Inspection Report

Business Name
Ralph's Snack Bar
Business Address
4535 W VAN BUREN ST PHOENIX AZ 85043
Permit Number
MF2404335
Permit Type
Mobile Food Annual - MF Type 3
Inspection Purpose
Mobile Food Routine Inspection
Inspection Date
11/4/2025
Grade
Not Participating
Priority Violation
0
Inspection Status
Completed

Violations

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: With inspector's min/max thermometer observed main refrigerator used to store TCS foods with a minimum temperature of 57.3°F. Cold holding equipment must have the capacity to maintain TCS foods at 41°F or below. The onsite mechanic at the commissary was able to repair the refrigeration (~41°F) at time of inspection. Corrective Action: Corrected at time of inspection.

Violation #: 56

Description: Adequate Ventilation and Lighting; Designated Areas Used

Comments:

6-202.11 - Core: Light Bulbs, Protective Shielding Addl Notes: Observed unshielded light bulbs on the ceiling near the passenger seat in the food preparation area. Light bulbs shall be shielded, coated, or otherwise shatter-resistant in areas where there is exposed food; clean equipment, utensils, and linens; or unwrapped single-service and single-use articles. Repair prior to the 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 the following items being carried over in the reach in unit at time of inspection: sour cream, sliced cheese, hotdogs, corndogs, bacon wrapped hotdogs, taquitos, chorizo, raw shelled eggs, gravy, cooked beef. Food preparation shall be simplified to reduce excessive steps where food may become contaminated. Food items were embargoed. Corrective Action: Corrected at time of inspection.

Comments/Details


Predefined Comment: No County legal action will result from this inspection.
Facility/equipment inspection conducted at Ralph's Snack Bar commissary. Discussed replacing missing screen, according to PIC the screen is being cleaned.

"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.