Inspection Report

Business Name
La Canasta
Business Address
3202 S 40TH ST PHOENIX AZ 85040
Permit Number
FD-32038
Permit Type
Food Establishment - Eating & Drinking
Inspection Purpose
Food Routine Inspection
Inspection Date
10/22/2024
Grade
Not Participating
Priority Violation
1
Inspection Status
Completed

Violations

Violation #: 19

Description: Proper Reheating Procedures for Hot Holding

Comments:

PRIORITY VIOLATION-3-403.11 - Priority: Reheating for Hot 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/4618/AMC-Toolbox---Reheating.

Addl Notes: Observed cooked chorizo prepared in-house at 105-110'F stored in a hot holding well along the cook line. PIC stated that the chorizo was cooked last night and removed from the walk-in prior to being placed in the hot holding well less than 1 hour prior to inspection. Chorizo was rapidly reheated on the flat top to 165'F at time of inspection. TCS food items prepared onsite and reheated for hot holding must be rapidly reheated to 165°F within 2 hours prior to hot holding. Corrective Action: Corrected at time of inspection.

Violation #: 43

Description: In-Use Utensils; Properly Stored

Comments:

3-304.12 - Core: In-Use Utensils, Between-Use Storage Addl Notes: Observed knife currently in-use being stored in-between a prep table. Also observed large pitcher being stored directly within large plastic tub of salsa. 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 #: 55

Repeat Violation

Description: Physical Facilities Installed, Maintained, and Clean

Comments:

6-501.11 - Core: Repairing -Premises, Structures, Attachments, and Fixtures-Methods Addl Notes: Observed missing ceiling panels in the dry storage area next to the cash register, and walls with holes throughout the establishment rendering the areas neither smooth, nor easily cleanable. All floors, walls, and ceilings must be maintained in good repair, smooth, and easily cleanable. *2nd Consecutive Violation* Corrective Action: Correct prior to next routine inspection.

Comments/Details


No County legal action will result from this inspection.
Of Note: Discussed cleaning frequency, and date-marking with PIC.

"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.
A B B B B B B B C C C C C C D D
Priority 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 0 1 1 2 2 2 2 3
Priority Foundation 0 1 2 3 4 0 1 2 5 3 4 0 1 2 3 0

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