Pinal County Environmental Health Department inspectors continued a strong start to 2026 with a series of inspections across Maricopa over the past two weeks, issuing excellent ratings to every establishment visited, though inspectors documented three non-priority violations at two locations.

According to county inspection records, inspections conducted between Jan. 26 and Feb. 4 included restaurants, schools, a hospital and grocery store food operations, with all locations meeting priority health standards at the time of inspection.

On Jan. 26, Rosati’s Pizza earned an excellent rating despite two violations related to cleanliness. Inspectors observed an accumulation of grease and grime on nonfood contact surfaces, specifically equipment handles along the makeline. The report stated the person in charge was advised that high-touch surfaces should be cleaned frequently to prevent residue buildup. The person in charge said the handles would be cleaned, and inspectors documented that routine cleaning and visual checks should continue, with verification planned at the next routine inspection.

Inspectors also cited a violation related to cleaning frequency in physical facilities after observing buildup and residue in areas surrounding the fryers. According to the report, the person in charge was informed the area should be cleaned to help prevent the attraction of pests and stated the residue would be removed. Inspectors noted that residue removal would be verified during a future inspection.

Two other establishments inspected Jan. 26, Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers and Starbucks at Maricopa Station, both received excellent ratings with no violations noted.

Inspections continued Jan. 27 with an excellent rating and no violations documented at CAC Maricopa Campus – Culinary Arts.

On Jan. 28, inspectors issued excellent ratings with no violations to Cold Stone Creamery, Taco Bell on John Wayne Parkway, Papa Johns, Bosa Donuts and McDonald’s on Maricopa-Casa Grande Highway, with inspectors documenting no violations at any of the locations.

On Monday, Maricopa Community Hospital, Fry’s Marketplace Deli and Maricopa Wells Middle School were each inspected and received excellent ratings with no violations noted.

An inspection conducted Tuesday at Legacy Traditional School also resulted in an excellent rating with no violations documented.

Most recently, on Wednesday, Stanfield Elementary School earned an excellent rating, though inspectors documented one violation related to outer openings. Inspectors observed sunlight visible beneath a rear door, indicating it was not tightly sealed. The report stated the person in charge was made aware of the issue and planned to replace door sweeps or fill gaps to prevent the entry of insects or rodents. Inspectors noted that verification of the repair would be performed during the next routine inspection.

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

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 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, or sewage backup. When violations are corrected to the satisfaction of the department during a follow-up inspection, a satisfactory rating will be given.