Inspection Report

Business Name
Safeway
Business Address
1515 E ELLIOT RD TEMPE AZ 85284
Permit Number
FD-03334
Permit Type
Food Establishment - Retail Food
Inspection Purpose
Food Routine Inspection
Inspection Date
9/18/2025
Grade
B
Priority Violation
1
Inspection Status
Completed

Violations

Violation #: 13

Description: Food in Good Condition, Safe and Unadulterated

Comments:

PRIORITY VIOLATION-3-101.11 - Priority: Safe, Unadulterated and Honestly Presented. For a permanent fix to this violation, check out these simple tools in our Active Managerial Control Toolbox, made especially for you. https://www.maricopa.gov/4619/AMC-Toolbox---Approved-Source.

Addl Notes: Observed a liquid dripping into open boxes of green beans and brussels sprouts and the liquid was from the fan unit within the walk-in produce refrigerator in the back of the facility. Discussed with PIC all food must be in good condition, safe, and unadulterated. All adulterated food was embargoed and PIC discarded at time of inspection. Discussed to not store food under the dripping pipe in the walkin to prevent further contamination. Corrective Action: Corrected at time of inspection.

Violation #: 52

Description: Sewage and Waste Water Properly Disposed

Comments:

5-403.12 - Core: Other Liquid Wastes and Rainwater Addl Notes: Observed unknown liquid dripping from ceiling piping all along the back of the facility hallway where backstock is stored. Discussed with PIC to not store any foods under the dripping pipes and fix/repair/replace the leaking pipes. Also observed a frozen liquid buildup on the back freezer ceiling. Discussed to address the frozen liquid and repair the cause. Corrective Action: Correct prior to next routine inspection.

Comments/Details


No County legal action will result from this inspection.
After discussion with the person in charge, it has been determined that the root cause of the violation was training staff, which resulted in the violation.
Of Note: Discussed with PIC 1) to clean grey totes daily shall be soap, rinsed, sanitized, airdried, and stored away clean to sight and touch. 2) backstock storage shall have chemicals stored in a way to prevent contamination of food, food equipment and single use containers.

"A" for Food Safety

Through our grading system, Maricopa County Environmental Services Department provides at-a-glance indications of how food establishments perform during food safety inspections. This system is designed to grade food establishments in terms of food safety requirements and provide recognition to those who choose to participate.

How does it work?

The issuance of grade cards to food establishments is based on voluntary participation. The person in charge, who is present during the inspection, will be asked whether they would like to participate in the Grading System. This will be decided prior to each inspection. If an establishment does not participate in the Grading System, Not Participating or NP will appear on the inspection report, and the inspection will still occur. If an establishment does participate, a grade of A, B, C, or D will be determined at the conclusion of the inspection using the Grading System chart below. Participating establishments will then be provided with a grade card that can be posted in the establishment. The status of the establishment’s grade will also appear on the Restaurant Ratings page of the department’s website.

How can I determine the grade?

The Grading System chart can be used to determine grades earned for establishments that do not participate. Grades are determined by the number of Priority and Priority Foundation violations received at the time of inspection. Violation types are defined in general terms below.

Definitions

Priority Violation
Major violation that directly contributes to increasing the risk of foodborne illness or injury (e.g. Food employees do not properly wash hands when required).
Priority Foundation Violation
Minor violation that does not directly contribute to an increased risk of foodborne illness but failure to correct this violation may lead to the occurrence of a priority violation. For example, hand washing soap and paper towels not available at hand wash sink (may lead directly to food employees not properly washing hands when required).
Core Violation
Minor violation that relates to general maintenance and sanitation (e.g. No sign reminding employees to wash hands).
Cutting Edge Program
All county food-related establishments can partner with Maricopa County to implement a proactive approach to reducing foodborne illness risk factors by implementing food safety systems that include policies, training, and verification processes. Partners enrolled in the Cutting Edge Program receive an A+ when an A is earned.
Grading System The matrix below is used to grade food inspections under the voluntary grading system.
A B B B B B B B C C C C C C D D
Priority 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 0 1 1 2 2 2 2 3
Priority Foundation 0 1 2 3 4 0 1 2 5 3 4 0 1 2 3 0

Any legal action for a pattern of non-compliance or permit suspension results in a D.