Food safety is always important, especially in our neighborhoods. Since mid-April, Pinal County Health Department inspectors have reviewed multiple food-serving places in the area. The good news? Many of them passed with excellent ratings.
Recently, inspectors assessed 22 establishments. Notably, on April 14, Bashas’ Starbucks and bakery met all health standards. A day later, Dairy Queen had a few minor issues. They found gaps under the doors that might invite pests, which must be repaired. Inside, some ice machines had residue that staff needed to clean to avoid contaminating the ice.
In another round of inspections on April 16, Walmart’s retail and bakery sections passed without any problems. Maricopa High School’s cafeteria also got a passing grade on April 17, with no violations reported. This positive trend continued with Butterfield Elementary and Saddleback Elementary inspected on April 21 and 24, respectively.
However, some schools had minor complaints. At Maricopa Wells Middle School, doors weren’t sealed properly, allowing sunlight to shine through. Similarly, inspections on May 6 at Desert Sunrise High School revealed the same issue, but no other violations were noted at other locations that day, like Heritage Academy.
Moreover, food inspectors responded swiftly to an FDA recall regarding Gerber Baby Soothe N Chew Teething Sticks. They checked multiple pharmacies, including Sprouts, CVS, and two Walgreens, and found no recalled products or any violations.
On May 8, A+ Charter School earned high marks with zero violations. Inspectors praised Roots Eatery and Francisco’s Mexican Food on May 12 as well.
Despite the positive results, the inspectors pointed out some concerns. The New HQ was found with dirt above the ice, but Amberlynn’s Sweet Treats and the Province Community Association showed no issues.
What Do the Ratings Mean?
-
Excellent: All priority standards followed.
-
Satisfactory: One or more issues found but corrected immediately.
-
Needs Improvement: Issues found, some not corrected immediately. Follow-up needed for satisfactory rating.
- Unacceptable: Serious health hazards present, like unsanitary conditions or potential foodborne illnesses.
Food safety reports can greatly influence public perception. According to a 2022 survey by the National Restaurant Association, over 80% of diners said they would avoid restaurants with poor health inspection ratings. This shows how crucial it is for food establishments to maintain high standards.
Keeping our food safe is essential. When local businesses receive good ratings, it fosters community trust and encourages residents to support them. As consumers, it’s good to stay informed about the places we eat, ensuring they meet health standards.
Source link
A+ Charter School,Amberlynn’s Sweet Treats,Bashas’,Butterfield Elementary School,CVS Pharmacy,dairy queen,Desert Sunrise High School,food inspection,food safety,Francisco’s Mexican Food,Gerber recall,Heritage Academy,Maricopa High School,Maricopa Wells Middle School,Pinal County Health Department,Roots Eatery,Saddleback Elementary School,Sprouts Farmers Market,Starbucks,The New HQ,Walgreens,Walmart