Inspection Report

Business Name
Riliberto's Fresh Mexican Food
Business Address
2704 W Southern AVE Tempe AZ 85282
Permit Number
FD-79825
Permit Type
Food Establishment - Eating & Drinking
Inspection Purpose
Food Routine Inspection
Inspection Date
7/11/2025
Grade
B
Priority Violation
1
Inspection Status
Re-inspection required

Violations

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 the following TCS food items: Cut lettuce(51'F), cubed deli ham (50'F), cooked carnitas (48'F), and pico de gallo (54'F) being stored in the prep table directly in front of the flat top. Also observed the following TCS salsas: mild salsa with tomatoes, red salsa, and habanero salsa (50-52'F) being stored in the self-service salsa bar prep table in the dining area at time of inspection. Establishment operates 24 hours a day and replenishes stocks of these items every 2-3 hours for freshness. No time-as-control policy was noted at time of inspection. PIC stated that they had filled the stocks of the items listed above about 1 hour prior to inspection from the walk-in cooler. 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. All TCS foods improperly cold held were relocated to alternative functioning refrigeration unit to rapidly cool to 41°F at time of inspection. 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 main prep table located in front of the flat top (See Violation #22) to be operating with an ambient internal temperature of 46'F measured via min/max thermometer at time of inspection. Discussed proper cold holding parameters with PIC. PIC stated he can have it serviced within the next week. 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. A reinspection will occur on or prior to 7/22/2025 to verify the correction. Corrective Action: Correct prior to re-inspection.

Comments/Details


No County legal action will result from this inspection.
Of Note: Discussed cleaning procedures for cutting boards with PIC.

A reinspection will occur on or prior to 7/22/2025, to verify the correction of Violation #33.

"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.