Inspection Report
Yama Sushi House
4750 N CENTRAL AVE PHOENIX AZ 85012
FD-52635
Food Establishment - Eating & Drinking
Food Routine Inspection
7/17/2026
Not Participating
2
Completed
Violations
Violation #: 15
Description: Food Separated and Protected
Comments:
PRIORITY VIOLATION-3-302.11 (A1-2) - Priority: Packaged and Unpackaged Food-Separation, Packaging, and Segregation; Protection from Cross Contamination. 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/4621/AMC-Toolbox---Cross-Contamination.
Addl Notes: Observed raw chicken being stored on top of raw beef products and tofu in the cook line. Observed tamagoyaki (cooked egg) stored below raw fish in the walk-in cooler. Informed person in charge (PIC) that all raw animal proteins must be stored below ready-to-eat (RTE) foods and stored according to cooking temperature at all times to prevent cross contamination. PIC properly stored all raw animal proteins according to the final cooking temperature based on the cooking parameters. *2nd consecutive violation Corrective Action: Corrected at time of inspection.
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: 1. Observed reach-in lowboy cooler (with glass doors) in the sushi bar with ambient temperature ranging from 52-58°F. Internal temperature of TCS products (imitation krab, cream cheese) ranges from 50-52°F. Informed person in charge except during preparation, cooking, cooling or when time is used as a control all TCS foods must be maintained at 41°F or below. All TCS foods improperly cold held were relocated to alternative functioning refrigeration unit to rapidly cool to 41°F at time of inspection as PIC ascertained that the cooler was working properly 4 hours ago and those items entered the danger zone less than 4 hours ago. 2. Observed tofu cubes stored next to the hot holding unit with internal temperature of 62°F. PIC stated they are usually kept cold in an ice bath, but no ice was present at time of inspection. PIC couldn't say for certain when the tofu was placed in the bowl. Tofu is not on time as a control per PIC. Tofu was discarded at time of inspection by PIC. Corrective Action: Corrected at time of inspection.
Violation #: 36
Description: Thermometers Provided and Accurate
Comments:
4-204.112 (A-D) - Core: Temperature Measuring Devices-Functionality Addl Notes: Reach-in lowboy cooler with glass doors in the sushi bar lacks a digital/analog thermometer. Informed person in charge (PIC) that coolers and freezers shall be equipped with at least one integral or permanently affixed thermometer that is located to allow easy viewing of the device's temperature display. Note: An instant-read probe thermometer is available in the establishment. Corrective Action: Correct prior to next routine inspection.
Comments/Details
No County legal action will result from this inspection.
**Discussed hand sink maintenance.
"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.
| 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.