Inspection Report

Business Name
Al's Cafe

Business Address
3636 N CENTRAL AVE PHOENIX AZ 85012

Permit Number
FD-91629

Permit Type
Food Establishment - Eating & Drinking

Inspection Purpose
Food Routine Inspection

Inspection Date
1/29/2024

Grade
Not Participating

Priority Violation
2

Inspection Status
Completed

Violations

Violation #: 10

Description: Adequate Handwashing Sinks, Properly Supplied and Accessible

Comments:

Priority Foundation-5-205.11, Pf: Using a Handwashing Sink-Operation and Maintenance. 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/4573/AMC-Toolbox---Handwashing.

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Observed food scale being stored on handwashing sink located in the kitchen. Observed rubber wraps being stored in handwashing sink located at the counter. Handwashing sinks must only be used for handwashing. Observed large trash can obstructing access to handwashing sink located in the kitchen. Handwashing sinks must be accessible at all times. PIC moved all items to clear access for both handwashing sinks at time of inspection.

Correct By: Corrected At Time Of Inspection

Violation #: 15

Description: Food Separated and Protected

Comments:

PRIORITY VIOLATION-3-302.11 (A1-2), P: 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.

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Observed raw beef being stored on top of vegetables in reach-in unit beside the prep cooler located by the entrance. PIC moved raw beef to a different cooling unit at time of inspection. Discussed importance of proper food storage to prevent cross contamination.

Correct By: Corrected At Time Of Inspection

Violation #: 22

Description: Proper Cold Holding Temperatures

Comments:

PRIORITY VIOLATION-3-501.16(A)(2) and (B), P: 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.

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Observed salsa verde at 46'F in prep cooler located opposite of the stovetop table with lid opened. PIC stated salsa was canned salsa that was opened and placed into the prep cooler at 9:30am. Manufacturer instructions states salsa needs to be refrigerated after opening. Ambient temperature of prep cooler in question observed at 39'F. Cold TCS food must be cold held at 41'F or below and must not be out of temperature for longer than 4 hours. PIC moved salsa verde in question to reach-in unit at time of inspection as it has been out of temperature for less than 4 hours. Salsa was measured at 41'F by end of inspection. Suggested PIC to keep lids closed when not actively prepping food as the prep cooler is located too close to heat sources such as stoves and ovens.

Correct By: Corrected At Time Of Inspection

Comments/Details

This establishment is not participating in the award program at this time and had 2 Priority, 1 Priority Foundation violations on this inspection.
No County legal action will result from this inspection.
Report delivered via email.
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On July 1st, 2023, the Environmental Services Department started emailing permit card(s) and permit invoice(s) to permittees. We need a current and accurate email address on file to ensure you receive a copy of your permit card and invoice(s) upon renewal.
If you are unsure whether your email address is accurate, you may:
Contact your inspector using the phone number or email on your last inspection report to review, or
Contact the Department using the email addresses below,
o Envquickservicerestaurants@maricopa.gov (facilities such as fast-food)
o Envfullservicerestaurants@maricopa.gov (facilities that are full-service restaurants)
o Envretailgrocery@maricopa.gov (facilities like grocery stores or retail food markets)
o Envspecialtyprograms@maricopa.gov (mobile food/special events/plan review)
If you need to update your email address and/or other contact information, please submit an administrative change request form at the below website
https://www.maricopa.gov/FormCenter/Environmental-Services-16/Administrative-Change-Request-Form-181

Award: Not Participating,Embargo Lbs: 0,Food Manager Licenses: 1,Signer: Christina Hernandez

"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.