Inspection Report

Business Name
Ralph's Snack Bar

Business Address
4535 W VAN BUREN ST PHOENIX AZ 85043

Permit Number
MF-15-0458

Permit Type
Mobile Food Annual - MF Type 3

Inspection Purpose
Mobile Food Routine Inspection

Inspection Date
9/3/2026

Grade
Not Participating

Priority Violation
0

Inspection Status
Completed

Violations

Violation #: 10

Description: Adequate Handwashing Sinks, Properly Supplied and Accessible

Comments:

5-205.11 - Priority Foundation: 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. Addl Notes: Observed dish washing items being stored in basin of hand wash sink at time of inspection. Hand washing sinks are to be maintained so accessible at all times and not used for other purposes than handwashing. PIC relocated all items blocking handwash sink at time of inspection. Corrective Action: Corrected at time of inspection.

Violation #: 16

Description: Food-Contact Surfaces: Cleaned and Sanitized

Comments:

4-601.11(A) - Priority Foundation: Equipment, Food-Contact Surfaces, Nonfood-Contact Surfaces, and Utensils. 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/4574/AMC-Toolbox---Food-Contact-Surfaces. Addl Notes: Observed squeeze bottles and squeeze bottle caps stored as "clean" with obvious build up of debris and filmy residue on outside. All food-contact surfaces must be cleaned to sight and touch. PIC discarded violating items. Corrective Action: 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 "Orthene Fire Ant Killer" container in cabinet underneath sink. 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. 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: Observed multiple foods out of temperature and fridge reading 74°F ambient terperature. Cold holding equipment must have the capacity to maintain TCS foods at 41°F or below. After HVAC mechanic worked on unit, fridge read at 40°F, indicating that equipment has obtained compliance. Corrective Action: Corrected at time of inspection.

Violation #: 38

Description: Insects, Rodents and Animals not Present

Comments:

6-202.15 - Core: Outer Openings, Protected Addl Notes: Observed missing screen on roof of truck where window is placed over cab/ door/ entry into food prep area of unit. Outer openings of a food establishment shall be protected against the entry of insects and rodents by tight fitting doors, windows, and screens. PIC is to install new screen prior to next routine inspection. Corrective Action: Correct prior to next routine 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 multiple foods which were out of temperature and held over inside poorly-functioning fridge, including sliced cheese at 67*F, precooked sausage links at 76*F, shredded lettuce at 73*F, cooked chicken breast at 75*F, pico de gallo at 62*F. Carne asada was also found at 102*F, indicating excessive steps. Per PIC, unit operators were done and gone for day when inspection took place. All time/temperature control for safety foods shall be prepared on the same day of sale or service. Time/temperature control for safety foods shall not be held over from a previous day's operation unless otherwise approved by the Department. 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. PIC required operating staff to return and all foods held over inside fridge were voluntarily discarded (see embargo list in Additional Info tab). Correction Action: Corrected at time of inspection.

Comments/Details

No County legal action will result from this inspection.
Observed prep knife with noticeably melted handle which could impede proper cleaning procedure. PIC was educated and suggested to replace.

"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.