Delicias De El Salvador, a restaurant located in Nashville, Tennessee, received a low score of 77 during a routine health inspection conducted on October 9, 2025. The inspection, carried out by the Tennessee Department of Health, revealed multiple health code violations that raised concerns about food safety and sanitation practices at the establishment.
Situated at 1086 Murfreesboro Pike, Delicias De El Salvador is known for its traditional Salvadoran dishes, particularly its pupusas and tamales. However, the recent inspection highlighted significant issues that may impact the health and safety of its patrons.
Inspection Findings Reveal Serious Violations
According to the official inspection report, Delicias De El Salvador was cited for a total of 15 health code violations. Among these, inspectors noted alarming practices regarding food safety. For instance, raw whole fish was thawed in a three-compartment sink next to dirty dishes, while raw chicken and other meats were left to defrost in a mop sink, which poses a risk of contamination.
The report also indicated that cooked chicken, prepared just two hours prior, was left unattended on a prep table at a temperature of 80°F before refrigeration. During the inspection, this chicken was reheated to 188°F to restart the cooling process safely. Additionally, cut tomatoes and lettuce prepared an hour earlier were stored improperly in a reach-in cooler at temperatures ranging from 53°F to 60°F. Inspectors relocated these items to another cooler, which will remain out of service until repaired.
Other violations included finding sliced cooked beef in the freezer without proper labeling or dating. This beef had been prepared over 24 hours earlier; thus, it was labeled accordingly, and the restaurant staff was retrained on proper date marking procedures. Furthermore, inspectors noted that pork was stored in grocery bags within the deep freezer, which is not consistent with safe food storage practices.
The inspection report also highlighted sanitation concerns, including a chipped knife placed above the three-compartment sink, an uncovered trash can in the women’s bathroom, and a broken gasket on the deep freezer in the serving area. The inspectors found discolored and stained kitchen ceiling tiles, along with a buildup of debris and dust in the vent above the prep table.
Next Steps and Follow-Up Inspection
In light of these findings, the inspection report mandates that Delicias De El Salvador must adhere to all corrective actions outlined in the document. A follow-up inspection will be conducted within 10 days to assess the restaurant’s compliance with health regulations.
For further details regarding the specific violations and corrective actions required, the official inspection report is available through the Tennessee Department of Health. The scrutiny of this establishment underscores the importance of maintaining high standards in food safety and sanitation to protect public health.
