Eight schools and two restaurants were visited by food inspectors between Dec. 1 and 13 and all of them cooked up grub that was more than up to par.  

Pinal County Environmental Health Department inspectors visited Maricopa Wells Middle School, Maricopa High School, Maricopa and Santa Cruz Elementary Schools, and Denny’s early last week. 

They then returned to town this week to visit Saddleback and Santa Rosa Elementary Schools, Desert Wind Middle School, A+ Charter Schools and Panda Express. 

All 10 locations were rated as “excellent,” and no violations were found. 

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.