Dirty knives, undercooked food among latest metro Phoenix restaurant violations
Maricopa County health inspectors cited two restaurants for eight health violations during the week of March 1. The violations ranged from improperly washed utensils to improper concentrations of sanitizers in sinks and dishwashing machines.
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 1, inspectors visited nearly 1,340 restaurants along with other food-serving facilities in hospitals, senior homes and schools. One hundred and seventy-five restaurants received an "A" rating. See a sampling of the many restaurants that inspectors graded "A" at the end of this article.
4 violations
Oregano's Pizza Bistro, 20677 E Maya Road, Queen Creek
Six knives stored as clean on the knife rack had food debris on them. The person in charge removed the knives and put them in the dish wash area.
Tomato purée for pizza was in the hot holding warmer at 127F. The person in charge said the purée was there for about three hours; it was discarded.
Portioned cheddar cheese in the make-take drawer was at 46F- 47F. The person in charge said the cheese was there since the day; it was discarded.
Quat sanitizer solution in the three-compartment sink was at 500 parts per million when it should have been at 200 to 400 ppm. The person in charge remade the Quat sanitizer solution with a reading of 200 ppm.
More violations: Expired food, container with rodent droppings among violations at Valley restaurants
4 violations
Athens on Easy Street, 7 E Sundial Cir Suite 4, Carefree
The dishwashing machine in the front bar had a chlorine sanitizer concentration of 0 ppm. The person in charge moved all dishwashing to the kitchen dishwasher.
An employee cooking chicken kabobs and taking them off the grill was about to plate them when an inspector measured the temperature of the chicken at 163F. The person in charge told the employee to place the kabobs back on the grill and cook them until the temperature reached 165F.
Premade pasta with meat and a dairy product inside was in the large reach-in cooler at 51F. A dish with cooked spinach and phyllo dough was in the walk-in cooler at 48F. The person in charge said the products were made the day prior and were taken out an hour prior to their temperature being taken. Both products were placed in the walk-in cooler to rapidly.
Quat sanitizer was in the three-compartment sink with a concentration at or above 500 ppm. The person in charge added water to lower concentration of the sanitizer to around 300 ppm.
Look 'em up: Check your favorite dining spots in The Republic's new restaurant inspection database
Grade A restaurants
Phoenix
Brennan's Pub 'N' Grub, 3510 E. Bell Road
Dirty Drummer, 2303 N. 44th St
The Old Spaghetti Factory, 1418 N. Central Ave.
Otto's Empire Diner, 3502 W. Greenway Road
Casa Filipina Bakeshop, 3531 W. Thunderbird Road
Scottsdale
Nick's Pizza Kitchen, 13910 N. Frank Lloyd Wright Blvd.
Tapas Papa Frita, 7114 E. Stetson Drive
Kyoto, 7170 E. Stetson Drive
Gelato Cimmino, 7140 E. Main St.
The Spice & Tea Exchange of Scottsdale, 7236 E. Main St.
East Valley
Buca Di Beppo Restaurant, 1730 S. Val Vista Drive, Mesa
Dragon Wok, 727 W. Ray Road, Gilbert
Tasty Thai, 510 W. Broadway Road, Tempe
FatCats Entertainment, 4321 E. Baseline Road, Gilbert
Brekky Brunch, 2040 S. Alma School Road, Chandler
West Valley
4 Sons Food Store, 15445 W. Waddell Road, Surprise
European Bakery, 3602 W. Bell Road, Glendale
JT Boba House 2, 944 S. Watson Road, Buckeye
Que Pasa Mexican Food, 3730 S. Estrella Pkwy., Goodyear
Angelina's Fry Bread, 5154 W. Olive Ave., Glendale
Source: Maricopa County Environmental Services
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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: These metro Phoenix restaurants were hit with 8 health violations
