Inspection Report

Business Name
Applebee's Neighborhood Grill & Bar

Business Address
6259 E SOUTHERN AVE MESA AZ 85206

Permit Number
FD-35302

Permit Type
Food Establishment - Eating & Drinking

Inspection Purpose
CI Food Routine Inspection

Inspection Date
7/9/2024

Grade
C

Priority Violation
2

Inspection Status
Re-inspection required

Violations

Violation #: 22

Description: Proper Cold Holding Temperatures

Comments:

PRIORITY VIOLATION-3-501.16(A)(2) and (B) - Priority: 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.

Addl Notes: Observed sliced tomato, cut lettuce, and cooked, diced chicken cold holding on the cook-line with an internal temperature of 45-48F. Also observed several TCS food items in the walk-in cooler, such as cooked rice, chicken, cut lettuce, cooked ribs, cole slaw, cooked pasta etc. with internal temperatures of 44-47F, probe thermometer, verified by PIC. According to PIC, the temperature of food in the walk-in was at 39F 2-3 hours prior to inspection. All TCS food was moved close to the freezer to rapidly cool to 41F or less. Discussed the importance of maintaining cold food at 41F or less to limit pathogen growth and avoid causing foodborne illness. Except during preparation, cooking, cooling, or when time is used as a control all TCS food must be maintained at 41°F or less. Bacterial growth and/or toxin production can occur if time/temperature control for safety food remains in the temperature "Danger Zone" of 41F to 135F too long. See violation #33. Corrective Action: Corrected at time of inspection.

Violation #: 33

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

Comments:

4-301.11 - Priority Foundation: Cooling, Heating, and Holding Capacities-Equipment. 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 a minimum ambient air temperature of 46.9F, min/max thermometer, in the walk-in cooler. The ambient temperature of the walk-in was monitored throughout the duration of the inspection. An emergency work order was created during the inspection. The freezer door that is attached to the cooler was opened to help cool the food and temperature of the walk-in to 41F or less. Equipment for cooling and cold holding TCS food must be sufficient in number and capacity to provide proper food temperatures (41F or below). See violation #22. Re-inspection 24 hours. Corrective Action: Correct prior to re-inspection.

Violation #: 51

Description: Plumbing Installed; Proper Backflow Devices

Comments:

PRIORITY VIOLATION-5-202.11 (A) - Priority: Approved System and Cleanable Fixtures; According to Law

Addl Notes: Observed a spray nozzle attached to the end of the hose that is connected to the faucet at the mop sink. Faucet has an approved AVB installed, which has been under pressure whenever water supply is on. PIC removed the nozzle. Discussed AVB's and backflow. Non-testable Anti-siphon Vacuum Breaker devices are designed to protect potable water supplies from the back siphonage of non-health hazard cross-connections and low flow, non-continuous pressure installations. Use only with non-continuous pressure. No downstream shutoff valves are allowed. Discussed removing the nozzle from the hose when it is not in use to ensure that the water is turned off and does not create pressure on the AVB. No shut-offs, y-valves, solenoids, or additional equipment are allowed be present on the downstream side of an AVB. 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 a heavy accumulation of soil and debris under the equipment on the cook-line and the end of the bar. Also observed soil on the walls and hood at the cook-line. Physical facility must be cleaned frequently enough to prevent accumulation of dirt, organic matter, and food debris. Must clean 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.
Calibrated thermometers.
Discussed pest control and the leak at the hand-sink near the dish machine.

"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.