Inspection Report

Business Name
Middle Eastern Bakery

Business Address
3052 N 16TH ST PHOENIX AZ 85016

Permit Number
FD-44427

Permit Type
Food Establishment - Eating & Drinking

Inspection Purpose
Food Routine Inspection

Inspection Date
9/11/2025

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 cooked hummus, cooked beef, cut tomato, cut lettuce, raw chicken, raw beef, raw eggs, cooked dolmas, cheeses, cooked rice, and various other TCS foods at 44-46'F in walk-in cooler nearest the door. The minimum ambient air temperature of walk-in cooler was measured to be 41.5'F. Portion of walk-in cooler closer to compressor was measured to be cooler than portion nearest walk-in cooler door. PIC relocated TCS items to other portion of walk-in cooler closer to compressor and contacted refrigeration technician. Also observed cut tomato, cheese, and hummus in prep table at 44-46'F in shallow containers. Per PIC, items were placed in cooler less than 4 hours prior to inspection. PIC placed items in deeper metal containers to allow for better airflow to products at time of inspection. Except during preparation, cooking, cooling or when time is used as a control all TCS foods must be maintained at 41°F or below. Eggs not treated to destroy Salmonellae can be stored in equipment that maintains an ambient air temperature of 45°F or below. Corrective Action: Corrected at time of inspection.

Violation #: 28

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

Comments:

PRIORITY VIOLATION-7-201.11 - Priority: Separation-Storage

Addl Notes: Observed lysol spray and hand soap stored among dry storage area above and with various seasonings by walk-in cooler. Chemicals must be stored away from food, utensils, and single service items at all times to prevent contamination. All chemicals were relocated and properly stored by PIC at time of inspection. 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 walk-in cooler with ambient air temperature of 41.5'F and prep table ambient air temperature of 42'F. Both coolers were observed holding TCS foods above 41'F. Cold holding equipment must have the capacity to maintain TCS foods at 41°F or below. Must repair cold holding equipment such that it maintains TCS foods at 41°F or below. Corrective Action: Correct within 24 hours.

Violation #: 47

Description: Food and Non-Food-Contact Surfaces Cleanable, Properly Designed, Constructed and Used

Comments:

4-202.11 - Priority Foundation: Food-Contact Surfaces-Cleanability. 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 parsley stored inside pillowcases in walk-in cooler. Discussed with PIC that pillowcases are not an approved food contact surfaces. Food contact surfaces must be smooth, non-absorbent, and easily cleanable. PIC removed parsley from bags at time of inspection. Corrective Action: Corrected at time of inspection.

Comments/Details

No County legal action will result from this inspection.
Discussed non-continuous cooking. Cooking of animal proteins (chicken) and intentionally pausing the process requires prior approval. Provided non-continuous cooking guidance document. Discussed maintaining Certified Food Manager certification.

"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.