The 9 worst Phoenix restaurant inspections in March

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Last month's health inspections in the Phoenix area turned up unsanitary practices and unsafe food at several local restaurants, including issues like dead lobsters served as food, live cockroaches, moldy nacho cheese, and improperly cooled or stored foods that could pose a direct threat to customer safety.

Why it matters

These inspection reports highlight ongoing food safety concerns in the Phoenix restaurant industry and the need for stronger oversight and enforcement to protect public health. Restaurants that repeatedly fail inspections and continue to serve unsafe food put their customers at serious risk.

The details

Inspectors from the Maricopa County Environmental Services Department visited restaurants across the Valley in March and found a range of violations, from dead lobsters being cooked and served, to live cockroaches, moldy nacho cheese, improperly cooled foods, and unsanitary kitchen practices. Restaurants with three or more priority violations, which pose a direct threat to safety, received a 'D' grade and mandatory reinspections.

• On March 3, Birria Queen received three priority violations and a mandatory reinspection.
• On March 6, Tacos El Jefe received four priority violations and a mandatory reinspection.
• On March 12, Apache Lake Marina & Resort earned four priority violations and a 'D' grade.
• On March 17, Polibertos Taco Shop received four priority violations and a mandatory reinspection.
• On March 19, Chaat Express earned four priority violations, nine foundation violations, and a mandatory reinspection.

What’s next

The restaurants cited in these inspections will need to address the issues found and pass a reinspection before they can continue operating. The Maricopa County Environmental Services Department will continue to monitor these establishments to ensure they maintain proper food safety and sanitation standards.