Inspection Report

Business Name
Rusty Taco

Business Address
707 S FOREST AVE TEMPE AZ 85281

Permit Number
FD-84698

Permit Type
Food Establishment - Eating & Drinking

Inspection Purpose
Food Routine Inspection

Inspection Date
1/29/2026

Grade
C

Priority Violation
2

Inspection Status
Re-inspection required

Violations

Violation #: 15

Description: Food Separated and Protected

Comments:

PRIORITY VIOLATION-3-302.11 (A1-2) - Priority: Packaged and Unpackaged Food-Separation, Packaging, and Segregation; Protection from Cross Contamination. 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/4621/AMC-Toolbox---Cross-Contamination.

Addl Notes: Observed on the speed rack with several hotel pans of sliced raw chicken above raw fish, raw pork and raw beef. Discussed with person in charge (PIC) all raw animal proteins must be stored below ready-to-eat (RTE) foods and stored according to cooking temperature at all times to prevent cross contamination. PIC properly stored all raw animal proteins according to the final cooking temperature based on the cooking parameters in § 3-401.11 of the Food Code. Corrective Action: Corrected at time of inspection.

Violation #: 16

Description: Food-Contact Surfaces: Cleaned and Sanitized

Comments:

4-601.11(A) - Priority Foundation: Equipment, Food-Contact Surfaces, Nonfood-Contact Surfaces, and Utensils. 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: Observed black and dark red dried organic matter on the blade of the industrial can opener stored away as clean. Also observed dark black organic matter on the gear behind the blade with small metal shavings. Discussed with PIC all food-contact surfaces must be cleaned to sight and touch. Also discussed that dull blades shall be sharpened/replaced to prevent small metal shavings from contaminating canned food being opened. PIC took the industrial can opener to be cleaned at time of inspection. Corrective Action: Corrected at time of inspection.

Violation #: 38

Description: Insects, Rodents and Animals not Present

Comments:

6-501.111 (C) - Priority Foundation: Controlling Pests; Approved Trapping Methods/Existence Addl Notes: Observed several flies, bees and drain flies in the facility. Discussed with PIC Establishment must be maintained free of pests and all pest control measures must be conducted by a licensed pest control specialist. Must eliminate current pest control problem and obtain pest control from a certified and licensed pest control specialist by re-inspection. Corrective Action: Correct prior to re-inspection 2/13/26

Violation #: 52

Description: Sewage and Waste Water Properly Disposed

Comments:

PRIORITY VIOLATION-5-402.13 - Priority: Conveying Sewage

Addl Notes: Observed at the bar the floor drain of the dishwasher backed up and filled with sewage water onto the floor of the facility. Also observed the drainage pipe was missing the minimum of an inch air gap. Observed contamination of the dishwasher. PIC drained floor sink with a drain snake and cleaned up the floor and sanitized the dishwasher. Corrective Action: Corrected at time of inspection.

Comments/Details

No County legal action will result from this inspection.
Of Note: Discussed with PIC to store the ice buckets upside down, off the ground, either hanging or on a smooth and cleanable surface. 2) Clean the back walk way of all grease build up, plastic debris, remove all broken and unnecessary equipment shared with other facility.

"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.