Inspection Report

Business Name
Cafe Rio

Business Address
2748 S SIGNAL BUTTE RD MESA AZ 85209

Permit Number
FD-53921

Permit Type
Food Establishment - Eating & Drinking

Inspection Purpose
Food Routine Inspection

Inspection Date
9/18/2025

Grade
Not Participating

Priority Violation
0

Inspection Status
Completed

Violations

Violation #: 2

Description: Certified Food Protection Manager

Comments:

2-102.12(A) - Core: Certified Food Protection Manager. For a permanent fix to this violation, check out these resources on our website. https://www.maricopa.gov/5114/Food-Restaurants Addl Notes: PIC at time of inspection did not have manager certification available upon request. CFPM was not present at time of inspection. Predefined Comment: A Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) is required to be on the premises during all hours of operation.

Violation #: 16

Description: Food-Contact Surfaces: Cleaned and Sanitized

Comments:

4-602.11 (E) - Core: Equipment Food - Contact Surfaces and Utensils-Frequency; Non-TCS. 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 citrus juicer with accumulation of dust and food debris actively being used. PIC stated juicer is cleaned once a week and discussed cleaning requirements for food contact surfaces must be cleaned at the end of service. Corrective Action: Correct prior to next routine inspection.

4-601.11(A) - Priority Foundation: Equipment, Food-Contact Surfaces, Nonfood-Contact Surfaces, and Utensils. 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 black debris directly on food contact surface of salsa mixer machine. Predefined Comment: All food-contact surfaces that contact TCS foods must be cleaned every 4 hours by washing, rinsing, and sanitizing. Predefined Comment: PIC relocated all food-contact surfaces to warewashing area to be washed, rinsed, and sanitized at the time of inspection.

Violation #: 38

Description: Insects, Rodents and Animals not Present

Comments:

6-202.13 - Core: Insect Control Devices, Design and Installation Addl Notes: Observed sticky fly strip stored on rack for soda bibs. Predefined Comment: Establishment must be maintained free of pests and all pest control measures must be conducted by a licensed pest control specialist. Must obtain pest control from a certified and licensed pest control specialist. Pests were not observed at time of inspection.

Violation #: 47

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

Comments:

4-501.11 - Core: Good Repair and Proper Adjustment-Equipment Addl Notes: Observed reach-in cooler underneath hot box warmer with a build up of ice. Ambient air temperature of unit was 32*F at time of inspection. Non TCS foods were being stored in unit at time of inspection. Make repairs prior to next routine inspection.

Violation #: 55

Description: Physical Facilities Installed, Maintained, and Clean

Comments:

6-501.12 - Core: Cleaning, Frequency and Restrictions Addl Notes: Floors and walls throughout establishment were observed with spills and dried up food debris. Also observed floor drains with accumulation of food. Must maintain a regular cleaning cycle to prevent accumulation of food debris in all areas. Correct prior to next routine inspection.

Comments/Details

Predefined Comment: No County legal action will result from this inspection.

"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.