Glendale Restaurant Cited For 8 Health Code Violations

A local restaurant did not perform well during its health inspection.Photo bybenjamin lehmanonUnsplash

Over the past week, over 1,400 restaurants have been inspected to ensure food quality and safety in greater Phoenix. This happens week in and week out throughout the year. The vast majority of restaurants perform well (or, at the very least, adequate) during inspections. Of the over 1,400 restaurants, only 11 received three or more Priority Violations. In general, you are safe to eat at most establishments around the Valley. During this time period, four restaurants received four Priority Violations, including one popular Japanese and Asian restaurant located in Glendale.

On August 13, a health inspector paid Kawaii Japanese & Asian Cuisine a visit. Located at 6530 West Happy Valley Road, the restaurant has, generally speaking, performed well during its routine inspections. Only three of the last eleven visits have resulted in any kind of cited violation, and this is the first time the restaurant had more than a single Priority Violation. Nevertheless, it is necessary to highlight the issue in hopes of an improved score the next time around.

The health score resulted in a D grade. Any restaurant that receives at least three Priority Violations or four violations of any kind automatically receives a D grade. To receive an A a restaurant must not have a single violation, a B comes with one violation, a C with two (or three non-Priority violations), and then a D. A restaurant has multiple visits to avoid receiving a Failing grade. Only extreme situations, such as raw sewage on the floor, can result in an automatic closure.

In total, Kawaii Japanese & Asian Cuisine had eight violations, half of which were a Priority Violation. A Priority Violation is one that directly contributes to the increased chance of foodborne illness and injury.

The first Priority Violation came when the inspector found no backflow prevention device installed. Such a device must be installed to prevent any kind of reverse water flow. The issue was corrected at the time of the inspection.

The second issue came when various over-the-counter medications, burn medicines, and other supplements were found stored above the sauces and oils. Everything was relocated at the time of the inspection.

Another identified issue was the storage of raw meat directly above sauces and milk. This can lead to a direct cross-contamination of rad meats into ready-to-eat foods. This was a repeat violation. The same issue was found with raw eggs stored in cartons directly above hard-boiled eggs. It is very important for restaurants to place uncooked meats at the bottom of any walk-in cooler to avoid the possibility of contamination.