image Food Establishment Inspection Report
Pursuant to Title 25-A of the District of Columbia Municipal Regulations 		image
Health Regulation & Licensing Administration  •  Office of Food, Drug, Radiation, and Community Hygiene  •  2201 Shannon Place, SE - 2nd Floor  •  Washington, DC 20020
http://doh.dc.gov/service/food-safety      email: food.safety@dc.gov
Establishment Name  EL CENTRO D.F.
Address  1218 WISCONSIN AVE NW
City/State/Zip Code  Washington, DC 20007
Telephone
 (202) 333-4100
 E-mail address  andrija@elcentrogeorgetowndc.com
Date of Inspection
 02
/
 07
/
 2025
    Time In
 03
:
 50
PM     Time Out
 06
:
 15
PM  
License Holder  1218 Wisconsin, Inc
License/Customer No.  09313xxxx-50007211
License Period
 05 
/
 01 
/
 2024 
 - 
 04 
/
 30 
/
 2026 
 Type of Inspection
 Routine
Establishment Type:  Restaurant Total
    Risk Category 1
 
 2
 
 3
 
 4
 
 5
 
 
Priority Violations  3 COS  2 R  0
Priority Foundation Violations  1 COS  0 R  0
Core Violations  2 COS  0 R  0
Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM)
 IGOR RADAKOVIC 
CFPM #:  FS-97155 

CFPM Expiration Date:   12/16/2024  
D.C. licensed trash or solid waste contractor:
 KMG 
D.C. licensed sewage & liquid waste transport contractor:
 Storm Oil 
D.C. licensed pesticide operator/contractor:
 Highland recent visit 02/03/2025 
D.C. licensed ventilation hood system cleaning contractor:
 Extensive Tech Kitchen hood and Technical Service 
FOODBORNE ILLNESS RISK FACTORS AND PUBLIC HEALTH INTERVENTIONS
  Compliance Status COS R
  Supervision  
IN OUT 1. Person in charge present, demonstrates knowledge, and performs duties
 
 
IN OUT 2. Certified Food Protection Manager
 
 
  Employee Health  
IN OUT 3. Management, food employee, and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities, and reporting
 
 
IN OUT 4. Proper use of restriction and exclusion
 
 
IN OUT 5. Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
 
 
  Good Hygienic Practices  
IN OUT N/O 6. Proper eating, tasting, drinking, or tobacco use
 
 
IN OUT N/O 7. No discharge from eyes, nose, and mouth
 
 
  Control of Hands as a Vehicle of Contamination  
IN OUT N/O 8. Hands clean and properly washed
 
 
IN OUT N/A N/O 9. No bare hand contact with RTE foods or a pre-approved alternate procedure properly allowed
 
 
IN OUT 10. Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
 
 
  Approved Source  
IN OUT 11. Food obtained from approved source
 
 
IN OUT N/A N/O 12. Food received at proper temperature
 
 
IN OUT 13. Food in good condition, safe, and unadulterated
 
 
IN OUT N/A N/O 14. Required records available: shellstock tags, parasite destruction
 
 
  Protection from Contamination  
IN OUT N/A 15. Food separated and protected
 
 
IN OUT N/A 16. Food-contact surfaces: cleaned and sanitized
 
 
IN OUT 17. Proper disposition of returned, previously served, reconditioned, and unsafe food
 
 
  Potentially Hazardous Food (Time/Temperature Control for Safety Food)  
IN OUT N/A N/O 18. Proper cooking time and temperatures
 
 
IN OUT N/A N/O 19. Proper reheating procedures for hot holding
 
 
IN OUT N/A N/O 20. Proper cooling time and temperature
 
 
IN OUT N/A N/O 21. Proper hot holding temperatures
 
 
IN OUT N/A 22. Proper cold holding temperatures
 
 
IN OUT N/A N/O 23. Proper date marking and disposition
 
 
IN OUT N/A N/O 24. Time as a public health control: procedures and records
 
 
  Consumer Advisory  
IN OUT N/A 25. Consumer advisory provided for raw or undercooked foods
 
 
  Highly Susceptible Populations  
IN OUT N/A 26. Pasteurized foods used; prohibited foods not offered
 
 
  Chemical  
IN OUT N/A 27. Food additives: approved and properly used
 
 
IN OUT N/A 28. Toxic substances properly identified, stored, and used
 
 
  Conformance with Approved Procedures  
IN OUT N/A 29. Compliance with variance, specialized process, and HACCP plan
 
 
 
GOOD RETAIL PRACTICES
  Compliance Status COS R
  Safe Food and Water  
IN OUT N/A 30. Pasteurized eggs used where required
 
 
IN OUT 31. Water and ice from approved source
 
 
IN OUT N/A 32. Variance obtained for specialized processing methods
 
 
  Food Temperature Control  
IN OUT 33. Proper cooling methods used; adequate equipment for temperature control
 
 
IN OUT N/A N/O 34. Plant food properly cooked for hot holding
 
 
IN OUT N/A N/O 35. Approved thawing methods used
 
 
IN OUT 36. Thermometers provided and accurate
 
 
  Food Identification  
IN OUT 37. Food properly labeled; original container
 
 
  Prevention of Food Contamination  
IN OUT 38. Insects, rodents, and animals not present
 
 
IN OUT 39. Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage, and display
 
 
IN OUT N/A 40. Personal cleanliness
 
 
IN OUT 41. Wiping cloths: properly used and stored
 
 
IN OUT N/A N/O 42. Washing fruits and vegetables
 
 
  Proper Use of Utensils  
IN OUT 43. In-use utensils: properly stored
 
 
IN OUT 44. Utensils, equipment and linens: properly stored, dried, and handled
 
 
IN OUT 45. Single-use/single-service articles: properly stored and used
 
 
IN OUT N/A 46. Gloves used properly
 
 
  Utensils, Equipment, and Vending  
IN OUT 47. Food and nonfood-contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed, and used
 
 
IN OUT 48. Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained, and used; test strips
 
 
IN OUT 49. Nonfood-contact surfaces clean
 
 
  Physical Facilities  
IN OUT 50. Hot and cold water available; adequate pressure
 
 
IN OUT 51. Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
 
 
IN OUT 52. Sewage and waste water properly disposed
 
 
IN OUT 53. Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, and cleaned
 
 
IN OUT 54. Garbage and refuse properly disposed; facilities maintained
 
 
IN OUT 55. Physical facilities installed, maintained, and clean
 
 
IN OUT 56. Adequate ventilation and lighting; designated areas used
 
 
IN = in compliance OUT = not in compliance N/O = not observed
N/A = not applicable COS = corrected on-site R = repeat violation
Establishment Name  EL CENTRO D.F.    Establishment Address  1218 WISCONSIN AVE NW
OBSERVATIONS 25 DCMR CORRECTIVE ACTIONS
16. - The concentration of the chlorine-based sanitizing solution was not in compliance in the low temperature main dishwasher in the kitchen. (CORRECT VIOLATION WITHIN 5 CALENDAR DAYS)  1813.2 A chlorine solution shall have a minimum temperature based on the concentration and pH of the solution as listed in the following chart: P CONCENTRATION RANGE = 25 mg/L - 49 mg/L (if pH 10 or less, minimum temperature = 49 degrees C (120 degrees F); if pH 8 or less, minimum temperature = 49 degrees C (120 degrees F)]; CONCENTRATION RANGE = 50 mg/L - 49 mg/L (if pH 10 or less, minimum temperature = 38 degrees C (100 degrees F); if pH 8 or less, minimum temperature = 24 degrees C (75 degrees F)]; MINUMUM CONCENTRATION = 100 mg/L (if pH 10 or less, minimum temperature = 13 degrees C (55 degrees F); if pH 8 or less, minimum temperature = 13 degrees C (55 degrees F)].  
16. - Mold was observed on the ice maker's ice chute.(CORRECT VIOLATION WITHIN 14 CALENDAR DAYS)  1901.5 Except when dry cleaning methods are used as specified in Section 1904, surfaces of utensils and equipment in contact with food that is not potentially hazardous (time/temperature control for safety food) shall be cleaned: (a) At any time when contamination may have occurred; (b) At least every twenty-four (24) hours for iced tea dispensers and consumer self-service utensils such as tongs, scoops, or ladles; (c) Before restocking consumer self-service equipment and utensils such as condiment dispensers and display containers; and (d) In equipment such as ice bins and beverage dispensing nozzles and enclosed components of equipment such as ice makers, cooking oil storage tanks and distribution lines, beverage and syrup dispensing lines or tubes, coffee bean grinders, and water vending equipment: (1) At a frequency specified by the manufacturer; or (2) Absent manufacturer specifications, at a frequency necessary to preclude accumulation of soil or mold.  
22. - Temperature control for safety foods temp above 41 degrees F inside sandwich preparation refrigerator. Temperature control for safety foods were stored with ice. (Corrected On Site)  1005.1 Except during preparation, cooking, or cooling, or when time is used as the public health control as specified in Section 1009, potentially hazardous food (time/ temperature control for safety food) shall be maintained: (b) At five degrees Celsius (5 degrees C) (forty-one degrees Fahrenheit (41 degrees F)) or less. P  
22. - Chicken salad and soup are cooling in sealed plastic bags in a stock big container in the walk-in refrigerator and cooked yesterday which were measured greater than 41-degree F The foods were voluntarily discarded. (Corrected On Site)  1005.1 Except during preparation, cooking, or cooling, or when time is used as the public health control as specified in Section 1009, potentially hazardous food (time/ temperature control for safety food) shall be maintained: (b) At five degrees Celsius (5 degrees C) (forty-one degrees Fahrenheit (41 degrees F)) or less. P  
38. - Rodent droppings were observed on the floor in the basement.(CORRECT VIOLATION WITHIN 5 CALENDAR DAYS)  3210.1 The premises shall be maintained free of insects, rodents, and other pests. The presence of insects, rodents, and other pests shall be controlled to minimize their presence on the premises by: Pf (a) Routinely inspecting incoming shipments of food and supplies; Pf (b) Routinely inspecting the premises for evidence of pests; Pf (c) Using methods, if pests are found, such as trapping devices or other means of pest control as specified in Sections 3402, 3410 and 3411; Pf and (d) Eliminating harborage conditions. Pf  
38. - There are openings in the ceiling in the in the kitchen.(CORRECT VIOLATION WITHIN 14 CALENDAR DAYS)  2912.1 Except as otherwise specified in Sections 2912.2 through 2912.5, the outer openings of a food establishment shall be protected against the entry of insects and rodents by: (a) Filling or closing holes and other gaps along floors, walls, and ceilings; (b) Closed, tight-fitting windows; and (c) Solid, self-closing, tight-fitting doors.  
 
Sanitizer: Chlorine, 200 ppm, 0.0 pH, 00.0°F 
Sanitizer: Chlorine, 100 ppm, 0.0 pH, 00.0°F 
Temperatures
 Item/Location Temp  Item/Location Temp  Item/Location Temp  Item/Location Temp
Hot Water (Handwashing Sink - Dishwash area) 135.0F Hot Water (Final Rinse Cycle - Warewashing Machine) 135.0F Tomatoes chopped (Sandwich Prep Refrigerator) (Cold Holding) 41.0F Green Peppers (Sandwich Prep Refrigerator) (Cold Holding) 39.0F
(Sandwich Prep Refrigerator) (Cold Holding) 40.0F Cucumbers (Under-counter Refrigerator) (Cold Holding) 40.0F Onions raw (Under-counter Refrigerator) (Cold Holding) 39.0F (Under-counter Refrigerator) (Cold Holding) 35.0F
Tomatoes chopped (Sandwich Prep Refrigerator) (Cold Holding) 40.0F Lettuce (Sandwich Prep Refrigerator) (Cold Holding) 40.0F Chicken tender (Steam Table) (Hot Holding) 138.0F Pork (Steam Table) (Hot Holding) 136.0F
Beans (Steam Table) (Hot Holding) 140.0F Cole slaw (Sandwich Prep Refrigerator) (Cold Holding) 40.0F Cheese (Sandwich Prep Refrigerator) (Cold Holding) 41.0F Fish (Under-counter Refrigerator) (Cold Holding) 45.0F
(Freezer) (Cold Holding) -10.0F Chicken (Griddle) (Reheating) 165.0F Hamburger patty (Griddle) (Cooking) 167.0F Hot Water (Handwashing Sink - Bar) 167.0F
Hot Water (Handwashing Sink - toilet/female) 100.0F Hot Water (Handwashing Sink - toilet/male) 103.0F Hot Water (Final Rinse Cycle - Warewashing Machine) 140.0F (Walk-in Refrigerator) (Cold Holding) 37.5F
Chicken (Walk-in Refrigerator) (Cold Holding) 44.0F Chicken (Walk-in Refrigerator) (Cold Holding) 46.0F Soup (Walk-in Refrigerator) (Cold Holding) 45.5F Salmon (Walk-in Refrigerator) (Cold Holding) 40.6F
Chicken (Walk-in Refrigerator) (Cold Holding) 41.0F            
Inspector Comments:
Correct cited violations within 5 Calendar-days.

Correct cited violations within 14 Calendar-day.
.
If you have any questions, please contact the area supervisor by emailing food.safety@dc.gov with your inquiry details.
DC Health does not assign a grade, percentage, or rating for establishment inspection reports. We perform a pass-fail inspection. The amount of Priority, Priority Foundation, and Core violations are tallied at the top of each inspection report. DC Health also performs follow up inspections to ensure the violations which were cited on the initial report have been corrected. To view an establishment's inspection report, follow this link: https://dc.healthinspections.us.
  Andrija Stevanovic 02/07/2025
 Person-in-Charge (Signature) (Print) Date
    Mengestayhu Akelat 607  02/07/2025 
  Inspector (Signature) (Print) Badge # Date
    2023