Pinal County Environmental Health Department inspectors have visited 17 Maricopa food establishments so far in 2026, rating every one of them excellent, though inspectors documented one minor violation during the span.

According to county inspection records, the run of inspections began Jan. 6 with excellent ratings for Maricopa Head Start, Maricopa High School and Maricopa High School’s culinary arts department. Two days later, on Jan. 8, Maricopa High School’s concessions operation also earned an excellent rating.

On Jan. 12, Baskin-Robbins passed its second inspection since opening with an excellent score. That same day, Sprouts Farmers Market received an excellent rating, including separate excellent marks for its in-store Oumi Sushi operation, deli and bakery.

Francisco’s Mexican Food was inspected Jan. 13 and also received an excellent rating, though inspectors cited one violation related to equipment cleanliness.

The violation noted residue inside the ice machine above the level of the ice. Inspectors documented that the person in charge was made aware of the issue and planned to wipe the surface in a manner that would not contaminate the ice. The report stated that routine cleaning and visual checks should continue to prevent future buildup and that cleaning would be verified at the next routine inspection.

Two other establishments inspected Jan. 13, Panda Express and Chilaquiles Modern Kitchen, both earned excellent ratings. For Chilaquiles Modern Kitchen, it also marked the restaurant’s second inspection since opening.

Inspections continued Thursday with excellent ratings for Molly’s House of Little Feet, Slim Chickens and Mandy’s Wine Bar.

Most recently, yesterday, Santa Rosa Elementary School and Pima Butte Elementary School were both rated excellent, with no violations noted.

The strong start to 2026 follows a recent inspection downturn for Crumbl Cookies, which was downgraded from excellent to satisfactory after repeat violations were documented during a Dec. 30 inspection.

County health officials conduct routine inspections to assess food safety practices, sanitation and compliance with state health codes at restaurants, schools and other food-serving establishments throughout Maricopa.

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.