Bashas’ seafood shut down, permit suspended after sewage leak

Pinal County health inspectors closed a local grocer’s meat department and suspended its permit after discovering a sewage leak.

It’s the first “unacceptable” rating the department has given in more than three years. That’s the worst evaluation a business can get. As of yesterday afternoon, the meat department was still closed.

Inspectors with Pinal County Environmental Health visited nine local eateries from Jan. 12 to Jan. 18. Eight received top marks. 

This report follows InMaricopa’s previous report, where inspectors served another five “excellent” ratings.   

Excellent 

Bashas’ — Deli (inspected Jan. 18) 

Bashas’ — Starbucks (inspected Jan. 18) 

Bashas’ — Sushi Bar (inspected Jan. 18) 

Exceptional Community Hospital (inspected Jan. 18) 

Honeycutt Coffee (inspected Jan. 17) 

Jack In The Box (inspected Jan. 17) 

Roots Eatery (inspected Jan. 18) 

Wingstop (inspected Jan. 16) 

 

Unacceptable 

Bashas’ — Retail 

Conveying Sewage: Floor sink in the seafood side of the meat department is full of black, pungent and foul-smelling water. Wastewater is seen pushing through a 4-inch floor drain about 10-12 feet away from the floor sink. The manager was instructed to close the meat department, and notified their permit was suspended until the sewer system is repaired, and all affected areas are disinfected. 

 

What do the ratings mean?    

Excellent: All priority standards are observed as compliant.   

Satisfactory: One or more priority standards is out of compliance. All priority standards are corrected at the time of inspection.   

Needs improvement: One or more priority standards is out of compliance. At least one violation is not corrected at the time of inspection. When violations are corrected to the satisfaction of the department during a follow-up inspection, a satisfactory rating will be given.   

Unacceptable: One or more violations observed are an “imminent health hazard.” Hazards include the misuse of poisonous or toxic materials, onset of an apparent foodborne illness outbreak and unsanitary conditions that may endanger public health. Hazards can stem from fires, floods, electrical or water problems, and sewage backup. When violations are corrected to the satisfaction of the department during a follow-up inspection, a satisfactory rating will be given.