Arizona’s Family has released its latest “Dirty Dining” report highlighting several Phoenix-area restaurants that received serious health code violations during recent inspections conducted by Maricopa County’s Environmental Services Department. The weekly report focuses on restaurants with some of the highest numbers of “risk factors,” which inspectors classify as major health code violations that could potentially impact food safety.
One of the restaurants listed in the report was Taco Mich and Bar, located at 1602 E. McDowell Road in Phoenix. Inspectors documented three major violations during the inspection. According to the report, there were no paper towels available at a handwashing sink, first aid ointments were improperly stored above packaged foods, and inspectors also found 3-in-1 oil lubricant stored next to food storage containers.
Another restaurant cited was Fellowship, located at 35 W. Brown Road in Mesa. Inspectors reported four separate risk-factor violations at the establishment. An employee was seen handling dirty equipment without washing their hands afterward, and a cook was observed handling food from the griddle with bare hands. Inspectors also found cream cheese, shrimp, and cheese items not being kept at proper temperatures. In addition, fish served at the restaurant was reportedly not cooked to the required safe temperature.
Koi Sushi, located at 650 N. Scottsdale Road in Tempe, also appeared on the Dirty Dining report with four major violations. Inspectors found a piece of raw beef resting on shredded lettuce, creating a cross-contamination concern. Knives containing food debris had reportedly been put away as clean, while tuna and salmon products were not being maintained at cold enough temperatures. Health inspectors additionally found cough medicine stored above a food preparation table.
At Angry Pepper, located at 4902 S. Val Vista Drive in Gilbert, inspectors documented four risk-factor violations as well. According to the report, an employee was washing their hands without soap, and inspectors discovered that no soap was available at one of the handwashing sinks. Raw pork was also reportedly stored above cooked sweet and sour chicken, creating another cross-contamination issue. Inspectors additionally found insect spray stored in a food storage area.
Korean BBQ Chicken, located at 1900 W. Chandler Boulevard in Chandler, received four violations during its inspection. The report stated that the restaurant did not have a certified food manager on site. Inspectors also found raw chicken and eggs stored above rice cakes, food contact surfaces that had not been properly sanitized, and fries and chicken wings that were not being kept hot enough for safe food service.
Arizona’s Family explained that the Dirty Dining reports are compiled using inspection records from Maricopa County’s Environmental Services Department. Restaurants selected for the report typically have some of the highest numbers of serious violations discovered during recent inspections. The county uses a restaurant inspection scoring system that evaluates risk factors involving food storage, sanitation, employee hygiene, cooking temperatures, and contamination prevention.
While several restaurants received violations, the report also highlighted a number of Valley eateries that earned perfect health inspection scores and made the Dirty Dining “Dean’s List.” Restaurants receiving perfect scores included AFC Sushi in Goodyear, Wingstop in Surprise, Raising Cane’s in Phoenix, Baskin-Robbins in Queen Creek, Sauce Pizza and Wine in Scottsdale, and The Shop Beer Co. in Tempe.
Maricopa County’s Environmental Services Department conducts routine inspections throughout the Valley to ensure restaurants comply with health and safety standards designed to reduce the risk of foodborne illness. Violations involving improper food temperatures, poor sanitation, handwashing failures, and cross-contamination are considered especially serious because they can potentially expose customers to harmful bacteria or other contaminants.
Arizona’s Family noted that viewers can access additional Dirty Dining reports and learn more about the county’s restaurant inspection scoring system through Maricopa County’s official website.
Source: AZFamily
