Inspection Report
IHOP
1491 N DYSART RD AVONDALE AZ 85323
FD-05860
Food Establishment - Eating & Drinking
CI Food Routine Inspection
4/22/2026
B
1
Completed
Violations
Violation #: 15
Description: Food Separated and Protected
Comments:
3-302.11 (A3-8) - Core: Packaged and Unpackaged Food-Separation, Packaging, and Segregation; General Food Protection. 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/4621/AMC-Toolbox---Cross-Contamination. Addl Notes: -- In walk-in refrigerator, multiple packages of raw T-bone beef steaks and raw ground beef patties were stored above ready-to-eat prepackaged pot roast. No visible contamination observed. All raw animal proteins must be stored below ready-to-eat (RTE) foods and stored according to cooking temperature at all times to prevent cross contamination. PIC properly stored all raw animal proteins according to the final cooking temperature based on the cooking parameters in § 3-401.11 of the Food Code. Corrective Action: Corrected at time of inspection.
Violation #: 16
Description: Food-Contact Surfaces: Cleaned and Sanitized
Comments:
PRIORITY VIOLATION-4-501.114 (A-E) - Priority: Manual and Mechanical Warewashing Equipment, Chemical Sanitization- Temperature, pH, Concentration and Hardness. 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/4574/AMC-Toolbox---Food-Contact-Surfaces.
Addl Notes: -- Chlorine concentration levels undetectable on dishes in dishwasher. Reviewed the required specifications of 50ppm-100ppm with the PIC. At the time of inspection, the PIC replaced the low sanitizer container and primed the dish machine. After replacing the container and priming, the sanitation levels tested within the 50ppm-100ppm range. Please ensure employees are checking for low detergent/sanitizer containers, and utilizing test strips to verify dishes are getting properly cleaned and sanitized. Corrective Action: Corrected at time of inspection.
Violation #: 47
Description: Food and Non-Food-Contact Surfaces Cleanable, Properly Designed, Constructed and Used
Comments:
4-501.12 - Core: Cutting Surfaces Addl Notes: -- -- Multiple cutting boards on main prep line and dish washing area observed with heavy scoring and discoloration. Cutting surfaces must be maintained in good repair, smooth, and easily cleanable. Resurface or replace all cutting boards in disrepair prior to the next routine inspection. Corrective Action: Correct prior to next routine inspection.
Violation #: 56
Description: Adequate Ventilation and Lighting; Designated Areas Used
Comments:
6-202.11 - Core: Light Bulbs, Protective Shielding Addl Notes: -- In dish area, glass ceiling light bulbs were exposed without protective shield or guard. Reviewed MCESD requirements: To protect food and equipment from contamination, light bulbs must be shielded, coated, or otherwise shatter-resistant in areas where there is exposed food, clean equipment, utensils, or linens, or where unwrapped single-service/single-use articles are stored. Repair prior to the next routine inspection. Corrective Action: Correct prior to next routine inspection.
Comments/Details
No County legal action will result from this inspection.
"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.
| 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.