Maricopa County health inspectors cited three metro Phoenix restaurants for 12 health violations during the week of July 21. Violations included storing bags of spoiled corn, preparing food after handling cash and serving potentially unsafe undercooked salmon.
A priority violation is a major violation that directly contributes to an increased risk of foodborne illness or injury. If listed in inspection reports, remedies implemented during the inspection are noted.
During the week of July 21, inspectors visited nearly 1,350 restaurants and other food-serving facilities in hospitals, senior homes and schools. About 400 restaurants received an “A” rating. See a sampling of the “A”-rated restaurants at the bottom of this article.
4 priority violations
El Mirage Bakery, 12329 NW Grand Ave., El Mirage
- An employee handled cash, used their cell phone, left the restaurant and returned to prepare food — all without washing their hands or wearing gloves. The employee was told to wash their hands properly, and the importance of handwashing was reviewed with the staff.
- Raw shelled eggs were found stored above cooked tamales and sweet fillings, which can lead to contamination. The eggs were moved to the correct spot below ready-to-eat foods.
- An employee was cleaning and air-drying dishes without using sanitizer. All food-contact items were moved and properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized.
- Cooked meat and cheese-stuffed pastries were sitting out on a prep table at 72 degrees, which is too warm. The items had been out for less than 2 hours and were moved to a cooler to bring them back down to a safe temperature.
Cup Bop, 1222 S. Crismon Road, Mesa
- Bags of roasted corn with organic debris were found in a cooler. All bags were thrown away. Staff were reminded to check food regularly and not keep it for more than seven days.
- Raw beef was stored above hot dogs, and raw eggs were above cooked rice. These items were rearranged during the inspection. Raw meats must always be stored below ready-to-eat foods to prevent contamination.
- The sanitizer used for cleaning dishes had a concentration below the safe level. The solution was replaced and brought up to 200 ppm. Staff were reminded to use test strips to check sanitizer strength regularly.
- Cooked chicken on the steam table was only 108 degrees, which is too low to keep food safe. The food was discarded since staff couldn’t confirm how long it had been sitting out. Staff was advised to keep food at 135 degrees or use time controls to ensure safety.
Clearwater, 6650 E. Mayo Blvd., Phoenix
- The restaurant allows customers to order undercooked salmon, but they didn’t have documentation to prove it’s safe, like a parasite destruction letter or aquaculture information. They must either provide the proper documents or fully cook the salmon to 145 degrees.
- The high-temperature dishwasher only reached 154 degrees, which is below the required 160 degrees. Staff were told to stop using it and use the three-compartment sink until it’s repaired. A service call was made during the inspection.
- Alfredo, marinara, gravy and enchilada sauces were left to cool overnight, but were still too warm. The sauces were thrown away, and the chef was reminded to use proper cooling methods, like shallow pans or ice baths, to prevent bacterial growth.
- Unpasteurized raw eggs were found in the cooler and kitchen. They were used due to a supply issue, but are not allowed for pooled or undercooked dishes in this type of restaurant. The chef discarded them and was reminded that only pasteurized eggs can be used unless baking or making fully cooked, single-serve egg dishes.
‘A’ rated restaurants
Phoenix
- Mariscos Playa Hermosa, 1605 E. Garfield St.
- Dragon Palace, 13825 N. 32nd St.
- NAMI Korean Kitchen, 19401 N. Cave Creek Road.
- The Sandwich Spot, 1219 E. Glendale Ave.
- Firecreek Coffee Co., 1618 E. McDowell Road.
Scottsdale
- Pita Cafe, 23535 N. Scottsdale Road.
- Sapiens Paleo Kitchen, 10411 E. McDowell Mountain Ranch Road.
- iPizza, 7620 E. McKellips Road.
- Curate Cafe, 20851 N. Scottsdale Road.
- That’s Amore Gelato, 7605 E. Pinnacle Peak Road.
East Valley
- Mambo’s Dominican Kitchen, 1950 N. Arizona Ave., Chandler.
- Sushi Stop, 2023 W. Guadalupe Road, Mesa.
- Dragon Wok, 727 W. Ray Road, Gilbert.
- Sage & Barrel Craft Eatery, 7215 S. Power Road, Queen Creek.
- Levante Coffee, 2330 N. Alma School Road, Chandler.
West Valley
- Chef Peter’s Bistro at The Chuckwagon, 17200 W. Bell Road, Surprise.
- Paloma Mexican Street Food, 965 E. Van Buren St., Avondale.
- Old Pueblo Cafe, 102 N. Old Litchfield Road, Litchfield Park.
- Indian Curry Bowls, 3810 S. Estrella Parkway, Goodyear.
- That Place Subs and Salads, 20340 N. Lake Pleasant Road, Peoria.
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