Maricopa County health inspectors recently cited several Phoenix-area restaurants and food businesses for major health code violations during routine inspections, according to Arizona’s Family’s latest “Dirty Dining” report. Inspectors identified problems ranging from improper handwashing and unsafe food temperatures to dirty equipment and chemical storage concerns at multiple Valley eateries.
Arizona’s Family explained that the weekly Dirty Dining report highlights restaurants receiving some of the highest numbers of “risk factor” violations from the Maricopa County Environmental Services Department. Risk factors are considered major health code violations because they can increase the risk of foodborne illness or contamination if left uncorrected.
One of the businesses included in this week’s report was Latino Restaurant, located at 1107 W. Hatcher Road in Phoenix. Inspectors documented five violations during the inspection. According to the report, employees handled raw food and utensils without properly washing their hands. Inspectors also found cooked beans that were not cooling correctly, roasted peppers that were not being kept hot enough, mozzarella cheese stored above safe cold-holding temperatures, and a can of WD-40 stored on a dough press near food preparation areas.
Another restaurant cited was The Stone Korean Tofu House, located at 6910 E. Hampton Avenue in Mesa. Inspectors reported four violations at the restaurant. Among the issues noted were an employee reusing a plastic glove that had been stored in raw beef, a box of jalapeños containing organic debris, old meat residue remaining on a deli slicer, and pork and brisket being stored above safe cold temperatures.
Light Heart Coffee, a popular Gilbert coffee shop located at 51 W. Vaughn Avenue, was also included in the report with four violations. Inspectors said an employee cracked eggs and prepared sandwiches without washing hands between tasks. Another employee reportedly rinsed utensils without properly washing them first. Inspectors additionally found raw eggs not being stored cold enough and sanitizer solution containing excessive amounts of ammonia.
La Pasadita Hot Dogs, located at 4117 N. 75th Avenue in Phoenix, received three violations during its inspection. Health officials said roasted jalapeños were not being kept hot enough, flan was being stored a week past its discard date, and a horchata pitcher was improperly stored inside ice intended for fountain drinks.
Arizona’s Family noted that restaurant inspections are performed regularly by Maricopa County’s Environmental Services Department to monitor food safety practices throughout the Valley. The inspections evaluate employee hygiene, food storage temperatures, cross-contamination risks, sanitation procedures, pest activity, chemical storage, and equipment cleanliness.
Improper food temperatures were one of the most common problems identified in this week’s inspections. Health experts warn that foods not kept hot enough or cold enough can quickly enter the “danger zone,” where bacteria can multiply rapidly and increase the risk of foodborne illnesses.
Handwashing and glove use violations also appeared repeatedly throughout the report. Food safety officials emphasize that improper handwashing remains one of the leading causes of food contamination in restaurants and food service operations.
The Dirty Dining report comes as Phoenix-area restaurants continue facing increased public attention regarding health inspections and sanitation standards. Arizona’s Family routinely publishes reports highlighting restaurants with serious violations as well as “Dean’s List” restaurants that receive perfect inspection scores.
Maricopa County’s inspection scoring system allows restaurants to correct many violations during or shortly after inspections. Follow-up inspections may also occur depending on the severity of the issues identified by inspectors.
Phoenix and the surrounding metro area contain thousands of restaurants and food establishments inspected regularly throughout the year. Officials encourage customers to review restaurant inspection reports online if they want more information regarding food safety compliance at local eateries.
Source: AZFamily
