Inspection Report

Business Name
Whataburger

Business Address
4610 S 48TH ST PHOENIX AZ 85040

Permit Number
FD-06029

Permit Type
Food Establishment - Eating & Drinking

Inspection Purpose
CI Food Routine Inspection

Inspection Date
7/30/2025

Grade
C

Priority Violation
2

Inspection Status
Completed

Violations

Violation #: 24

Repeat Violation

Description: Time as a Public Health Control: Procedures and Records

Comments:

PRIORITY VIOLATION-3-501.19 (B1,3-4; C1,4-5) - Priority: Time as a Public Health Control; Temperature, Discarded. 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/4125/Food-SafetyOperator-Resources.

Addl Notes: *SECOND CONSECUTIVE VIOLATION* Cut lettuce and pico de gallo-46-48F on the make line closest to the office area. The PIC was placing time tags on the items that indicated the start time to have started after the start of the inspection. The PIC stated that the previous shift had placed the items on the make line and was unsure how long the items had been out of refrigeration. PIC discarded the items-see embargo form. Ensure that when time temperature control is used for up to four hours that the food has an initial temperature of 41F or below when removed from cold holding and the food is marked or otherwise identified to indicate the time of discard following internal policies not exceeding four hours. Corrective Action: Corrected at time of inspection.

Violation #: 28

Description: Toxic Substances Properly Identified, Stored, and Used; Held for Retail Sale, Properly Stored

Comments:

PRIORITY VIOLATION-7-201.11 - Priority: Separation-Storage

Addl Notes: Quat sanitizer wipes stored directly over the food prep sink that was filled with tomatoes. PIC relocated the quat sanitizer. Ensure that toxic materials are stored in a manner to prevent contamination of food, equipment, utensils, linens, and single service items. Corrective Action: Corrected at time of inspection.

Violation #: 56

Description: Adequate Ventilation and Lighting; Designated Areas Used

Comments:

6-501.110 - Core: Using Dressing Rooms and Lockers Addl Notes: Employee personal phone stored on/over the make line area closest to the office. PIC removed the employee phone. Ensure that employees have suitable facilities for the orderly storage of employee clothing and other possessions. Corrective Action: Corrected at time of inspection.

Comments/Details

Predefined Comment: 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.

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.