Inspection Report

Business Name
Ralph's Snack Bar

Business Address
4535 W VAN BUREN ST PHOENIX AZ 85043

Permit Number
MF-12-0064

Permit Type
Mobile Food Annual - MF Type 3

Inspection Purpose
Mobile Food Routine Inspection

Inspection Date
8/7/2025

Grade
Not Participating

Priority Violation
2

Inspection Status
Re-inspection required

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 cooked beef (99°F), cooked sausage links(83°F), hot dogs(85°F), tater tots (71°F), raw bacon (77), sliced deli ham (81), raw eggs (71°F), sour cream (68°F), and cheese (95°F) all holding above 41°F. Fridge was holding at 85 degrees at minimum. I adjacent cooler packed with ice, items from hot holding table were observed cooling from hot for next day's service. The cooler contained cooked rice (125°F), cooked beef (134°F, 131°F), and cooked pork (120°F). Except during preparation, cooking, cooling or when time is used as a control all TCS foods must be maintained at 41°F or below. Eggs not treated to destroy Salmonellae can be stored in equipment that maintains an ambient air temperature of 45°F or below. All TCS foods improperly cold held were discarded by PIC at time of inspection.

Violation #: 28

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

Comments:

PRIORITY VIOLATION-7-201.11 - Priority: Separation-Storage

Addl Notes: Observed large open bag of dry powder laundry detergent being stored in unit alongside potatoes, cabbages, onions, and various dry goods near entrance to cabin. Predefined Comment: Chemicals must be stored away from food, utensils, and single service items at all times to prevent contamination. All chemicals were relocated and properly stored by PIC at time of inspection. Corrective Action: Corrected at time of inspection.

Violation #: 33

Description: Proper Cooling Methods Used; Adequate Equipment for Temperature Control

Comments:

4-301.11 - Priority Foundation: Cooling, Heating, and Holding Capacities-Equipment. 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: Only refrigeration in unit observed reporting at 85°F at minimum. Cold holding equipment must have the capacity to maintain TCS foods at 41°F or below. Must repair cold holding equipment such that it maintains TCS foods at 41°F or below. Unit was repaired by on site mechanic and later observed holding at 36°F. Corrective Action: Corrected at time of inspection.

Violation #: 38

Description: Insects, Rodents and Animals not Present

Comments:

6-501.111 (C) - Priority Foundation: Controlling Pests; Approved Trapping Methods/Existence Addl Notes: Upon opening refrigerator, observed 2 small beetles scurry off of door into refrigerator. Establishment must be maintained free of pests and all pest control measures must be conducted by a licensed pest control specialist. Must eliminate current pest control problem and obtain pest control from a certified and licensed pest control specialist by re-inspection. Corrective Action: Correct prior to re-inspection.

Violation #: 57

Description: MCEHC Mobile Food Requirements

Comments:

MCEHC Chap. 8, Sec. 3, Reg. 6d, 9d, 10e, 11d - Food preparation shall be simplified to reduce excessive steps where food may become contaminated. Excessive steps may include, but are not limited to, cooking overnight without oversight, cooling, or cutting large volumes of food items. This prohibition does not apply to foods that have been prepared or packaged in permanent food establishments or commissaries meeting the requirements of this code. Addl Notes: Observed various items from hot holding table cooling in cooler packed with ice. Observed cooked beef(134°F, 131°F), cooked pork(120°F), and cooked rice(125°F) all cooling from hot in ice chest. Food preparation shall be simplified to reduce excessive steps where food may become contaminated. Excessive steps may include, but are not limited to, cooking overnight without oversight, cooling, or cutting large volumes of food items. Food was discarded at time of inspection. Corrective Action: Corrected at time of inspection.

Comments/Details

No County legal action will result from this inspection.

"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.