Maricopa County health inspectors cited three metro Phoenix restaurants for 12 health violations during the week of Oct. 20. Violations included food stored improperly, improper handwashing technique and sewage near an outdoor grill area.
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 Oct. 20, inspectors visited about 1,250 restaurants and other food-serving facilities in hospitals, senior homes and schools. Nearly 370 restaurants received an “A” rating. See a sampling of the “A”-rated restaurants at the bottom of this article.
4 priority violations
Thai Coconut Restaurant, 7116 E. Mercer Lane, Scottsdale
- Tylenol and lighter fuel were directly above clean dishes, and Windex and orchid food stored hung above sodas. Chemicals and medicine were moved away from food to prevent contamination.
- Employee touched ready to eat carrots and green beans and cooked eggplant with bare hands. The employee was told about proper procedures.
- Raw chicken was stored above ready-to-eat potatoes in cooler. The items were rearranged to prevent contamination.
- Wine bottle stored directly inside ice in ice machine used for customer drinks. The wine bottle was moved.
Pinard Wine Bar, 20469 N. Hayden Road, Scottsdale
- Several issues with employees touching items like trash cans, clothes, personal items and more and then touching food without removing gloves and washing hands. The staff was educated about the importance of proper handwashing.
- An employee touched watermelon with bare hands. They were instructed to discard the food, wash hands and wear gloves.
- Eggs were stored over food that was ready to eat. The items were rearranged to prevent contamination.
- Foods like rice, mushrooms and carrots were stored past their their discard dates. The food were discarded.
Mercado Latino, 3102 W. Van Buren St., Phoenix
- 2nd consecutive violation: 46F internal temperature for large pot of beans stored in walk-in refrigeration unit. Ensure to use proper cooling methods to cool TCS food items from 135F to 70F within 2 hours and from 70F to 41*F within 4hours. Per operator, beans were cooled overnight. Discussed with operator beans are no longer safe for human consumption. Operator removed beans from walk-in cooler and will no longer be served to the public.
- Beans were kept at 46 degrees in a walk-in refrigerator, which is too warm. The beans were discared.
- A hot holding unit was not functioning, causing pinto beans, rice, pork rib and barbacoa to reach unsafe temperatures. Some items were reheated and others discarded. The unit will not be used until it is repaired.
- Raw pork was being stored at 76 degrees, which is too warm. The pork was discarded.
- The hand sink was not operational and was causing sewage to spill on the ground near an outdoor grill. The operator was told not to use the grill until the sink is plumbed appropriately and approved by environmental services.
‘A’ rated restaurants
Phoenix
- Carolina’s Mexican Food, 2126 E. Cactus Road
- Mango Bliss Dessert Bar, 3434 W. Anthem Way
- The Whining Pig, 21001 N. Tatum Blvd.
- City of Spice, 2945 E Bell Road
- Sushi Holic, 3943 E. Camelback Road
Scottsdale
- Oscar’s Taco Shop, 7150 E. Thomas Road
- Pearls Mini Donuts, 7014 E. Camelback Road
- Snooze an A.M. Eatery, 8612 E. Shea Blvd.
- The Lunch Bag, 8989 E. Via Linda
- Poke Bar, 10701 N. Scottsdale Road
East Valley
- Bella Gusto Urban Pizzeria 1964 N. Alma School Road, Chandler
- Yo Love Frozen Yogurt 1900 W. Germann Road, Chandler
- Henhouse Cafe, 3244 E. Guadalupe Road, Gilbert
- Tum Nak Thai, 2060 S. Power Road, Mesa
- Taco Nazo, 1405 W. Southern Ave., Tempe
West Valley
- Calitacos, 626 E. Monroe Ave., Buckeye
- Caribbean Cuisine, 6031 N. 67th Ave., Glendale
- Que Pasa Mexican Food, 3730 S. Estrella Parkway, Goodyear
- Don Lencho’s Restaurant, 8420 W. Peoria Ave., Peoria
- Patties, Pints & Pizzas, 46202 N. Black Canyon Highway, New River
Connect with the reporter at [email protected]…