The New HQ served ‘needs improvement’ rating after sewage problem

Food inspectors ended their five-month streak of only ‘excellent’ ratings Monday morning.

Inspectors visited The New HQ, 19640 N. Maricopa Road, at 8:30 a.m. and discovered draft beer wasn’t the only thing flowing freely. They found a septic manhole cover in the parking lot was gushing sewage, according to their report.

The manhole was the only violation at the city’s oldest restaurant but resulted in a “needs improvement” rating because it could not be fixed at the time of inspection. Inspectors will return July 18 for a reinspection of the restaurant.

“It has nothing to do with the inside of the restaurant,” owner Alma Ferrell told InMaricopa of the violation. “It’s all due to the outside, and there are issues we are trying to fix.”

“Somebody made a complaint about the septic draining back there,” Farrell said. “Nothing inside is ill, or bad, or anything.”

The last time inspectors found a Maricopa eatery violating the county’s environmental health code was in early February.

After visiting The New HQ, inspectors then made their way to Papago Road and gave the Maricopa Pantry food bank an “excellent” rating.

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.

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