Food Safety Alert: What’s Cooking in Phoenix? Uncovering Hygiene Violations at Local Eateries
Phoenix, AZ — Are you a food lover who believes cleanliness is next to deliciousness? Each week, Arizona’s Family investigates local restaurants, zeroing in on those that have failed to meet health standards as flagged by Maricopa County’s Environmental Services Department. Our ongoing series, the Dirty Dining Report, sheds light on eateries that pose potential risks to health and safety. For more details on the restaurant inspection scoring system, visit Maricopa County’s website.
A Closer Look at July 18, 2025: Local Restaurants with Hygiene Concerns
Here’s a rundown of the Valley establishments that missed the mark this week:
Bing Bistro
Location: 15577 N Hayden Road, Scottsdale
Violations (3):
- No certified food manager on-site, raising questions about food safety protocols.
- Dishware not cleaned properly, compromising hygiene standards.
- Bok choy and fried rice out of temperature, a serious food safety risk.
Mercer and Little Pickle
Location: 2525 E Camelback Rd, Phoenix
Violations (3):
- Raw bacon stored above ready-to-eat foods; a recipe for cross-contamination.
- Cheese and milk not kept at safe temperatures, risking spoilage and foodborne illnesses.
- Containers of broccolini and butter not date-marked, leading to confusion over freshness.
Subway
Location: 8248 W Deer Valley Rd, Peoria
Violations (4):
- Deli meats not stored cold enough, which could allow harmful bacteria to thrive.
- Food prep sink draining into mop sink—a big no-no in proper kitchen sanitation.
- Dim lighting in walk-in fridge risking food safety assessments.
- Drain pipes improperly connected, creating potential plumbing hazards.
El Jefe Tacos
Location: 2155 E University Drive, Tempe
Violations (4):
- Raw beef stored above salsas, heightening cross-contamination hazards.
- Cooked beans not kept sufficiently hot, risking bacterial growth.
- Rolled tacos and eggs failing to maintain recommended cold temperatures.
- Cooked carne asada and carnitas not marked with dates, leaving questions of safety and quality.
Filiberto’s Mexican Food
Location: 3855 W Ray Rd, Chandler
Violations (4):
- No soap available at hand wash sink, compromising sanitation.
- Raw chicken stored above lettuce, inviting cross-contamination.
- Beans not cooling properly, which can pose health risks.
- Boxes of meat stored on the floor in the walk-in cooler—an absolute violation of food safety norms.
The Dean’s List: Restaurants with Perfect Health Inspection Scores
While some eateries struggle, others shine brightly. Here are the Valley restaurants that achieved perfect health inspection scores:
| Restaurant | Location |
|---|---|
| Country Boys Restaurant | 4229 W Bethany Home Rd, Phoenix |
| Thai Chili 2 Go | 7450 S 59th Ave, Laveen |
| Lucille’s Smokehouse BBQ | 2030 E Rio Salado Pkwy, Tempe |
| Subway | 3555 W Van Buren St, Phoenix |
| Panda Express | 7369 W Bell Rd, Peoria |
| Barrio Queen | 7114 E Stetson Drive, Scottsdale |
Curious for more? Click here to explore all Dirty Dining reports.
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As you navigate the bustling food scene of Phoenix, remember that food safety is as vital as flavor! Always stay informed and make conscious dining choices. ✨
