Maricopa County health inspectors cited eight metro Phoenix stores for several priority food safety violations during the week of Aug. 10. Violations included unsafe chorizo, burritos, sandwiches and yogurt.
Maricopa County Environmental Services regulates grocery stores, convenience stores and gas stations that sell prepared food under the same rules as restaurants and conducts routine inspections to ensure compliance with safety standards.
A priority violation is a major violation that directly contributes to an increased risk of foodborne illness or injury. If listed in inspection reports, remedies implemented during the inspection are noted.
During the week of Aug. 10, inspectors visited nearly 1,450 grocery stores, restaurants and other food-serving
facilities in hospitals, senior homes and schools. Here's a look at the retail stores with the worst offenses across the Valley.
Safeway, Scottsdale
The Safeway located at 23565 N. Scottsdale Road in Scottsdale was cited for one priority violation.
- Chopped kale and Ccamembert cheese were stored too warm. Both were thrown away.
Circle K, Phoenix
Two Circle K stores, located at 3196 E. Union Hills Drive and 4801 E. Elliot Road in Phoenix, were cited for one priority violation each.
- Union Hills Drive location: Refrigerated foods including sandwiches, yogurt, eggs and cheeses were stored at temperatures as high as 55 degrees. The food was discarded.
- Elliot Road location: Smoothies and dairy products were stored too warm in a cooler with a broken door. The food was discarded.
Circle K, Peoria
Another Circle K store, located at 7460 W. Cactus Road in Peoria, was cited for one priority violation.
- Eggs, butter, milk, sandwiches and bacon were stored overnight at temperatures as high as 56 degrees. The food was embargoed and moved to another refrigerator.
CVS Pharmacy, Phoenix
The CVS located at 21001 N. Tatum Blvd. in Phoenix was cited for one priority violation.
- A cooler holding yogurt, cheese, meats, sandwiches and other refrigerated foods was too warm. All the affected food items were discarded.
Cave Creek Market, Cave Creek
Cave Creek Market, located by the Shell at 31414 N. Cave Creek Road in Cave Creek, was cited for one priority violation.
- Burritos, sandwiches, eggs and cheese snacks were stored at temperatures as high as 57 degrees. The food was thrown away and the cooler was ordered to be repaired.
Sam's Club, Phoenix
The Sam's Club located at 8340 W. McDowell Road in Phoenix was cited for one priority violation.
- Chorizo was stacked above the cooler's maximum load level, causing some packages to reach over 50 degrees. The affected chorizo was discarded.
Natural Grocers, Scottsdale
The Natural Grocers located at 13802 N. Scottsdale Road in Scottsdale was cited for one priority violation.
- Raw chicken was stored above raw beef, creating a risk of contamination. The chicken was moved below the beef.
Connect with the reporter at laura.sepulveda@arizonarepublic.com.
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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Metro Phoenix grocery stores had unsafe chorizo, burritos
