Possibly toxic-level sanitizer used near ranch cups in latest metro Phoenix restaurant inspections

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

Maricopa County health inspectors cited one restaurant for four health violations during the week of Jan. 26. The violations ranged from an employee washing their hands for only 5 seconds after handling raw sausage, to a possibly toxic-level sanitizer that was used to clean a work surface where cups of ranch dressing were filled.

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 Jan. 26, inspectors visited more than 1,320 restaurants along with other food-serving facilities in hospitals, senior homes and schools. More than 180 restaurants received an "A" rating. See a sampling of the many restaurants that inspectors graded "A" at the end of this article.

4 violations

Barro's Pizza, 1130 W. Grove Ave., Mesa

  • An employee washed their hands for less than 5 seconds after removing soiled gloves that were used to handle raw sausage. Employee rewashed hands for the required 20 seconds.

  • Pizza sauce and shredded mozzarella were stored at the pizza station at 51 F to 55 F. The person in charge said the ingredients are left out for a maximum of two hours and then returned to the prep cooler to cool to 41 F. The person in charge had the foods moved back to the walk-in fridge to rapidly cool.

  • An unlabeled spray bottle that the person in charge identified as sanitizer with 500+ parts per million was used to clean a work surface where ranch cups were filled. Sanitizer above 400 ppm may be toxic. The person in charge diluted the spray solution to 200 ppm.

  • Spray sanitizer was stored above pizza box inserts, and a bottle of degreaser was stored on the lower shelf of a prep table next to wing sauces. Both bottles were unlabeled. The manager moved the spray bottles to another area.

Look 'em up: Check your favorite dining spots in The Republic's new restaurant inspection database

Grade A restaurants

Phoenix

  • Fabulous Foods/The Patio Cafe, 1201 N. Galvin Parkway

  • Ronnie's Cafe, 4323 W. Cactus Road

  • Just Cuz Subs, 4801 E. Washington St.

  • Sushi Kikka, 10810 N. Tatum Blvd.

  • PT Pho, 20235 N. Cave Creek Road

Scottsdale

  • Nutrition Head 2 Toe, 7000 E. Shea Blvd.

  • Soul Cafe, 7615 E. Pinnacle Peak Road

  • Tuscany at McCormick Ranch, 9000 E. San Victor Drive

  • Chispa's, 8046 E. Thomas Road

  • Bubble Bee, 15147 N. Scottsdale Road

East Valley

  • Tacos Calafia, 414 S. Mill Ave., Tempe

  • Charleys Philly Steaks, 1955 S. Stapley Road, Mesa

  • Mici Handcrafted Italian, 24750 S. Ellsworth Road, Queen Creek

  • Another Broken Egg, 2484 S. Santan Village Parkway, Gilbert

  • Suspiros Cake Shop, 535 E. Southern Ave., Mesa

West Valley

  • Cafe Zamora, 606 E. Western Ave., Avondale

  • Island Teriyaki, 5932 W. Bell Road, Glendale

  • Burros and Fries, 13544 N. Prasada Parkway, Surprise

  • Zoyo Neighborhood Yogurt, 15557 W. Roosevelt St., Goodyear

  • Babbo Italian Eatery, 15705 W. McDowell Road, Goodyear

Source: Maricopa County Environmental Services

Thank you for subscribing. This premium content is made possible because of your continued support of local journalism.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Metro Phoenix restaurant had 4 health code violations in inspection