Inspection Report

Business Name
Blue House Coffee
Business Address
435 N 5TH ST PHOENIX AZ 85004
Permit Number
FD-69589
Permit Type
Food Establishment - Eating & Drinking
Inspection Purpose
Food Routine Inspection
Inspection Date
4/7/2026
Grade
Not Participating
Priority Violation
1
Inspection Status
Re-inspection required

Violations

Violation #: 2

Repeat Violation

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: Observed no certified food protection manager on site at time of inspection. A Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) is required to be on the premises during all hours of operation. Corrective Action: Correct prior to next routine inspection. **Sixth Consecutive Violation**

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 2-door fridge behind grab and go unit have an ambient temperature of 48-51°F with all TCS food items internal temperatures above 41°F. Person in charge (PIC) stated items have been in the unit since Friday of last week and was unsure when the unit was last in temp. TCS food items include precooked chicken (48.4°F), 6 packages of mozzarella cheese (49°F), 4 packages of Chobani yogurt (49°F), 3 packages of chorizo (49°F), sliced ham (47°F), sliced turkey (47°F), sliced cheddar cheese (50°F), sliced havarti cheese (49°F), shredded mozzarella cheese (49°F), 2 containers of plain yogurt (45.8°F), 3 containers of cream cheese (45°F), 14 gallons of whole milk (48°F), 12 dozen cartons of in shell eggs (50°F), 2 half gallons of half & half (50°F), spinach (48°F), 4 packages of Hillshire salami and cheddar cheese (50°F). All TCS foods improperly cold held were discarded by PIC 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 #: 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 2-door fridge located behind grab and go unit have an ambient temperature of 48-50°F and digital thermometer reading 47-51°F. Establishment relies on this unit for back stock. 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 prior to re-inspection. 10 day re-inspection required.

Violation #: 43

Description: In-Use Utensils; Properly Stored

Comments:

3-304.12 - Core: In-Use Utensils, Between-Use Storage Addl Notes: Observed in-use spoon stored in stagnant room temp water in kitchen as well as next to espresso machine. In-use utensils must be stored in a clean, dry location; in running water; or in hot water above 135°F. If utensils are stored in food, the handles must be stored above the surface of the food. Corrective Action: Correct prior to next routine inspection.

Comments/Details


Predefined Comment: No County legal action will result from this inspection.
Discussed with PIC about paint chipping on lemon squeezer, having a thermometer in all refrigeration units, temperature logs, as well as butter being a TCS item.

"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.