Maricopa kitchens kept things clean in August, with 19 restaurants and schools earning “excellent” ratings in food inspections conducted between Aug. 9 and Sept. 1, according to Pinal County Environmental Health.

That doesn’t mean inspectors didn’t find anything to fix. A handful of spots picked up minor infractions.  

At Helen’s Kitchen, inspectors noted on Aug. 14 that seals on the back door needed repairs to prevent pests from slipping inside. 

Little Caesar’s Pizza, inspected Aug. 18, was missing a food manager certificate and had dried food on walls and floors in the dishwashing area, plus missing tiles. 

Brooklyn Boys Pizzeria & Restaurant also lacked a food manager certificate during its Aug. 20 inspection but had multiple food handler certificates on file. 

At the Taco Bell on John Wayne Parkway, inspectors noted daylight peeking through the back door on Aug. 25 and ordered the seals replaced or filled. 

The rest of Maricopa’s food spots impressed inspectors, earning spotless ratings: 

• Aug. 18: Panda Express 

• Aug. 18: Francisco’s Mexican Food 

• Aug. 19: Legacy Traditional School 

• Aug. 19: Bashas’ (AFC Sushi) 

• Aug. 19: Bashas’ (Retail) 

• Aug. 19: Bashas’ (Deli) 

• Aug. 21: Maricopa High School 

• Aug. 21: Desert Wind Middle School 

• Aug. 21: Butterfield Elementary 

• Aug. 25: Arby’s 

• Aug. 25: Wendy’s 

• Aug. 25: Sonic Drive-In 

• Aug. 25: Native Grill & Wings 

• Aug. 27: Heritage Charter School kitchen 

• Aug. 27: Maricopa Wells Middle School 

What do the ratings mean?   

Excellent: All priority standards are observed as compliant.   

Satisfactory: One or more priority standards is out of compliance. All priority standards are corrected at the time of inspection.   

Needs improvement: One or more priority standards is out of compliance. At least one violation is not corrected at the time of inspection. When violations are corrected to the satisfaction of the department during a follow-up inspection, a satisfactory rating will be given.   

Unacceptable: One or more violations observed are an “imminent health hazard.” Hazards include the misuse of poisonous or toxic materials, onset of an apparent foodborne illness outbreak and unsanitary conditions that may endanger public health. Hazards can stem from fires, floods, electrical or water problems, and sewage backup. When violations are corrected to the satisfaction of the department during a follow-up inspection, a satisfactory rating will be given.