Inspection Report

Business Name
Tropical Smoothie Cafe
Business Address
8707 S PRIEST DR TEMPE AZ 85284
Permit Number
FD-90988
Permit Type
Food Establishment - Eating & Drinking
Inspection Purpose
Food Routine Inspection
Inspection Date
5/9/2025
Grade
Not Participating
Priority Violation
0
Inspection Status
Re-inspection required

Violations

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 small flying insects by the floor sinks in the front and back of the facility by the three compartment sink. Observed a juvenile German cockroach under the three compartment sink. Discussed with Person in Charge (PIC) Establishment must be maintained free of pests and all pest control measures must be conducted by a licensed pest control specialist. Seal up any gaps, holes and cracks to prevent pests from entering the facility. Must eliminate current pest control problem and obtain pest control from a certified and licensed pest control specialist by re-inspection. Also observed a flying insect fly out of a container of kale by the front prep table. Embargoed the kale and PIC discarded at time of inspection. Discussed to protect foods with lids or plastic wrap when items are not in use. No other contamination observed. Corrective Action: Correct prior to re-inspection on 5/23/25

Comments/Details


No County legal action will result from this inspection.
Any substance(s) added to food must be GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) and/or used consistent with all legal requirements. The permit holder is responsible for ensuring that their menu items comply. Education was provided on the addition of food additives and dietary supplements during the inspection. For additional information, please refer to the ADHS Kava and Other Dietary Supplement Products Letter at https://www.azdhs.gov/preparedness/epidemiology-disease-control/food-safety-environmental-services/index.php.

"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.