PHOENIX, ARIZONA: Several restaurants in Phoenix have failed health inspections due to numerous violations, including the use of expired food and unclean meat cutters. This alarming situation reportedly raises serious concerns about food safety standards, putting the health of patrons at risk.
Health inspectors from Maricopa County reportedly identified 13 health violations across three restaurants during the week of November 3.
The inspection revealed a variety of violations, from a dishwasher operating without chlorine to the improper placement of soap, degreasers, and other cleaning chemicals near clean eating utensils and dishes, per AZ Central.
What is a priority violation?
A priority violation is a significant infraction that directly increases the risk of foodborne diseases or injuries. Remedial actions taken during the inspection are documented in the inspection reports if such violations are identified.
During the first week of November, inspectors reportedly conducted checks at approximately 1,160 establishments, including restaurants and food service facilities in hospitals, senior homes, and schools. Close to 180 restaurants were given an 'A' rating.
Details of violations found in inspection
It has been reported that La Locanda Italian Bistro, located at 3915 N Scottsdale Rd, Scottsdale, was subject to five violations.
In the restaurant's walk-in cooler, raw chicken was found stored on a shelf above raw bacon and raw zucchini, while raw calamari was placed above ready-to-eat tomato sauce and garlic butter. An employee promptly rectified this by relocating the raw meats to the appropriate storage area.
The bar dishwasher, which was in operation, initially tested at 0 parts per million of chlorine. An employee reportedly intervened by replacing the sanitizer and priming the dishwasher. After running another cycle, the dishwasher was found to be operating at 100 ppm of chlorine.
A pan of tomato sauce, initially held in a hot holding steam unit at temperatures ranging from 110F to 140F, was reheated to 165F before being returned to the hot holding unit.
During the inspection, several food items, including Bolognese sauce, heavy cream, raw shrimp, raw scallops, and raw chicken, were found to be at a temperature above the safe limit of 41F. All these items were promptly placed in the walk-in cooler to bring their temperature down to 41F or below.
A large container of tomato marinara sauce was found to be past its discard date and was subsequently disposed of.
Mercado Latino, located at 3102 W Van Buren St, Phoenix has four violations.
In a concerning violation, a package of raw beef was found placed directly above a pan of ready-to-eat pinto beans and a pan of cooked pork. The person in charge promptly relocated the raw beef to prevent cross-contamination.
A band saw, used for cutting raw meats on the food prep counter, was found with food debris accumulated on its food contact surfaces. The machine was immediately cleaned, rinsed, and sanitized during the inspection.
Temperature violations were also noted in the inspection. Cooked beef, stored in a deep pot in the walk-in fridge, was found at temperatures between 66-69F, and cooked pinto beans were at 66F. These foods were embargoed due to the unsafe temperatures.
Further, carne asada was found at temperatures of 106-110F in the hot holding wells. Sweet and sour chicken and beef ribs were also not at the required temperature, registering at 96-100F and 107-111F respectively. The person in charge reportedly discarded the carne asada and reheated the sweet and sour chicken and beef ribs to the safe temperature of 165F.
Lou Malnati's Pizzeria, located at 27 S McClintock Dr, Tempe has reportedly faced four violations.
An employee was observed garnishing a beer with an orange slice using bare hands. The beer and orange slice were promptly discarded, and a new beer was served with an orange slice placed using tongs.
The internal temperature of a sliced watermelon was found to be 49F, and sliced mozzarella was at 50F, both above the safe limit. The person in charge disposed of these food items.
Ready-to-eat foods, which were time or temperature-controlled for safety, were found in the freezer past their discard dates. These items were also discarded by the person in charge.
In terms of storage, hand soap was found stored above clean utensils, and a spray bottle of degreaser was placed above a 3-compartment sink while dishes were being washed.
Furthermore, bottles of Windex and Peroxide were stored directly above clean eating utensils in the bus station next to the restroom. All chemicals were relocated by the employees to ensure they were not stored above or next to any food, food contact surfaces, or single-service articles.
Which restaurants in Phoenix are considered grade-A?
Phoenix is home to several Grade A restaurants. These include The Great Wall Restaurant located at 5057 N 35th Ave, Romanellis at 3437 W Dunlap Ave, and Pan de Mujer Sinaloa at 7611 W Thomas Road. The list also features Cold Beers & Cheeseburgers at 401 E Jefferson St and Cornish Pasty at 8725 N 32nd St.
