In the latest edition of the Dirty Dining Report, a popular Chandler restaurant and a Mexican food spot in Phoenix were among the establishments that failed to meet the required health code regulations. Arizona's Family, in collaboration with Maricopa County's Environmental Services Department, brings attention to local restaurants with significant health violations.

According to the inspection reports conducted on May 9, 2024, the identified eateries were cited for several major risk factors that could potentially compromise public health. These violations ranged from improper handling of dishes to inadequate temperature control for various food items.

Inspectors discovered that an employee at one of the restaurants was observed handling dirty dishes before moving on to handle clean dishes, posing a risk of cross-contamination. The dishwasher was also found to be inadequately cleaning dishes, further exacerbating the potential health hazards.

In another alarming incident, an employee returned from the restroom without washing their hands and immediately began handling food. This disregard for basic hygiene protocols could lead to the transmission of harmful bacteria and pathogens.

Temperature control issues were also discovered during the inspection. The mushroom sauce and shredded cheese were not being kept at the required cold temperatures, posing a risk of bacterial growth. Similarly, various cooked food items, including shredded beef, cooked chicken, beef ribs, and birria, were not maintained at the proper hot or cold temperatures, potentially compromising food safety.

The inspection report further mentioned that an employee at one of the restaurants touched a trash can and subsequently handled food, raising concerns about the possibility of cross-contamination and foodborne illnesses.

Additionally, an employee was observed drinking on a prep table, indicating a lack of proper food handling practices and potentially introducing contaminants into the food preparation area.

Furthermore, a dry erase board cleaner was improperly stored above a rice cooker, potentially risking chemical contamination if it were to accidentally come into contact with food.

Despite these concerning violations, there were also Valley restaurants that achieved perfect health inspection scores, earning a spot on the Dean's List.

It is imperative for all food establishments to adhere to strict health and safety protocols to ensure the well-being of their patrons. The findings of these inspections highlight the significance of regular inspections and the need for continuous improvement in the food industry to maintain high health code standards.

For more in-depth information on the inspection scoring system, interested individuals can visit Maricopa County's website.

Ensuring food safety and hygiene should be a top priority for all restaurants, and it is crucial for eateries to take immediate corrective actions to rectify the violations highlighted during these inspections.