Inspection Report
Mekong Plaza Grocery Store
66 S DOBSON RD MESA AZ 85202
FD-13498
Food Establishment - Retail Food
Food Routine Inspection
12/1/2023
Not Participating
2
Completed
Violations
Violation #: 22
Description: Proper Cold Holding Temperatures
Comments:
PRIORITY VIOLATION-3-501.16(A)(2) and (B), P: 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. ------ In the produce area, observed cut hami melons dated 11/30/23 stored at room temperature measuring 61*F when measured with a probe thermometer. Except during preparation, cooking, cooling, or when time is used as a control all TCS foods are to be maintained at 41°F or less. Since the melons had been stored at room temp for longer than 4 hours, the PIC voluntarily discarded the out-of-temperature melons at the time of inspection (see embargo).
In the middle section of display coolers along the back wall, observed an ambient air temperatures of 47-48*F when measured with a min/max thermometer at 11:30am and 12pm. Per PIC, the monitoring system showed a fault on the oil line which was reset. The monitoring system showed an air temp of 40*F at 10am and a defrost cycle that ran from approximately 10:30am until 11:30am. In the cooler, observed TCS foods including various deli meats, cheeses, tofu products, fermented kimchi, yogurts, and sausage with internal temps between 46-52*F. PIC had the out-of-temperature products moved to the walk in cooler to rapidly cool. The display cooler showed signs of rapidly cooling after resetting the pump error. Advised PIC to monitor cooler air temperatures and service as needed. Advised PIC to store TCS foods in other units if not holding at 41*F or below.
Correct By: Corrected At Time Of Inspection
Violation #: 38
Description: Insects, Rodents and Animals not Present
Comments:
Core-6-202.15, C: Outer Openings, Protected ------ Observed the southwest roller door to the establishment with air curtains but the air curtains were not turned on and damaged plastic curtain slats that were an ineffective barrier against blocking out outdoor air. PIC was able to turn on the air curtain at time of inspection. PIC was advised that air curtains are required for protection against insect entry and to have them on for that purpose. Discussed the manual function should be disabled so that if the foods are opened the air curtains are triggered to blow air until closed. Repair automatic function prior to the next routine inspection or leave roller doors fully closed unless actively being used.
Correct By: Corrected At Time Of Inspection
Violation #: 51
Description: Plumbing Installed; Proper Backflow Devices
Comments:
PRIORITY VIOLATION-5-203.14, P: Backflow Prevention Device, When Required ------ No backflow device observed between the water supply and the herb and vegetable misting system. Discussed that a backflow is required for this system in order to prevent contamination to city water in the event of a backflow. Discussed that an RPZ (Reduced Pressure Principle Zone Assembly) should be added upstream from the RO system. Discussed using a PEX or stainless steel RPZ if installed downstream from the filter. PIC disconnected the misting water supply and unplugged the pumps at the time of inspection. PIC stated they will add proper backflow at another date since they are adding backflow to another area in the establishment in the coming weeks.
Correct By: Corrected At Time Of Inspection
Violation #: 55
Description: Physical Facilities Installed, Maintained, and Clean
Comments:
Core-6-201.16, C: Wall and Ceiling Coverings and Coatings ------ Observed uncoated gypsum drywall with signs of water damage behind the ice machine in the south corridor. Advised PIC to replace damaged areas and cover surface with a smooth and easily cleanable, non-absorbent material such as FRP or stainless steel prior to the next routine inspection.
Correct By: Correct Prior To Next Routine Inspection
Comments/Details
A copy of the report was emailed to the manager.
No County legal action will result from this inspection.
On July 1st, 2023, the Environmental Services Department started emailing permit card(s) and permit invoice(s) to permittees. We need a current and accurate email address on file to ensure you receive a copy of your permit card and invoice(s) upon renewal.
If you are unsure whether your email address is accurate, you may:
• Contact your inspector using the phone number or email on your last inspection report to review, or
• Contact the Department using the email addresses below,
o Envquickservicerestaurants@maricopa.gov (facilities such as fast-food)
o Envfullservicerestaurants@maricopa.gov (facilities that are full-service restaurants)
o Envretailgrocery@maricopa.gov (facilities like grocery stores or retail food markets)
o Envspecialtyprograms@maricopa.gov (mobile food/special events/plan review)
If you need to update your email address and/or other contact information, please submit an administrative change request form at the below website
https://www.maricopa.gov/FormCenter/Environmental-Services-16/Administrative-Change-Request-Form-181
Award: Not Participating,Embargo Lbs: 50,Food Manager Licenses: 1,Signer: Sung Kim
"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.