Inspection Report

Business Name
Taj Mahal
Business Address
4225 N CRAFTSMAN CT SCOTTSDALE AZ 85251
Permit Number
FD-51915
Permit Type
Food Establishment - Eating & Drinking
Inspection Purpose
Food Routine Inspection
Inspection Date
2/13/2026
Grade
Not Participating
Priority Violation
2
Inspection Status
Re-inspection required

Violations

Violation #: 9

Description: No Bare Hand Contact with RTE Foods or a Pre-Approved Alternate Properly Followed

Comments:

PRIORITY VIOLATION-3-301.11(B) - Priority: Preventing Contamination from Hands. 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/4573/AMC-Toolbox: Handwashing.

Addl Notes: Observed chef touch plated naan with their bare hand when chopping the cooked naan. The chef only had a glove on one hand. Predefined Comment: Discussed the importance of preventing bare hand contact with ready-to-eat (RTE) foods with the person-in-charge (PIC). Naan served prior to intervention by the PIC. Bare hand contact is not approved with ready-to-eat (RTE) food items Corrective Action: Corrected at time of inspection.

Violation #: 38

Description: Insects, Rodents and Animals not Present

Comments:

6-501.111 (A-B, D) - Core: Controlling Pests; Monitoring Addl Notes: Observed two small rodent droppings on shelving in back dry storage area. Droppings appeared to be old. No live pests observed. Establishment must be maintained free of pests. Discussed monitoring for live pests and cleaning as frequently as necessary to reduce harborage conditions for pests. Corrective Action: Corrected at time of inspection.

Violation #: 39

Description: Contamination Prevented during Food Preparation, Storage and Display

Comments:

3-305.11 - Core: Food Storage - Preventing Contamination from the Premises Addl Notes: Observed multiple containers of spices and dry goods in uncovered plastic containers with no lids. Obtain lids and keep foods covered to protect from contamination. Corrective Action: Correct prior to next routine inspection.

Violation #: 51

Description: Plumbing Installed; Proper Backflow Devices

Comments:

PRIORITY VIOLATION-5-205.15 (A) - Priority: System Maintained in Good Repair; According to Law

Addl Notes: Observed floor drain below the shelving by the water heater not draining at time of inspection. Observed standing water in the floor drain. According to the PIC the floor drain receives condensate for the walk in cooler. Repair floor drain prior to re-inspection (2/17/26). Corrective Action: Correct prior to re-inspection.

Comments/Details


Predefined Comment: No County legal action will result from this inspection.
Discussed food grade containers/ packaging for storage of raw meats in the freezer. Discussed monitoring ice baths for TCS foods/sauces at the bar.

"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.