Inspection Report

Business Name
Waffle House
Business Address
2189 E UNIVERSITY DR TEMPE AZ 85288
Permit Number
FD-73671
Permit Type
Food Establishment - Eating & Drinking
Inspection Purpose
Food Routine Inspection
Inspection Date
2/20/2024
Grade
Not Participating
Priority Violation
2
Inspection Status
Completed

Violations

Violation #: 8

Description: Hands Clean and Properly Washed

Comments:

PRIORITY VIOLATION-2-301.14, P: When to Wash. 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.>>>Observed an employee touching their neck and nose with gloves on and then immediately handling food on the grill. Discussed with the person in charge training staff to wash their hands after touching their face or body before handling food. Observed employee walk into restroom and then immediately put on gloves to handle food; discussed with employee washing their hands in the kitchen after coming back from the restroom even after washing their hands in the restroom. The hands may become contaminated when the food employee engages in specific activities such as (but not limited to): changing gloves, coming back from the restroom upon entering the kitchen, between raw and ready to eat foods, after handling dirty dishes, eating/drinking/smoking, after touching hair/face, after touching service animals, when changing tasks in the kitchen, after handling cash/credit cards, and when hands/gloves have become soiled. The increased risk of contamination requires handwashing immediately before, during, or after these kinds of activities (even if gloves are worn).

Correct By: Corrected At Time Of Inspection

Violation #: 22

Repeat Violation

Description: Proper Cold Holding Temperatures

Comments:

PRIORITY VIOLATION-3-501.16(A)(2) and (B), P: 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.>>>Observed the following time/temperature controlled for safety foods with internal temperatures of 46*F - 50*F in the top portion of the refrigerated prep unit on the cook line: hydrated hash browns, canned mushrooms, sliced tomatoes, sliced American cheese, cubed/sliced ham. The measured ambient temperature of the unit using a min/max thermometer was 50.1*F. Person in charge indicated they took internal temperatures this morning around 06:45 am and all time/temperature controlled for safety foods were 41*F and below (~4 hours before inspection). Person in charge willingly discarded of the foods listed above. Bacterial growth and/or toxin production can occur if time/temperature control for safety food remains in the temperature "Danger Zone" of 41*F to 135*F too long. Except during preparation, cooking, cooling, or when time is used as a control all Time/Temperature Controlled for Safety foods MUST be maintained at 41°F or less OR 135*F or more. Eggs not treated to destroy Salmonellae can be stored in equipment that maintains an ambient air temperature of 45°F or less.

Correct By: Corrected At Time Of Inspection,Repeat Violations: 4th

Violation #: 33

Description: Proper Cooling Methods Used; Adequate Equipment for Temperature Control

Comments:

Priority Foundation-4-301.11, Pf: 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.>>>Observed the following time/temperature controlled for safety foods with internal temperatures of 46*F - 50*F in the top portion of the refrigerated prep unit on the cook line: hydrated hash browns, canned mushrooms, sliced tomatoes, sliced American cheese, cubed/sliced ham. The measured ambient temperature of the unit using a min/max thermometer was 50.1*F. Person in charge indicated they took internal temperatures this morning around 06:45 am and all time/temperature controlled for safety foods were 41*F and below (~4 hours before inspection). Person in charge willingly discarded of the foods listed above. A technician came in and the unit had an observed ambient temperature of 39.2*F. Cold holding units MUST maintain time/temperature controlled for safety food items at 41*F and below. *6TH CONSECUTIVE VIOLATION*

Correct By: Corrected At Time Of Inspection

Violation #: 38

Description: Insects, Rodents and Animals not Present

Comments:

Priority Foundation-6-501.111 (C), Pf: Controlling Pests; Approved Trapping Methods/Existence>>>Observed 5+ small flying insects in the establishment. Insects and rodents are vectors of disease-causing microorganisms which may be transmitted to humans by contamination of food and food-contact surfaces. Effective measures must be taken to eliminate their presence in food establishments. Re-inspection 03/01/24.

Correct By: Correct Prior To Reinspection

Violation #: 44

Description: Utensils, Equipment and Linens; Properly Stored, Dried, Handled

Comments:

Core-4-903.11(A), (B) and (D) , C: Equipment, Utensils, Linens and Single-Service and Single-Use Articles-Storing; Utensils, Equipment and Linens>>>Observed clean towels stored directly on the floor. Person in charge was informed clean equipment and multiuse utensils which have been cleaned and sanitized, laundered linens, and single-service and single-use articles can become contaminated before their intended use in a variety of ways such as through water leakage, pest infestation, or other insanitary condition; this items should be stored in a clean location at least 6 inches off of the ground.

Correct By: Correct Prior To Next Routine Inspection

Violation #: 47

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

Comments:

Core-4-501.11, C: Good Repair and Proper Adjustment-Equipment>>>Observed outside of ice machine with rust and metal peeling. Equipment must be in good repair, proper adjustment, and easily cleanable. Establishment must repair/replace the outside of the unit.

Correct By: Correct Prior To Next Routine Inspection

Comments/Details

This establishment is not participating in the award program at this time and had 2 Priority, 2 Priority Foundation violations on this inspection.

A copy of the inspection report was emailed.

Due to the violations noted on this inspection report, County legal action may result from this inspection.

On July 1st, 2023, the Environmental Services Department started emailing permit card(s) and permit invoice(s) to permittees. We need a current and accurate email address on file to ensure you receive a copy of your permit card and invoice(s) upon renewal.

If you are unsure whether your email address is accurate, you may:
• Contact your inspector using the phone number or email on your last inspection report to review, or
• Contact the Department using the email addresses below,
o Envquickservicerestaurants@maricopa.gov (facilities such as fast-food)
o Envfullservicerestaurants@maricopa.gov (facilities that are full-service restaurants)
o Envretailgrocery@maricopa.gov (facilities like grocery stores or retail food markets)
o Envspecialtyprograms@maricopa.gov (mobile food/special events/plan review)
If you need to update your email address and/or other contact information, please submit an administrative change request form at the below website:
https://www.maricopa.gov/FormCenter/Environmental-Services-16/Administrative-Change-Request-Form-181.



Award: Not Participating,Email Sent: CHECKED,Embargo Lbs: 15,Food Manager Licenses: 1,Request Notes: Hold for review,Request Review: CHECKED,Review Complete: CHECKED,Review Notes: QA,Signer: Chris Martin

"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.