Food inspectors have been busy in the city since mid-April when InMaricopa reported that five establishments had received excellent ratings. 

Since then, 22 food-furnishing facilities have been put to the test by Pinal County Health Department inspectors, who served up only excellent ratings. Here’s where they’ve been in recent weeks: 

On April 14, food inspectors found Bashas’ Starbucks and bakery were compliant with the county’s health code.  

A day later, the inspectors saw sunlight peeking in from under the doors at Dairy Queen during their visit. The door sweeps must be replaced or the gaps must be filled to prevent pests. 

Some residues also built up inside the ice machine above the ice, according to the report. Staff were instructed to wipe the surface in such a way that no ice would be contaminated. 

Inspectors visited the Walmart retail area and bakery April 16, finding no violations.  

Maricopa High School’s cafeteria and culinary building were inspected April 17, also clear of any violations. 

Other schools were also evaluated and found to have no violations. Butterfield Elementary School and Saddleback Elementary School were visited April 21 and 24, respectively. 

More sunlight peeking under the doors at the Maricopa Wells Middle School cafeteria indicated they were not tightly sealed during inspectors’ visit April 28.  

The same issue was found at Desert Sunrise High School May 6, but no violations were found when inspectors visited Heritage Academy that same day.  

Inspectors also visited Sprouts Farmers Market, CVS Pharmacy and both of the city’s Walgreens locations in response to an FDA recall of Gerber brand Baby Soothe N Chew Teething Sticks for a choking hazard that week. The inspectors reported that none of the locations carried the products. No violations were found.  

Inspectors who paid A+ Charter School a visit May 8 gave them the equivalent of an A+ grading after finding no violations there.  

On May 12, the inspectors visited Roots Eatery and Francisco’s Mexican Food and found they were clean.  

Inspectors on Wednesday got busy again after a short hiatus. They stopped at The New HQ and noted an accumulation of soil residue above the ice in the ice machine. Amberlynn’s Sweet Treats, a home business in the Province neighborhood, and the Province Community Association Clubhouse had no violations. 

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.