Inspection Report

Business Name
Chopstick Express

Business Address
939 E GUADALUPE RD TEMPE AZ 85283

Permit Number
FD-80292

Permit Type
Food Establishment - Eating & Drinking

Inspection Purpose
Food Routine Inspection

Inspection Date
8/20/2025

Grade
Not Participating

Priority Violation
1

Inspection Status
Completed

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 several TCS items in the reach-in refrigerator on the cookline that were at temperatures of 44*F to 50*F measured with a probing thermometer. Observed the ambient temperature within the unit was at 52*F measured with a min/max thermometer. Per person in charge (PIC) the items in the unit from the previous night were breaded cooked pork, tofu and cooked chicken. Embargoed the above listed items and PIC discarded at time of inspection. Also observed other TCS items at temperatures of 45*F to 47*F such as raw chicken, raw beef, and cooked breaded chicken that were in the unit for less than 4 hours per PIC. Those items were relocated to adequate refrigeration. Discussed with PIC 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 #: 45

Description: Single-Use/Single-Service Articles; Properly Stored, Used

Comments:

4-502.13(A) - Core: Single-Service and Single-Use Articles-Use Limitations Addl Notes: Observed single use containers with worn off labels or the product in the container is not matching the label. Discussed with PIC single-use food containers are intended for single-use and may not be re-used for storage of food. Replace with containers designed to be washed and reused and are food safe. Corrective Action: Correct prior to next routine inspection.

Comments/Details

No County legal action will result from this inspection.
Of Note: Discussed with PIC 1) Ready to Eat (RTE) foods shall be stored above raw meats. 2) all TCS items shall be 41*F before going into the prep table unit. 3) will follow up with operator about chemical bin and proper storage.

"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.