Inspection Report

Business Name
Ah-So Sushi & Steak
Business Address
2450 W HAPPY VALLEY RD PHOENIX AZ 85085
Permit Number
FD-30659
Permit Type
Food Establishment - Eating & Drinking
Inspection Purpose
Food Routine Inspection
Inspection Date
11/21/2025
Grade
B
Priority Violation
1
Inspection Status
Completed

Violations

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: Observed the main dishwasher with chlorine sanitizer measuring at 0 PPM. Confirmed dishes had been run through the dishwasher today. The person in charge switched out the empty chemical concentrate bottle for a new bottle of chemical concentrate at the time of inspection. After servicing the dishwasher, the chemical chlorine sanitizer was within range (50-100 PPM). Staff to test the sanitizer strength on the first cycle of dishes. Reviewed sanitizer concentration requirements. Corrective Action: Corrected at time of inspection.

Violation #: 41

Description: Wiping Cloths; Properly Used and Stored

Comments:

3-304.14 - Core: Wiping Cloths, Use Limitation Addl Notes: Observed several damp wiping cloths on counters throughout the kitchen. Alerted the manager, who moved the wiping cloths from the counters at time of inspection. Re-educated staff on wiping cloth requirements. All wet wiping cloths must be stored in sanitizer buckets with approved sanitizer concentrations. Wiping cloths are to be returned to the sanitizer bucket directly after each use and must stay in the sanitizing solution until the next use. This practice not only reduces bacterial load but also prevents bacterial growth. Wiping buckets are to be changed every 4 hours by refreshing the sanitizer and placing new clean towels in the bucket. Corrective Action: Corrected at time of inspection.

Violation #: 55

Description: Physical Facilities Installed, Maintained, and Clean

Comments:

6-501.12 - Core: Cleaning, Frequency and Restrictions Addl Notes: Observed heavy grey buildup on the ceilings near each ventilation fan throughout the main kitchen area. Alerted the manager, who stated they were in the process of reviewing quotes from third-party cleaning service for the ceilings. Physical facility must be cleaned frequently enough to prevent accumulation of dirt, organic matter, and food debris. Must clean the physical facility prior to 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.
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.