Still Serving: Why Phoenix Restaurants With Multiple Food Safety Violations Stay Open.

credit: VectorStock

PHOENIX —This summer, Phoenix food inspectors identified serious food safety violations in multiple restaurants, including cross-contamination and unsafe meat storage.

Despite these alarming findings, most restaurants remained open, putting diners at risk.

Restaurants were flagged for several "priority violations," the most serious category in Maricopa County.

Such violations substantially increase the likelihood of foodborne illness outbreaks, underscoring the importance of food safety compliance in preventing public health hazards.

Even with multiple violations, the restaurants continued serving food while preparing for a follow-up inspection.

Below are some eateries with major violations:

Mensho Ramen — 5813 North Seventh Street

On June 4, 2025, inspectors flagged Mensho Ramen for five priority violations. 

The restaurant stored raw eggs with butter and cheese, risking cross-contamination, and the slicer was encrusted with residue.

Inspectors found chicken broth left overnight at unsafe temperatures and hot dishes failing to reach 135 degrees Fahrenheit.

Salmon was served raw without parasite-destruction documentation on site.

Speaking on Mensho Ramen's salmon violations, Head Chef David Vu said, "We only use salmon in one of our 30 sushi rolls. It's always refrigerated until served and never used in our ramen or appetizers. All orders are made fresh. I've already contacted our vendor to have the parasite-destruction documentation on hand."

Middle Eastern Bakery — 3052 North 16th Street

In September, food inspectors found beef, hummus, and rice stored at warmer temperatures than required, and seasonings stored with cleaning chemicals.

The bakery received a C grade, just a few months after receiving a B for earlier violations.

For consumers, a C grade indicates that the food is prepared in unsafe conditions.

To stay informed, the public can check a restaurant's grade or inspection record through Maricopa County's online food inspection database.

The bakery remained open while awaiting reinspection, leaving safety uncertain.

Sushi Style — 401 East Bell Road

On Sept. 18, 2025, inspectors noticed rice left out at 73 degrees—a repeat violation.

Inspectors found sanitizer buckets with a high concentration of bleach, which caused the testing strips to turn white and partially black. This could be hazardous if they come into contact with food or surfaces where food is prepared.

Despite the major violations, the restaurant continued to serve food.

Carniceria Ponderosa — 2340 East Union Hills Drive

During an inspection on July 17, 2025, inspectors recorded multiple violations.

Inspectors found an open container of raw ground meat on the floor and raw fish stored improperly in a bucket of standing water.

Inspectors also found repeat violations, including a lack of a food protection manager on site and unsanitized food-contact surfaces.

A Pattern in Phoenix

 Maricopa County Records indicate this pattern is seen across many restaurants in Phoenix, increasing public health concerns as it challenges the effectiveness of local food safety regulations.

Many eateries, such as Taco Boys and King Salmon, were cited for multiple violations, including sewage backups and unsafe storage of meat and food.

Maricopa County regulations require closures only for an imminent health hazard, such as sewage leaks or refrigeration breakdowns.

As violations repeat, restaurants keep serving Phoenix's public, creating unease about food safety.

This particular pattern concerns Manor Sanusi, a nursing student with part-time experience at a pizza shop.

"When food is improperly stored, it can cause diarrhea, dehydration, or even hospitalization," she said. "Children and people with weak immune systems are especially vulnerable, and Salmonella can be fatal."

Sanusi also said that gloves weren't always used at her pizza job.

"You don't want to eat a pizza made by someone who just wiped down a countertop. It's gross, but it happens."

How other Big Cities respond

In New York City, repeat violations could lead to immediate closures.

In Los Angeles, grades must be posted on restaurant doors for public awareness.

In Washington, D.C., serious violations lead to penalties and suspensions.

For regular diners, the ongoing violations and lack of transparency create anxiety and a lack of trust in eating out.

Manasa Sharma, an office worker, said eating out is part of her daily routine because she lacks time to prepare food.

"I don't have the energy and time to cook after work, so dining out is my only choice," Sharma said. "Now I'm questioning whether my eating is even safe."

The Wider Picture

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that one in six Americans contracts a foodborne illness yearly.

According to the CDC, reducing foodborne infections by 10% can prevent five million Americans from getting sick each year.

In 2021, Arizona health departments received over 700 complaints of foodborne illness.

Phoenix's inspection system prioritizes correction over closure, allowing restaurants to address issues without disrupting business operations.

The concern is, where do we draw the line between giving a chance and compromising public health?

When serious violations remain unresolved, diners are at immediate, invisible risk every time they eat out.