Maricopa County health inspectors cited nine metro Phoenix stores for several priority food safety violations during the week of July 13. Violations included a contaminating liquid dripping into fresh produce and numerous spoiled foods due to broken fridges.
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 July 13, inspectors visited about
1,380 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.
7-Eleven, Mesa
The 7-Eleven located at 2010 E. Main St. in Mesa was cited for one priority violation.
- Milk was stored too warm in a walk-in cooler. The store moved it to a properly working cooler.
Safeway, Tempe and Scottsdale
Two Safeway stores, located at 1515 E. Elliot Road in Tempe and 10773 N. Scottsdale Road in Scottsdale, were cited for one priority violation each.
- Tempe location: Liquid from a refrigeration unit dripped onto romaine lettuce sprouts, contaminating the produce. The lettuce was discarded.
- Scottsdale location: Raw meat, cheeses, cut vegetables, salsas and other refrigerated foods were stored too warm in malfunctioning display cases and were discarded.
Cindy's Mini Market, Surprise
The Cindy's Mini Market located at 12865 W. Grand Ave. in Surprise was cited for one priority violation.
- A broken cooler left milk, eggs, deli meats and cheese at unsafe temperatures for days. The food was discarded.
Circle K, Scottsdale and Tempe
Two Circle K stores, located at 9709 N. Hayden Road in Scottsdale and 5240 S. Rural Road in Tempe, were cited for one priority violation each.
- Scottsdale location: A grab-and-go cooler wasn't keeping sandwiches, yogurt, eggs and other refrigerated foods cold enough. The food was moved to another cooler.
- Tempe location: Milk, bacon, butter and other refrigerated foods were stored too warm in a walk-in cooler. The items were moved to a properly working cooler.
Albertsons, Litchfield Park
The Albertsons located at 12970 W. Indian School Road in Litchfield Park was cited for one priority violation.
- Tofu, kimchi, cut vegetables, vegan cheeses and other refrigerated foods were stored too warm in a produce cooler. The food was removed, and the cooler was scheduled for repair.
Rest & Market Monarca, Phoenix
Market Monarca, located at 602 W. Baseline Road in Phoenix was cited for one priority violation.
- Milk, eggs, bacon, hot dogs, cheese, desserts and other refrigerated foods were stored too warm and were discarded.
Valero Gas Station, Mesa
The Valero Gas Station located at 4360 S. Broadway Road in Mesa was cited for one priority violation.
- Sandwiches, yogurt and burritos were stored too warm in a self-service cooler and were removed.
Connect with the reporter at laura.sepulveda@arizonarepublic.com.
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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Metro Phoenix grocery store had contaminated produce for sale
