Health inspections in Maricopa County and the Midlands reveal conditions at local restaurants, raising concerns about food safety. In September, inspectors identified serious violations, including improper storage and handling of food, pest infestations and cleanliness issues, giving several restaurants failing grades.

According to phoenix new timesrestaurants such as Chou’s Kitchen in Chandler and OG’z The Original Empanada Shop in Queen Creek are doing things like thawing raw shrimp on the kitchen floor and storing raw eggs on top of cooked food in the refrigerator. Cited for multiple serious violations. These issues pose a direct health risk to both patrons and staff.

The situation is similarly alarming in South Carolina, where restaurants like Angelo’s in Lexington have found rodent droppings and dead insects in their storage areas. One employee was also known for not washing his hands after handling raw food and before switching to ready-to-eat food. nation Other facilities reported food being stored on the floor, black mold found in sinks, and dangerous chemicals being improperly stored with food.

Overall, these violations represent a violation of the most basic health protocols that restaurants are required to adhere to, and the recurring nature of such issues challenges the effectiveness of internal checks and food safety. raising questions about regulatory compliance. Subsequent follow-up inspections have resulted in some facilities receiving upgraded “A” scores, but the initial failing grade indicates what appears to be a systemic problem, but not a judgment call. It should not be considered an isolated or occasional error in practice.