After four months of spotless health inspections in Maricopa, one local pizza shop broke the streak when food safety officials cited a temperature violation during a recent visit.
In the last month, inspectors with the Pinal County Environmental Health Department have visited 22 Maricopa businesses, rating 21 of them “excellent.”
The inspectors rated Vero Chicago Pizza “satisfactory” after discovering food in the reach-in refrigerator by the pizza stations was held between 45 and 47 degrees. Coolers should hold food at or below 41 degrees, according to the health code.
The person in charge assured inspectors that food is not held inside of the reach-in overnight. That employee was instructed to move all temperature-controlled foods into the walk-in freezer until the refrigerator was serviced and able to hold food at the required temperature.
The last time a restaurant was dinged in Maricopa was March 4 when food inspectors found four violations at a different pizzeria on John Wayne Parkway.
Maricopa businesses rated excellent June 8 through July 9:
- Aliberto’s (July 9)
- Barro’s Pizza (July 7)
- Carl’s Jr. (June 26)
- Christs Church of the Valley (June 25)
- Circle K – 19060 N. John Wayne Parkway (July 9)
- Dunkin’ Donuts (June 18)
- Exceptional Hospital (July 1)
- GNC (July 7)
- Honeycutt Coffee (July 7)
- IHOP (June 18)
- Molly’s House of Little Feet (June 26)
- Nando’s Mexican Cafe (June 18)
- Neaux Coffee Company (July 1)
- Nekter Juice Bar (July 9)
- Pizza Hut (July 7)
- Rili B’s Taco Shop (June 26)
- Say Sushi (Inspected June 26)
- Walmart – Deli (Inspected July 1)
- Wetzel’s Pretzels (Inspected July 1)
- Wingstop (Inspected June 18)
- Yogurt Jungle (Inspected July 7)
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.
