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
3/12/2025
Grade
Not Participating
Priority Violation
0
Inspection Status
Completed

Violations

Violation #: 23

Description: Proper Date Marking and Disposition

Comments:

3-501.17 - Priority Foundation: Ready-To-Eat Time/Temperature Control for Safety Food, Date Marking. 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: Observed the following RTE/TCS foods prepared one day prior to inspection with no date-marking: Chorizo, shredded beef, 3-blend cheese, and refried beans. All items were being stored in 2-door display cooler directly outside the laundry area. Discussed date-marking requirements with PIC. RTE/TCS foods requiring date marking must be date marked within 24 hours and sold or discarded after 7 days (including the day it was made as day 1). Predefined Comment: All RTE/TCS foods were properly date marked at the time of inspection. Corrective Action: Corrected at time of inspection.

Violation #: 33

Description: Proper Cooling Methods Used; Adequate Equipment for Temperature Control

Comments:

3-501.15 (A) - Priority Foundation: Cooling Methods. 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/4617/AMC-Toolbox---Cooling. Addl Notes: Observed two deep containers of pooled eggs(64'F) being stored in 2-door display cooler outside the laundry room. PIC stated that they had prepared these pooled eggs the morning of inspection for a large breakfast burrito order that was placed. PIC stated that these containers were placed in the cooler about 3 hours prior to inspection. Discussed proper cooling methods with PIC. TCS foods must be cooled in: uncovered/loosely covered, shallow containers less than 4 inches deep, in equipment designed to rapidly cool, by using an ice bath, by using ice as an ingredient, or another effective means. All TCS foods being cooled in deep containers were transferred to shallow containers to allow for rapid cooling. 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. Repair physical facility prior to next routine inspection. *3rd 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 of the facility and food-contact surfaces 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.