Life Cafe I
A°1616 W Ruby Dr, Tempe 85284
Food Establishment - Eating & Drinking · Permit FD-07096
Score based on 6 scored inspections over the county's rolling 3-year window, weighted toward recent visits. How scoring works
Score over time
Inspection history6 on record
2026
Jun 11, 2026Routine1 coreA°
No County legal action will result from this inspection.
Inspector's notes
Observed a buildup of organic matter inside upper left corner of ice machine. All food-contact surfaces must be cleaned to sight and touch, clean ice machine as often as necessary to prevent the build up of organic matter. Corrective Action: Correct prior to next routine inspection
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4-602.11 (E) - Core: Equipment Food - Contact Surfaces and Utensils-Frequency; Non-TCS. For a permanent fix to this violation, check out these simple tools in our Active Managerial Control Toolbox, made especially for you. https://www.maricopa.gov/4574/AMC-Toolbox---Food-Contact-Surfaces.
2025
Jun 12, 2025Routine2 priority1 coreall corrected on siteC°
No County legal action will result from this inspection.Any substance(s) added to food must be GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) and/or used consistent with all legal requirements. The permit holder is responsible for ensuring that their menu items comply. Education was provided on the addition of food additives and dietary supplements during the inspection. For additional information, please refer to the ADHS Kava and Other Dietary Supplement Products Letter at https://www.azdhs.gov/preparedness/epidemiology-disease-control/food-safety-environmental-services/index.php.>>>Of Note: Labels from commissary have some items missing ingredients, some items made at the commissary has the LTF address instead of the commissary address where the item was made and the date markings on the labels are for a total of 8 days. Discussed with PIC RTE/TCS foods requiring date marking must be date marked within 24 hours and sold or discarded after 7 days (including the day it was made as day 1). Also discussed with PIC to inform commissary that all labeling shall contain 1) Name of Product; 2) Processor Name; 3) Processor Address or Phone Number; 4) Ingredients; 5) Approximate Weight; 6) In English.
Inspector's notes
Observed employee wash hands for 5 to 7 seconds. Discussed the importance of proper hand washing procedures with the person-in-charge (PIC). Proper handwashing procedure is to rinse hands with warm water, scrub with soap for 10-15 seconds, rinse with warm water, dry with approved drying provision, and turn off in a manner to prevent re-contamination of hands. Entire process should take approximately 20 seconds for full and proper handwashing to prevent spread of pathogens and contamination. Employee properly washed hands at handwash sink at time of inspection. Corrective Action: Corrected at time of inspection.
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PRIORITY VIOLATION-2-301.12 - Priority: Cleaning Procedure. For a permanent fix to this violation, check out these simple tools in our Active Managerial Control Toolbox, made especially for you. https://www.maricopa.gov/4573/AMC-Toolbox: Handwashing.
Inspector's notes
Observed employee washing knife in the three compartments sink with soap, rinse and a scrubber dipped into sanitizer along the blade for approximately 5 seconds. Employee then took knife to be dried with a towel from a clean linen bag stored on the ground. Discussed with PIC food-contact surfaces sanitized using quaternary ammonia must be submerged and sanitized with a contact time according to manufacturer's specifications of 1 minute. Food-contact surfaces were properly sanitized at time of inspection. Corrective Action: Corrected at time of inspection.
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PRIORITY VIOLATION-4-703.11 - Priority: Hot Water and Chemical-Methods; Sanitizing Food Contact Surfaces. For a permanent fix to this violation, check out these simple tools in our Active Managerial Control Toolbox, made especially for you. https://www.maricopa.gov/4574/AMC-Toolbox---Food-Contact-Surfaces.
Inspector's notes
Observed a knife stored between food containers and metal holding rail in the prep top of the prep table. Also observed a dirty knife stored away as clean in the knife holder to the left of the prep table. Discussed with PIC all utensils shall be stored away clean to sight and touch and storing the knife or any utensil between equipment parts will contaminate the cutting food contact surface. PIC took knives to the dish area to be properly washed. Corrective Action: Corrected at time of inspection.
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3-304.12 - Core: In-Use Utensils, Between-Use Storage
Feb 27, 2025Routine1 coreA
No County legal action will result from this inspection.Of Note: Discussed with PIC to utilize scoops in the supplements with handles long enough to prevent the handles from falling into the product.
Inspector's notes
Observed under cookline cabinets and equipment to be a buildup of dried food debris along the wall. Discussed with Person in Charge (PIC) to clean at a frequency effective enough to avoid accumulation of food debris. Corrective Action: Correct prior to next routine inspection. 2nd Consecutive Violation
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Repeat Violation 6-501.12 - Core: Cleaning, Frequency and Restrictions
2024
Oct 22, 2024Routine1 priority2 coreB
No County legal action will result from this inspection.Of Note: Discussed with PIC proper cleaning of ice machine is manufacturer's specifications or with soap, rinse, sanitize and airdry before when it is time to clean.
Inspector's notes
Observed no Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) present at time of inspection. Discussed with Person in Charge (PIC) a CFPM is required to be on the premises during all hours of operation. Corrective Action: Correct prior to next routine inspection. 2nd Consecutive Violation
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Repeat Violation 2-102.12(A) - Core: Certified Food Protection Manager. For a permanent fix to this violation, check out these resources on our website. https://www.maricopa.gov/5114/Food-Restaurants
Inspector's notes
Observed at mop sink by back refrigerator a not-in-use chemical dispenser that is directly connected via a hose to a faucet with an AVB. Please use the available separate water line installed upstream from the AVB for the chemical dispenser in order to allow the AVB to operate without being under constant pressure. The faucet with the AVB should be able to be used independently of the chemical dispenser. This will prevent chemicals from being syphoned into the clean water supply. PIC disconnected chemical dispenser at time of inspection. Corrective Action: Corrected at time of inspection. 2nd Consecutive Violation
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Repeat Violation PRIORITY VIOLATION-5-202.11 (A) - Priority: Approved System and Cleanable Fixtures; According to Law
Inspector's notes
Observed under cookline cabinets and equipment to be a buildup of dried food debris along the wall. Discussed with PIC to clean at a frequency effective enough to avoid accumulation of food debris. Corrective Action: Correct prior to next routine inspection.
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6-501.12 - Core: Cleaning, Frequency and Restrictions
Apr 18, 2024Routine3 priorityall corrected on siteD°
This establishment is not participating in the award program at this time and had 3 Priority, 0 Priority Foundation violations on this inspection.Core-2-102.12(A), C: Certified Food Protection Manager>>>Observed no Certified Food Protection Manager (CFM) present at time of inspection. A CFM is required at all times of operation. Please obtain CFM prior to next routine inspection.Of Note: discussed with staff and PIC to not fill past the line of the containers in the prep table. Report sent via email On July 1st, 2023, the Environmental Services Department started emailing permit card(s) and permit invoice(s) to permittees. We need a current and accurate email address on file to ensure you receive a copy of your permit card and invoice(s) upon renewal. If you are unsure whether your email address is accurate, you may: • Contact your inspector using the phone number or email on your last inspection report to review, or • Contact the Department using the email addresses below, o Envquickservicerestaurants@maricopa.gov (facilities such as fast-food) o Envfullservicerestaurants@maricopa.gov (facilities that are full-service restaurants) o Envretailgrocery@maricopa.gov (facilities like grocery stores or retail food markets) o Envspecialtyprograms@maricopa.gov (mobile food/special events/plan review) If you need to update your email address and/or other contact information, please submit an administrative change request form at the below website https://www.maricopa.gov/FormCenter/Environmental-Services-16/Administrative-Change-Request-Form-181. No County legal action will result from this inspection.Award: Not Participating,Embargo Lbs: 4,Review Complete: CHECKED,Review Notes: QA-CR,Signer: Kari Neubauer
PRIORITY VIOLATION-3-501.14, P: Cooling. For a permanent fix to this violation, check out these simple tools in our Active Managerial Control Toolbox, made especially for you. https://www.maricopa.gov/4617/AMC-Toolbox---Cooling. >>>Observed container of marinara in the bottom part of the prep table across from the ovens on the counter, with an internal temperature of 54*F. Per employee the marinara was opened from a can and placed into the prep table more more than 4 hours prior to inspection. Embargoed the marinara and PIC discarded at the time of inspection. Discussed proper cooling with the PIC. Foods must be cooled from 135'F-70'F in the first 2 hours and from 70'F-41'F in the next 4 hours for a total of 6 hours. Provided cooling handout to the PIC. Discussed to store the cans of the marinara in the refrigerator the night before it would be used. Also discussed with PIC and staff cooling shall not take place in the prep tables. Correct By: Corrected At Time Of Inspection
PRIORITY VIOLATION-3-501.18, P: Ready-To-Eat Time/Temperature Control for Safety Food - Disposition. For a permanent fix to this violation, check out these simple tools in our Active Managerial Control Toolbox, made especially for you. https://www.maricopa.gov/4125/Food-SafetyOperator-Resources. >>>Observed a container of Cilantro Cream Sauce in the prep table with an expiration date of 4/17/24 and another one with same date in the reach-in in the back of the refrigerator. Embargoed the expired Cilantro Cream Sauce and PIC discarded at time of inspection. Discussed date marking procedures with the PIC. All RTE/TCS foods must be date marked after 24 hours and sold or discarded after 7 days (including the day it was made as day 1). Correct By: Corrected At Time Of Inspection
PRIORITY VIOLATION-5-202.11 (A), P: Approved System >>>Observed at mop sink back refrigerator a not-in-use chemical dispenser that is directly connected via a hose to a faucet with an AVB. Please use the available separate water line installed upstream from the AVB for the chemical dispenser in order to allow the AVB to operate without being under constant pressure. The faucet with the AVB should be able to be used independently of the chemical dispenser. This will prevent chemicals from being syphoned into the clean water supply. PIC disconnected chemical dispenser at time of inspection. Correct By: Corrected At Time Of Inspection
2023
Oct 6, 2023RoutinecleanA
This establishment received a(n) A Grade and had 0 Priority, 0 Priority Foundation violations on this inspection.Of note: Discussed receiving procedures from commissary. Ensure food temperatures are received at 41*F or below. A copy of the report was emailed to the manager.No County legal action will result from this inspection.On July 1st, 2023, the Environmental Services Department started emailing permit card(s) and permit invoice(s) to permittees. We need a current and accurate email address on file to ensure you receive a copy of your permit card and invoice(s) upon renewal. If you are unsure whether your email address is accurate, you may:• Contact your inspector using the phone number or email on your last inspection report to review, or • Contact the Department using the email addresses below, o Envquickservicerestaurants@maricopa.gov (facilities such as fast-food) o Envfullservicerestaurants@maricopa.gov (facilities that are full-service restaurants) o Envretailgrocery@maricopa.gov (facilities like grocery stores or retail food markets) o Envspecialtyprograms@maricopa.gov (mobile food/special events/plan review) If you need to update your email address and/or other contact information, please submit an administrative change request form at the below website https://www.maricopa.gov/FormCenter/Environmental-Services-16/Administrative-Change-Request-Form-181Award: A,Embargo Lbs: 0,Food Manager Licenses: 1,Signer: Robert West
Data from Maricopa County Environmental Services public records, last checked Jul 20, 2026. Grades marked with ° are computed equivalents for establishments not participating in the county's voluntary grading program. View official county records →