Three Maricopa eateries receive health violations

In September the Pinal County Health Department inspected 10 Maricopa eateries, all walking away with perfect scores with the exception of Marisco’s El Pulpo Loco, Tulley’s Coffee Shop and Papago Cantina.

Twice the department inspected Marisco’s, first on Sept. 15 and again on Sept. 22.

During the first inspection, the restaurant was cited for storing raw hamburger above tortillas, condensation dripping from a refrigeration unit onto food items and storing foods at improper temperatures.

These violations resulted in the restaurant receiving an “N” and a second inspection on Sept. 22.

During the second inspection, restaurant management was able to clean up the majority of its violations raising its score to an “S;” the one remaining violation was the storage of raw hamburger above cooked beef mix.

Tulley’s and Papago Cantina both also received an “S” on inspections. Tulley’s received violations for storing foods at improper temperatures. Papago Cantina was written up for having fly strips too close to food and equipment, improper temperatures and improper chemical levels in sanitation buckets.

Health inspectors conduct random inspections aimed at ensuring that all the proper steps are being taken to maintain consumer safety, Pinal County officials said.

To that end, the department can issue violations that are either critical or non-critical. Critical violations must be fixed within 10 days and affect a location’s score. Non-critical violations must be fixed within 90 days.

Grades are based on the number of violations, with an “E,” for excellent, being the highest possible score an establishment can receive. Other scores are: “S” for satisfactory; “U” for unacceptable; and “N” for needs improvement.

Those establishments receiving an “E” in September were Say Sushi, Arena Sports Grill, The Duke at Rancho El Dorado, Tacos N’ More, Southern Dunes Golf Club, The Water Boy and Java Junction.

To view the full reports on each restaurant visit http://pinalcountyaz.gov/Departments/EnvironmentalHealth/Pages/search.aspx

File photo