Inspection Report

Business Name
Mariscos Empalme

Business Address
2301 E BELL RD PHOENIX AZ 85022

Permit Number
FD-89436

Permit Type
Food Establishment - Eating & Drinking

Inspection Purpose
Food Routine Inspection

Inspection Date
12/9/2024

Grade
Not Participating

Priority Violation
1

Inspection Status
Completed

Violations

Violation #: 15

Repeat Violation

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: 2nd Repeat Violation. Observed raw shrimp stored directly above cooked shrimp and raw chicken stored above raw shrimp in Prep cooler on cookline wall. No signs of leakage.: 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. Corrected at time of inspection.

Violation #: 23

Description: Proper Date Marking and Disposition

Comments:

3-501.17 - Priority Foundation: Ready-To-Eat Time/Temperature Control for Safety Food, Date Marking. 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/4125/Food-SafetyOperator-Resources. Addl Notes: Seafood soup, birria soup, menudo, and salsa (in front cooler) in back reach-in cooler stored for over 24 hours per person in charge found without datemarks. All RTE/TCS foods were properly date marked at the time of inspection.RTE/TCS foods requiring date marking must be date marked within 24 hours and sold or discarded after 7 days (including the day it was made as day 1). Corrected at time of inspection.

Violation #: 28

Description: Toxic Substances Properly Identified, Stored, and Used; Held for Retail Sale, Properly Stored

Comments:

7-202.12 (C) - Priority Foundation: Conditions of Use; Pesticides by certified applicator Addl Notes: Observed RAID pesticide spray store in back area on shelf underneath dry storage. Person in charge moved spray out of the establishment. All pest control for the establishment must be performed by a certified pest control specialist and chemicals for pest control must not be stored onsite. PIC removed pest control chemicals from premises at time of inspection. Corrected at time of inspection.

Violation #: 43

Description: In-Use Utensils; Properly Stored

Comments:

3-304.12 - Core: In-Use Utensils, Between-Use Storage Addl Notes: Observed knife and spoons used to prepare seafood dishes stored in room temp water in-between use. Person in charge removed utensils from water and placed in prep cooler. In-use utensils must be stored in a clean, dry location; in running water; or in hot water above 135°F. If utensils are stored in food, the handles must be stored above the surface of the food. All in-use utensils were properly stored at time of inspection. Corrected at time of inspection.

Comments/Details

Predefined Comment: Due to the violations noted on this inspection report, County legal action may result from this inspection.
Establishment is continuing to use side suite that was recently acquired to store frozen TCS items such as beans in home freezer, as well as equipment, drinks, and dry storage items. 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 maricopacountyazenergovweb.tylerhost.net/apps/selfservice#/home.

"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.