 critical1 general-
CriticalHygiene & sanitation
Surfaces that touch food weren’t properly washed and sanitized.
Official wording (code 06D)
Food contact surface not properly washed, rinsed and sanitized after each use and following any activity when contamination may have occurred.
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GeneralFacility upkeep
Plumbing was missing protection against backflow, or floors didn’t drain properly.
Official wording (code 10B)
Anti-siphonage or back-flow prevention device not provided where required; equipment or floor not properly drained; sewage disposal system in disrepair or not functioning properly. Condensation or liquid waste improperly disposed of.
Inspection history
4 inspections on record
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Administrative Miscellaneous · Initial Inspection · Violations were cited in the following area(s)
1 paperwork Show violations
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PaperworkSigns & paperwork
Letter grade or Grade Pending card not posted.
Official wording (code 20-06)
Current letter grade or Grade Pending card not posted
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B 18 points (B range)
Pre-permit (Operational) · Re-inspection
2 critical Show violations
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CriticalFood temperature
Cold food was kept warmer than 41°F, where bacteria can grow.
Official wording (code 02G)
Cold TCS food item held above 41 °F; smoked or processed fish held above 38 °F; intact raw eggs held above 45 °F; or reduced oxygen packaged (ROP) TCS foods held above required temperatures except during active necessary preparation.
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CriticalFood handling
No one supervising the kitchen held a Food Protection Certificate.
Official wording (code 04A)
Food Protection Certificate (FPC) not held by manager or supervisor of food operations.
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44 44 points (C range)
Pre-permit (Operational) · Initial Inspection
Scored in the C range on an initial inspection, so no grade is given yet. A re-inspection follows.
6 critical1 general Show violations
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CriticalFood temperature
Hot food was being held below 140°F, where bacteria can grow.
Official wording (code 02B)
Hot TCS food item not held at or above 140 °F.
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CriticalFood handling
No one supervising the kitchen held a Food Protection Certificate.
Official wording (code 04A)
Food Protection Certificate (FPC) not held by manager or supervisor of food operations.
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CriticalHygiene & sanitation
Workers’ personal hygiene was inadequate (dirty clothing, no hair restraint, jewelry).
Official wording (code 06A)
Personal cleanliness is inadequate. Outer garment soiled with possible contaminant. Effective hair restraint not worn where required. Jewelry worn on hands or arms. Fingernail polish worn or fingernails not kept clean and trimmed.
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CriticalFood handling
No working thermometer was available to check food temperatures.
Official wording (code 04J)
Properly scaled and calibrated thermometer or thermocouple not provided or not readily accessible in food preparation and hot/cold holding areas to measure temperatures of TCS foods during cooking, cooling, reheating, and holding.
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CriticalHygiene & sanitation
Food or supplies weren’t protected from contamination during storage, prep, or service.
Official wording (code 06C)
Food, supplies, or equipment not protected from potential source of contamination during storage, preparation, transportation, display, service or from customer’s refillable, reusable container. Condiments not in single-service containers or dispensed directly by the vendor.
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CriticalHygiene & sanitation
Wiping cloths were dirty or not kept in sanitizing solution.
Official wording (code 06F)
Wiping cloths not stored clean and dry, or in a sanitizing solution, between uses.
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GeneralFacility upkeep
Non-food surfaces or equipment were dirty, damaged, or made of unsuitable material.
Official wording (code 10F)
Non-food contact surface or equipment made of unacceptable material, not kept clean, or not properly sealed, raised, spaced or movable to allow accessibility for cleaning on all sides, above and underneath the unit.
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More in Old Town-Dongan Hills-South Beach
Source: NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) open data, refreshed hourly. Last inspection 15 months ago. Always confirm with the official record.