Inspection Report

Business Name
AJ's Fine Foods
Business Address
4430 E CAMELBACK RD PHOENIX AZ 85018
Permit Number
FD-84973
Permit Type
Food Establishment - Eating & Drinking
Inspection Purpose
Food Routine Inspection
Inspection Date
8/3/2026
Grade
B
Priority Violation
1
Inspection Status
Re-inspection required
Cutting Edge Cutting Edge Participant

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 multiple items being improperly cold held. Deli meat slices with internal temperature of 54°F in the prep cooler to the far right side of the bistro. Tomato slices in the same cooler with internal temperature of 48°F. Roasted peppers with internal temperature of 61°F. Determined overfilling of the container to be the root cause of the problem. Person in charge (PIC) stated they were recently placed in the unit. Informed PIC that TCS products such as deli meat, slices tomatoes, and roasted peppers have to be kept at 41°F or below. PIC moved the extra packages/items over the fill line to the reach-in cooler to cool rapidly. After discussion with the person in charge, it has been determined that the root cause of the violation was training staff, which resulted in the violation. Training will ensue for employees to check temperature and not overfill containers. Corrective Action: Corrected at time of inspection.

Violation #: 48

Description: Warewashing Facilities, Installed, Maintained, Used, Test Strips

Comments:

4-204.115 - Priority Foundation: Warewashing Machines, Temperature Measuring Devices. 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 no thermometer or temperature indicator strips for the high-temp dish machine. Sanitizing using high temperature warewashing machines requires an irreversible measuring device to ensure food contact surfaces reach 160°F. Provide approved irreversible measuring device prior to re-inspection. Corrective Action: Correct prior to re-inspection (08/13/26).

Violation #: 56

Description: Adequate Ventilation and Lighting; Designated Areas Used

Comments:

6-501.14 - Core: Cleaning Ventilation Systems, Nuisance and Discharge Prohibition Addl Notes: Observed abundant buildup in the hood ventilation in the kitchen. Corrective Action: Correct prior to next routine inspection.

Comments/Details


No County legal action will result from this inspection.
Upon inspection, a remodel has taken place which may require an application and plans to be submitted, and/or additional permits. Please submit an application, supporting documentation, and fees within 5 business days or legal action may result pursuant to MCEHC Chapter 1, Regulation 4(e). Applications with supporting documentation can be submitted via the customer portal "Permit Center" online at maricopacountyaz-energovweb.tylerhost.net/apps/selfservice#/home. Establishment has installed a high-temp dish machine 4 weeks ago.

"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.