Inspection Report

Business Name
Waffle House
Business Address
3363 E UNIVERSITY DR PHOENIX AZ 85034
Permit Number
FD-73667
Permit Type
Food Establishment - Eating & Drinking
Inspection Purpose
Food Routine Inspection
Inspection Date
2/11/2026
Grade
B
Priority Violation
1
Inspection Status
Completed

Violations

Violation #: 16

Description: Food-Contact Surfaces: Cleaned and Sanitized

Comments:

PRIORITY VIOLATION-4-703.11 - Priority: Hot Water and Chemical-Methods; Sanitizing Food Contact Surfaces. 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: After running machine several times, in-use hi-temp mechanical dishwasher was only able to attain a maximum temperature of 110 degrees Fahrenheit as measured with min-max thermometer. When food-contact surfaces are being sanitized with hot water in a dish machine, the surface temperature must reach at least 160°F as measured by an irreversible registering temperature measuring device to destroy pathogens that may remain on such surfaces after cleaning. Person in charge (PIC) directed staff to re-wash, rinse, and sanitize recently cleaned dishes at 3-compartment sink. Corrective Action: Corrected at time of inspection.

Violation #: 24

Description: Time as a Public Health Control: Procedures and Records

Comments:

3-501.19 (A1, B2, C2-3) - Priority Foundation: Time as a Public Health Control; Documentation. 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/4125/Food-SafetyOperator-Resources. Addl Notes: Establishment has written Time as a Public Health Control (TPHC) polict posted for raw shell eggs at cook line and did not time stamp in-use basket of raw shell eggs. Per person in charge (PIC), eggs were removed from refrigeration 15 minutes prior to inspection. PIC time stamped eggs according to the policy during the inspection to correct. 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 sealed bottles of ketchup and bags of dry waffle mix stored directly on the floor during the inspection. Food must be stored at least 6 inches off the ground at all times to prevent contamination from the premises. PIC directed employee to move items during inspection to correct. Corrective Action: Corrected at time of inspection.

Comments/Details


No County legal action will result from this inspection.
Inspection report e-mailed. Discussed verification methos for high-temperature mechnanical dishwashers, such as waterproof maximum-registering thermometers or thermal dots.

"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.