Inspection Report

Business Name
AJ's Fine Foods
Business Address
15031 N THOMPSON PEAK PKWY SCOTTSDALE AZ 85260
Permit Number
FD-85161
Permit Type
Food Establishment - Retail Food
Inspection Purpose
Food Routine Inspection
Inspection Date
4/14/2025
Grade
Not Participating
Priority Violation
1
Inspection Status
Completed
Cutting Edge Cutting Edge Participant

Violations

Violation #: 20

Description: Proper Cooling Time and Temperatures

Comments:

PRIORITY VIOLATION-3-501.14 - Priority: Cooling. 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: In walk in cooler, in covered containers, cut watermelon with internal temperatures of 49*F-53*F. Per manager, melons were cut >4 hours. Manager discarded cut watermelon. See embargo form. Discussed proper cooling temperatures and methods with managers. (B) TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOOD shall be cooled within 4 hours to 5*C (41*F) or less if prepared from ingredients at ambient temperature, such as reconstituted FOODS and canned tuna. (A) Cooling shall be accomplished in accordance with the time and temperature criteria specified under § 3-501.14 by using one or more of the following methods based on the type of FOOD being cooled: (1) Placing the FOOD in shallow pans; (2) Separating the FOOD into smaller or thinner portions; (3)Using rapid cooling EQUIPMENT; (4) Stirring the FOOD in a container placed in an ice water bath; (5) Using containers that facilitate heat transfer; (6) Adding ice as an ingredient; or (7) Other effective methods. (B) When placed in cooling or cold holding EQUIPMENT, FOOD containers in which FOOD is being cooled shall be: (1) Arranged in the EQUIPMENT to provide maximum heat transfer through the container walls; and (2) Loosely covered, or uncovered if protected from overhead contamination, as specified under Subparagraph 3-305.11(A)(2), during the cooling period to facilitate heat transfer from the surface of the FOOD. Corrective Action: Corrected at time of inspection.

Violation #: 38

Repeat Violation

Description: Insects, Rodents and Animals not Present

Comments:

6-501.115 - Priority Foundation: Prohibiting Animals Addl Notes: Second Consecutive Violation. At start of inspection, two separate customers with dogs in store. Per manager, no one had approached customers to inquire on service animal status of the pets. Instructed manager on proper procedures for approaching customers and what questions are allowed to be asked of customers with pets. Corrective Action: Corrected at time of inspection.

Comments/Details


No County legal action will result from this inspection.
After discussion with the person in charge, it has been determined that the root cause of the violation was training staff (verification breakdown), which resulted in the violation.

This establishment is enrolled in the Maricopa County Environmental Services Cutting Edge Program and is on the Cutting Edge of food safety.
Reviewed with managers: date marking of salsas from outside manufacturer.

Ensure all employees working with food obtain food worker certification from ANSI certified online site.

"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.