Inspection Report

Business Name
Birrieria Obregon
Business Address
2500 N 35TH AVE PHOENIX AZ 85009
Permit Number
FD-05667
Permit Type
Food Establishment - Eating & Drinking
Inspection Purpose
Food Routine Inspection
Inspection Date
5/5/2026
Grade
Not Participating
Priority Violation
2
Inspection Status
Re-inspection required

Violations

Violation #: 8

Description: Hands Clean and Properly Washed

Comments:

PRIORITY VIOLATION-2-301.14 - Priority: When to Wash. 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/4573/AMC-Toolbox: Handwashing.

Addl Notes: Observed employees change tasks/stations from the cook line to the walk-in or other areas of the kitchen and handle equipment then return to prepping food, from handling soiled utensils to clean utensils, without changing gloves or washing hands. Predefined Comment: Discussed the importance of proper hand washing and when hand washing is required with the person-in-charge (PIC). Hands must be washed at any time contamination occurs and when changing tasks. Predefined Comment: Employee properly washed hands at handwash sink at time of inspection. Corrective Action: Corrected at time of inspection.

Violation #: 22

Description: Proper Cold Holding Temperatures

Comments:

PRIORITY VIOLATION-3-501.16(A)(2) and (B) - Priority: Time/Temperature Control for Safety Food, Cold Holding. 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/4576/AMC-Toolbox---Cold-Holding.

Addl Notes: Observed milk with internal temperature of 60F stored next to a blender on a prep table at ambient temperature. Observed shrimp ceviche and cut tomatoes with internal temperature between 45-49F stored in the prep cooler by the steam tables. The person in charge stated the items had been brought out of the walk-in less than 1 hour ago and placed them back into the walk-in cooler for rapid cooling. Predefined Comment: Except during preparation, cooking, cooling or when time is used as a control all TCS foods must be maintained at 41°F or below. Eggs not treated to destroy Salmonellae can be stored in equipment that maintains an ambient air temperature of 45°F or below. Corrective Action: Corrected at time of inspection.

Violation #: 33

Description: Proper Cooling Methods Used; Adequate Equipment for Temperature Control

Comments:

4-301.11 - Priority Foundation: Cooling, Heating, and Holding Capacities-Equipment. 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/4617/AMC-Toolbox---Cooling. Addl Notes: Observed prep cooler with minimum ambient temperature of 43F as measured by inspector min/max thermometer and substantial water pooling in the bottom compartment. Predefined Comment: Cold holding equipment must have the capacity to maintain TCS foods at 41°F or below. Must repair cold holding equipment such that it maintains TCS foods at 41°F or below. Corrective Action: Correct prior to re-inspection.

Violation #: 43

Description: In-Use Utensils; Properly Stored

Comments:

3-304.12 - Core: In-Use Utensils, Between-Use Storage Addl Notes: Observed ice scoops used stored on top of wet wiping cloths by the ice machine. Discussed storing utensils in/on clean dry food contact surface to protect from contamination. Predefined Comment: In-use utensils must be stored in a clean, dry location; in running water; or in hot water above 135°F. If utensils are stored in food, the handles must be stored above the surface of the food. All in-use utensils were properly stored at time of inspection. Corrective Action: Corrected at time of inspection.

Violation #: 44

Description: Utensils, Equipment and Linens; Properly Stored, Dried, Handled

Comments:

4-901.11 - Core: Equipment and Utensils, Air-Drying Required Addl Notes: Observed clean utensils, bowls, and containers stored wet not properly air dried after ware washing. Predefined Comment: All equipment and food contact surfaces must be air-dried after properly cleaning and sanitizing. Corrective Action: Correct prior to next routine inspection.

Violation #: 55

Description: Physical Facilities Installed, Maintained, and Clean

Comments:

6-501.12 - Core: Cleaning, Frequency and Restrictions Addl Notes: Observed food splatter and debris on the back wall behind the steam table. Predefined Comment: Physical facility must be cleaned frequently enough to prevent accumulation of dirt, organic matter, and food debris. Must clean physical facility prior to next routine inspection. Corrective Action: Correct prior to next routine inspection.

Comments/Details


Predefined Comment: No County legal action will result from this inspection.
Discussed storing tableware and single-use utensil trays in area not easily exposed to food splash from the steam table. Observed garlic cloves in original commercial netting/packaging in a pot for stew. Discussed utilizing only food safe approved containers/materials.

"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.
Violation Category Grade A Grade B Grade B Grade B Grade B Grade B Grade B Grade B Grade C Grade C Grade C Grade C Grade C Grade C Grade D Grade D
Priority 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 0 1 1 2 2 2 more than 2 more than 3
Priority Foundation 0 1 2 3 4 0 1 2 5 3 4 0 1 2 more than 3 more than 0

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