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Denver Defends Inspector Who Poured Bleach Into Unlicensed Taco Vendor’s Food

Officials say the rarely used tactic followed repeated violations after staff moved food out of reach.

Overview

  • A Nov. 15 video shows a Denver inspector pouring bleach into Tacos Tacolorado’s food near Evans Avenue and Colorado Boulevard after workers locked some items in a truck.
  • City records say the vendor received two cease-and-desist orders in late October, with more than 145 pounds of food discarded for violations including lack of handwashing, improper sanitation, and unsafe temperatures.
  • Health department photos from the most recent visit documented meat at 54°F and food prepared in a residential kitchen, which officials say is not permitted for higher‑risk items.
  • DDPHE leaders describe bleaching as an occasional enforcement tool to prevent unsafe or confiscated food from being resold when standard disposal is impeded.
  • Online outrage over the video evolved into mixed reactions after officials released details, the operator disputes parts of the account, and no illnesses tied to the vendor have been reported.