Maricopa County health inspectors cited three metro Phoenix restaurants for 13 health violations during the week of Jan. 12. Violations included keeping food items past their safe date, not addressing pests properly, and not washing hands after touching face and dirty dishes.
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 Jan. 12, inspectors visited more than 1,400 restaurants and other food-serving facilities in hospitals, senior homes and schools. Nearly 400 restaurants received an “A” rating. See a sampling of the “A”-rated restaurants at the bottom of this article.
5 priority violations
The Breakfast Club, 4400 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale
- Several cooks handled raw eggs, touched their face and moved between dirty and clean dishes without washing their hands first.
- An employee placed celery into Bloody Mary drinks with their bare hands instead of using gloves or utensils. The drinks were thrown away.
- A large container of cooked black beans was too deep and between 48 and 50 degrees, which is too warm, in the cooler, increasing the risk of bacterial growth. The person in charge discarded the beans during the inspection.
- A “green juice” containing ingredients like kale, spinach and honeydew was held at an unsafe temperature for more than four hours. The juice was thrown away.
- Raw eggs and hollandaise sauce were kept at room temperature without visible discard times. The eggs, which had been restocked two hours before the inspection, were time-stamped. The hollandaise sauce was discarded.
4 priority violations
Mad Fresh Kitchen, 455 S. 48th St., Tempe
- Items like sliced cabbage, tomatoes, cut melon and pre-portioned salads were either past the seven-day limit, had old date labels or had no date labels. All expired foods were thrown away, and date labeling was corrected.
- Fly strips were found inside the restaurant, and pest control chemicals were stored on site. Doors were also left open, allowing pests to enter. Inspectors advised the restaurant’s person in charge that pest control must be performed by a certified specialist. The chemicals were removed, the fly strips were addressed, and staff were instructed to keep doors closed.
- Glass cleaner, floor cleaner and other chemicals were kept above paper towels and food prep areas, which could cause contamination. All chemicals were moved to proper storage.
- The sprayer arm at the three-compartment sink sat too low, which could allow dirty water to flow back into the system. The plumbing issue must be fixed before the follow-up inspection.
Filiberto’s Mexican Food, 1397 E. Williams Field Road, Gilbert
- The chlorine sanitizer in the three-compartment sink was below the required level to properly sanitize dishes. More chlorine was added during the inspection to fix the issue.
- Pinto beans were stored in a deep pot and were still too warm in the walk-in cooler, increasing the risk of bacteria growth. The beans were removed, and proper cooling procedures were discussed with the restaurant’s person in charge.
- Cooked chicken in the walk-in cooler had passed the seven-day limit and was removed. Staff were reminded of proper date-labeling rules.
- A chlorine sanitizer used on food-contact surfaces was stronger than allowed, which can be unsafe. The solution was diluted to the correct level during the inspection.
‘A’ rated restaurants
Phoenix
- Da Valley Grill, 2040 W. Deer Valley Road.
- Foley Ranch, 21001 N. Tatum Blvd.
- Niccoli’s Pizzeria & Deli LLC, 6102 N. 16th St.
- Royal Coffee, 2502 E. Camelback Road.
- Cielito Rosa Bakery and Cafe, 748 E. Bell Road.
Scottsdale
- Karsen’s Grill, 7246 E. First St.
- Chispa’s, 8046 E. Thomas Road.
- Corso Italia, 7704 E. Double Tree Ranch Road.
- Carniceria El Rancho Market, 7607 E. McDowell Road.
- FourtillFour Coffee, 7105 E. First Ave.
East Valley
- Salerno’s Pizza, 3921 E. Guadalupe Road, Gilbert.
- Rumbi Island Grill, 5942 E. Longbow Parkway, Mesa.
- Perfect Pear Bistro, 2510 W. Chandler Blvd., Chandler.
- Harlows Cafe, 1021 W. University Dr., Tempe.
- Polba Tea, 2040 S. Alma School Road, Chandler.
West Valley
- Ahuevo Cafe, 9205 W. Van Buren St., Tolleson.
- The Horny Toad, 6738 E. Cave Creek Road, Cave Creek.
- JM Chinese Cuisine, 9501 W. Peoria Ave., Peoria.
- Islands Burgers & Fine Drinks, 10055 W. McDowell Road, Avondale.
- Vitale Cafe, 19805 N. 51st Ave., Glendale.
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