Inspection Report

Business Name
Akita Sushi
Business Address
9011 E VIA LINDA SCOTTSDALE AZ 85258
Permit Number
FD-35859
Permit Type
Food Establishment - Eating & Drinking
Inspection Purpose
Food Routine Inspection
Inspection Date
8/26/2025
Grade
Not Participating
Priority Violation
1
Inspection Status
Completed

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: In a small refrigerator/64F in the sushi area, observed eel/66F and cheese/64-69. In the beverage cooler/52F in the side server area, observed tofu/51F. Except during preparation, cooking, cooling or when time is used as a control maintain these TCS foods at 41°F or below. The TCS foods improperly cold held for an indeterminate amount of time were voluntarily discarded by PIC at time of inspection. Staff to use other refrigeration units until the refrigerators are repaired. Corrective Action: Corrected at time of inspection.

Violation #: 28

Repeat Violation

Description: Toxic Substances Properly Identified, Stored, and Used; Held for Retail Sale, Properly Stored

Comments:

7-202.11 - Priority Foundation: Restriction-Presence and Use Addl Notes: In sushi service area, observed a container of Ortho Indoor Insect Barrier on the floor beneath a sink. All pest control for the establishment must be performed by a certified pest control specialist and chemicals for pest control must not be stored onsite. PIC removed pest control chemicals from premises at time of inspection. Corrective Action: Corrected at time of inspection.

Violation #: 35

Repeat Violation

Description: Approved Thawing Methods Used

Comments:

3-501.13 - Core: Thawing Addl Notes: In small refrigerator in the sushi area, observed a vacuum package of tuna with label instructions to "remove fish from package before thawing", Follow label instructions and remove the seafood from the reduced oxygen packaging when thawing. PIC instructed. Corrective Action: Correct prior to next routine inspection.

Violation #: 37

Description: Food Properly Labeled; Original Container

Comments:

3-302.12 - Core: Food Storage Containers Identified with Common Name of Food Addl Notes: Observed unlabeled bulk food (like rice) containers. All bulk food items not easily identifiable must be labeled with common name of food. Corrective Action: Correct prior to next routine inspection.

Comments/Details


No County legal action will result from this inspection.
Reviewed approved food grade materials in food contact surfaces.

"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.