PHOENIX (AZFamily) — Each week, Arizona’s Family reviews restaurants recently inspected by Maricopa County’s Environmental Services Department. The Dirty Dining Report highlights those with the highest number of "risk factors," which inspectors consider major health code violations. For more details on the restaurant inspection scoring system, visit Maricopa County’s website.

Restaurants Falling Short

Here are the Valley restaurants that did not meet health standards for June 12, 2024:

Trevor’s Liquor

Location: 3601 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix

Violations: 3

1. Improper Hand Washing: An employee was observed not washing hands properly after handling raw food and before touching ready-to-eat items, posing a risk of cross-contamination.

2. Bare Hand Contact: Employees were seen using their bare hands to handle food, which is a direct violation of health code regulations that require the use of gloves or utensils to prevent contamination.

3. Dishwasher Issues: The dishwasher was found to be operating without enough cleaning solution, meaning that dishes, utensils, and glassware were not being adequately sanitized.

Casa De Mina

Location: 25728 S. Power Road, Queen Creek

Violations: 4

1. Unsanitary Practices: A dirty towel was used to wipe a thermometer that measures food temperatures, which could lead to the spread of bacteria.

2. Temperature Violations:Guacamole and salsa were not held at the proper temperature, increasing the risk of bacterial growth. These items were stored above the safe holding temperature, which should be below 41°F.

3. Expired Food: Inspectors found expired beef and chili in the refrigerator, which were well past their use-by dates, posing potential health risks if consumed.

4. Improper Holding Temperatures: The prep table was not maintaining the required holding temperature, which is critical to keeping food safe from bacterial contamination.

The Forum

Location: 2301 S. Stearman Drive, Chandler

Violations: 3

1.Hand Washing Lapses: An employee was seen not washing hands before preparing food, violating basic hygiene practices that prevent foodborne illnesses.

2. Unsafe Food Storage: Sushi rice and garlic oil were found sitting out at room temperature, which can lead to the growth of harmful bacteria like Bacillus cereus and Clostridium perfringens.

3. Expired Ingredients: Expired pasta was discovered in the refrigerator, which had passed its use-by date, raising concerns about the restaurant's food safety practices.

Dirty Dining "Dean's List"

In contrast, some restaurants achieved a perfect health inspection score, showcasing their commitment to food safety and cleanliness. These establishments made the Dirty Dining "Dean's List":

- Romanelli’s: 3437 W. Dunlap Avenue, Phoenix

- Maintained high standards in food handling, cleanliness, and employee hygiene.

- Lulu’s Taco Shop: 610 N. Gilbert Road, Gilbert

- Demonstrated excellent food storage practices and sanitation.

- Church’s Chicken: 5901 W. Camelback Road, Phoenix

- Consistently followed all health regulations with no violations.

- The Hangar Café: 1725 E. Ryan Road, Chandler

- Exemplified superior cleanliness and proper food preparation techniques.

- Rubio’s: 7407 W. Bell Road, Peoria

- Adhered strictly to health codes, ensuring a safe dining environment for customers.

For more information on these inspections and to view the full list of evaluated restaurants, visit Maricopa County’s website. The website provides detailed reports on each restaurant’s inspection results, helping consumers make informed dining choices and understand the importance of health code compliance in maintaining food safety standards.