This longtime Phoenix-area Mexican restaurant cited for 5 health violations before it closed

Kunle Falayi and Michael Braga, Arizona Republic
Updated ·3 min read

Maricopa County health inspectors cited one restaurant — Matta’s Mexican Grill — for five health violations during the week of June 16. The violations at the longtime restaurant that has since closed ranged from a food dicer coated with tomato residue to shredded cheese left in a warm environment. It was the only establishment cited for four or more priority violations during the week.

A priority violation is a major violation that directly contributes to an increased risk of foodborne illness or injury. If listed in the inspection reports, remedies implemented during the inspection are noted. –

During the week of June 16, inspectors visited more than 1,200 restaurants as well as other food-serving facilities in hospitals, senior homes and schools. Nearly 200 restaurants were given an A rating. See a sampling of the many restaurants that inspectors graded A at the end of this article.

5 violations

Matta's Mexican Grill, 1105 N Higley Road, Mesa

  • Dishwasher had much lower chlorine levels than the 50-100 ppm recommended. | Person in charge replaced the container.

  • A knife on the magnetic strip was soiled with food debris, and a dicer was heavily coated with tomato residue. | Person in charge washed and sanitized both pieces of equipment.

  • Salsa and chili verde were held at 120-125 degrees F in the steam table. | The items were reheated to 165 degrees F.

  • Shredded cheese in a container on the cutting board was observed to be above the proper temperature. | Person in charge will use smaller amounts at a time and switch containers if needed, to maintain cold temperatures of 41 degrees F or below.

  • Spray nozzle connected to mop sink faucet and no backflow device on the mop sink. | Person in charge removed the spray nozzle to prevent backflow.

Grade A restaurants

Phoenix

  • Al's Cafe, 3636 N. Central Ave. Suite B50, Phoenix

  • La Michoacana, 3525 W. Southern Ave. Suite 126, Phoenix

  • Over Easy, 4730 E. Indian School Road Suite 123, Phoenix

  • The Stir Gin & Reel, 5415 E. High St., Phoenix

  • BKB Breakfast Kitchen Bar, 21001 N. Tatum Blvd. Suite 1010, Phoenix

Scottsdale

  • Dirty Dogg Saloon, 10409 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale

  • The Springs of Scottsdale, 3212 N. Miller Road, Scottsdale

  • Kaleidoscope Juice, 6895 E. Camelback Road, Scottsdale

  • Chickadees, 4441 N. Buckboard Trail Suite B, Scottsdale

  • Westin Kierland, 6902 E. Greenway Parkway, Scottsdale

East Valley

  • Playa Bowls, 24750 S. Ellsworth Road Suite 101, Queen Creek

  • The Taco Spot III, 542 W. Baseline Road Suite 105, Mesa

  • Mici Handcrafted Italian, 5498 S. Power Road Suite 101, Gilbert

  • Calitacos, 225 W Warner Road Suite 1-2, Chandler

  • Regroup Roasters, 1207 N. Scottsdale Road, Tempe

West Valley

  • Runner's, 12751 W. Bell Road Suite 117, Surprise

  • Millstone Cafe Inc., 801 E. Monroe Ave., Buckeye

  • Cafe Rumba, 5940 W. Union Hills Drive Suite F-120, Glendale

  • Bella Luna Ristorante, 14175 W. Indian School Road Suite A4, Goodyear

  • 8-Bit Brewery, 1050 N. Fairway Drive Suite F-101, Avondale

Restaurant closures: Phoenix area restaurants, bakeries and wine bars that closed in June — one after 70 years

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Longtime Mesa eatery cited for 5 health violations before it closed