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

Officials cite prior violations plus unsafe temperatures as justification.

Overview

  • A social media video shows a Denver health inspector pouring bleach into containers of food during a Saturday night inspection near Evans Avenue and Colorado Boulevard.
  • The health department says contaminating food with bleach is an uncommon enforcement tool used to ensure unsafe items are not served.
  • Inspection records show the vendor, Tacos Tacolorado, was previously cited in late October, received two cease-and-desist letters, lacked handwashing stations, and prepared food in a residential kitchen.
  • Officials released an image from the latest visit showing meat at 54 degrees and said more than 145 pounds of food had been discarded during prior interactions.
  • Inspectors say staff began moving food into a locked truck during the visit, and the business did not respond to messages seeking comment.