2 metro Phoenix pizza restaurants in same chain cited for multiple health code violations
Maricopa County health inspectors cited two pizza restaurants from the same chain for eight health violations during the week of March 29. The violations ranged from cheese, sausage and pepperoni slices that were held for too long in a warmer to employees returning from deliveries and touching cooking implements and sandwich bread without washing their hands.
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 March 29, inspectors visited more than 1,300 restaurants along with other food-serving facilities in hospitals, senior homes and schools. Nearly 190 restaurants received an "A" rating. See a sampling of the many restaurants that inspectors graded "A" at the end of this article.
4 violations
Rosati's Pizza, 8490 S. Power Road, Gilbert
Pizza dough debris and cheese residue was building up on the mixing pot, hook, and vertical chopping machine used for cheese. The person in charge said the equipment wasn't used since previous day and was instructed to wash, rinse and sanitize the equipment prior to using.
Cheese, sausage and pepperoni pizza slices were in a warmer with an internal temperature of 130 F. The person in charge said the slices were cooked an hour and a half prior to inspection and would be discarded.
Penne pasta and meat sauce were on the prep table with an internal temperature of 45 F-46 F. The food was discarded.
A paintbrush was used to spread oil directly onto calzone food products. The person in charge was instructed to discontinue use of the paintbrush to prevent the bristles from contaminating the food.
4 violations
Rosati's Pizza, 1309 N. Greenfield Road, Mesa
An employee returned from a delivery, went immediately to touching fryer handles and then bare handling sandwich bread. The bread was discarded. The employee washed their hands.
Another employee returned from a delivery, touched fryer handles and then bare handling sandwich bread. The bread was discarded.
Tongs were used to service a hot holding table and a pasta catcher in a container of water that was measured at 86 F degrees. The water was dirty and staff didn't know when it was last changed other than between shifts. The items were moved to the three-compartment sink for cleaning.
A hose was connected to the swamp cooler at the mop sink. The hose was detached so as not to put pressure on the backflow device.
Look 'em up: Check your favorite dining spots in The Republic's new restaurant inspection database
Grade A restaurants
Phoenix
Bunkhouse, 4428 N. 7th Ave.
Country Boy's Restaurant, 2330 W. Camelback Road
Brody's Italian, 10810 N. Tatum Blvd.
Que Suave Taco Shop, 1855 W. Corona Ave.
Varela's Greek Pita, 503 W. Thomas Road
Scottsdale
On The Rocks, 2515 N. Scottsdale Road
Karsen's Grill, 7246 E. First St.
Yellow Spruce Roasters, 3902 N. Brown Ave.
Arizona Stronghold, 4225 N. Marshall Way
Tavern Grille Scottsdale, 8880 E. Via Linda
East Valley
Aloha Kitchen, 2950 S. Alma School Road, Mesa
The Chuckbox, 202 E. University Drive, Tempe
Rili B's Taco Shop, 20870 E. Heritage Loop Road, Queen Creek
Thaily's, 444 E. Chandler Blvd., Chandler
Ginger Garden Asian Cuisine, 3310 S. Higley Road, Gilbert
West Valley
Cucina Tagliani, 17045 N. 59th Ave., Glendale
Irish Wolfhound, 16811 N. Litchfield Road, Surprise
Royal Cafe, 10793 W. Grand Ave., Sun City
Federico's Mexican Food, 485 S. Watson Road, Suite 101, Buckeye
Rudy's Country Store and Bar-B-Q, 845 N. Litchfield Road, Goodyear
Source: Maricopa County Environmental Services
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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Phoenix-area restaurants in same chain hit with health violations
