PlateScore

Pita Jungle

B°

20491 E Rittenhouse Rd, Queen Creek 85142

Food Establishment · Permit FD-58580

Score based on 8 scored inspections on record, weighted toward recent visits (one-year half-life). How scoring works

County record last checked Sep 20, 2026.

69
Fair

Queen Creek restaurant avg: 94

Compare with another

Score over time

100060202320242025Aug 29, 2023 — Routine — score 80 (1 priority, 1 foundation, 0 core)Nov 30, 2023 — Routine — score 70 (2 priority, 0 foundation, 0 core)Apr 8, 2024 — Routine — score 48 (3 priority, 1 foundation, 2 core)Aug 19, 2024 — Routine — score 85 (1 priority, 0 foundation, 0 core)Dec 17, 2024 — Routine — score 70 (2 priority, 0 foundation, 0 core)Mar 11, 2025 — Routine — score 65 (2 priority, 1 foundation, 0 core)Aug 6, 2025 — Routine — score 55 (2 priority, 3 foundation, 0 core)Nov 19, 2025 — Routine — score 80 (1 priority, 1 foundation, 0 core)80
Score per routine inspection and re-inspection; dashed line marks the “Poor” threshold (60).

Inspection history8 on record

2025

Nov 19, 2025Routine1 priority1 foundationall corrected on siteB°

Predefined Comment: No County legal action will result from this inspection.

#10 — Adequate Handwashing Sinks, Properly Supplied and AccessiblePriority foundation6-301.11

Inspector's notes

Observed no soap at hand sink closest to the dishwasher. Manager refilled the empty container. Ensure that hand sinks all have soap at all times. Corrective Action: Corrected at time of inspection.

Show full county text

6-301.11 - Priority Foundation: Handwashing Cleanser, Availability. 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.

#16 — Food-Contact Surfaces: Cleaned and SanitizedPriority4-501.114

Inspector's notes

Observed 0 ppm bleach after 2 fresh cycles with main machine. Manager has a 3 compartment sink set up in the meantime. ENsure that all bleach dishwashers are set at 50-100 ppm bleach at all times of operations. Corrective Action: Corrected at time of inspection.

Show full county text

PRIORITY VIOLATION-4-501.114 (A-E) - Priority: Manual and Mechanical Warewashing Equipment, Chemical Sanitization- Temperature, pH, Concentration and Hardness. 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.

Aug 6, 2025Routine2 priority3 foundationD°

Predefined Comment: No County legal action will result from this inspection.

#8 — Hands Clean and Properly WashedPriority foundation2-301.15

Inspector's notes

Observed employee washing hands at dishwashing station going from dirty to clean tasks in the kitchen. Talked to manager about handwashing policy. Ensure that hands are washed at the dedicated hand sinks and not washing hands at non-hand sinks. Corrective Action: Corrected at time of inspection.

Show full county text

2-301.15 - Priority Foundation: Where to Wash. 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.

#9 — No Bare Hand Contact with RTE Foods or a Pre-Approved Alternate Properly FollowedPriority3-301.11

Inspector's notes

Obesrved employee touching lemons for drinks with their bare hands at the wait station. Talked to manager about bare hands contact policy, and supplying tongs to help employees. Ensure that bare hands do not touch ready to eat foods.

Show full county text

PRIORITY VIOLATION-3-301.11(B) - Priority: Preventing Contamination from Hands. 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.

#10 — Adequate Handwashing Sinks, Properly Supplied and AccessiblePriority foundation5-205.11

Inspector's notes

Observed ice being stored in the hand sink in the wait station. Manager removed the ice. Ensure that hand sinks are only used for hand washing, and ice is dumped at other locations. Corrective Action: Corrected at time of inspection.

Show full county text

Repeat Violation 5-205.11 - Priority Foundation: Using a Handwashing Sink-Operation and Maintenance. 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.

#22 — Proper Cold Holding TemperaturesPriority3-501.16

Inspector's notes

Observed feta cheese at 61F inside prep fridge on the northside of cookline. Manager embargoed foods in fridge over 4 hours. Talked to manager about cold holding policy. Ensure that all TCS foods in cold holding areas are kept at 41F or less. See embargo form. Corrective Action: Corrected at time of inspection.

Show full county text

PRIORITY VIOLATION-3-501.16(A)(2) and (B) - Priority: Time/Temperature Control for Safety Food, Cold Holding. 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/4576/AMC-Toolbox---Cold-Holding.

#33 — Proper Cooling Methods Used; Adequate Equipment for Temperature ControlPriority foundation3-501.15

Inspector's notes

Observed rotini cooling in walkin at 65F after about 2 hours, as per manager. Observed rotini was stored in a deep pan, with a lid on it. Talked to manager about cooling techniques. Ensure that cooling foods are in shallower pans, with no lid, and a large utensil to help get food down in temperature as quickly as possible. Corrective Action: Corrected at time of inspection.

Show full county text

3-501.15 (A) - Priority Foundation: Cooling Methods. 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.

Mar 11, 2025Routine2 priority1 foundationall corrected on siteC°

Predefined Comment: No County legal action will result from this inspection.**Talked to manager about outer doors, air curtains, food storage locations, and food manager licenses.

#10 — Adequate Handwashing Sinks, Properly Supplied and AccessiblePriority foundation5-205.11

Inspector's notes

Observed long spoon stored inside hand sink basin at sink by the cookline on northside. Manager removed the utensil. Ensure that all hand sinks are open and accessible. Corrective Action: Corrected at time of inspection.

Show full county text

5-205.11 - Priority Foundation: Using a Handwashing Sink-Operation and Maintenance. 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.

#20 — Proper Cooling Time and TemperaturesPriority3-501.14

Inspector's notes

Observed cooling potatoes in walkin at 75-80F. Manager said it was brought out of oven, then put on countertop for 1 hour, then in walkin for 2 hours and 5 minutes. Manager embargoed the potatoes. Talked to manager about cooling policy, and will remove lids and close foods to give more airflow to cooling foods. Ensure that cooled foods go below 135F and get to below 70F within 2 hours, and below 41F within 6 hours total. Corrective Action: Corrected at time of inspection.

Show full county text

PRIORITY VIOLATION-3-501.14 - Priority: 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.

#21 — Proper Hot Holding TemperaturesPriority3-501.16

Inspector's notes

Observed potatoes at 118F on hot line. The containers were double mounted instead of single mounted like the other products. Other products in same hot well at 140-180F. manager reheated the potatoes up to 165F, as the potatoes had only been there for 30 minutes, as per manager. Ensure that all TCS foods during hot holding are kept at 135F and above. Corrective Action: Corrected at time of inspection.

Show full county text

PRIORITY VIOLATION-3-501.16(A)(1) - Priority: Time/Temperature Control for Safety Food, Hot Holding. 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/4614/AMC-Toolbox---Hot-Holding.

2024

Dec 17, 2024Routine2 priorityall corrected on siteC°

Predefined Comment: No County legal action will result from this inspection.

#8 — Hands Clean and Properly WashedPriority2-301.14

Inspector's notes

Dishwasher handled and loaded dirty dish side and transitioned to wiping down clean dishes with a rag. Right side prep cook preparing raw salmon and re gloved without hand washing. middle line cook touching face, hair and using cell phone and then re gloving to prepare food. All three employees washed hands correctly at time of inspection. Corrective Action: Corrected at time of inspection.

Show full county text

PRIORITY VIOLATION-2-301.14 - Priority: When to Wash. 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.

#22 — Proper Cold Holding TemperaturesPriority3-501.16

Inspector's notes

Right side open top prep fridge item found holding above 41*f degrees. Shredded cheese, sliced cheese, pico, spinach, arugula, grilled mushrooms, grilled onions, sliced tomatoes 46-61*f degrees. Items in unit for unknown amount of time. Embargoed Corrective Action: Corrected at time of inspection. *Second repeat*

Show full county text

Repeat Violation PRIORITY VIOLATION-3-501.16(A)(2) and (B) - Priority: Time/Temperature Control for Safety Food, Cold Holding. 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/4576/AMC-Toolbox---Cold-Holding.

Aug 19, 2024Routine1 priorityB°

**Talked to staff about dishwashers, fish thawing, air gaps, and thermometers.Predefined Comment: No County legal action will result from this inspection.

#22 — Proper Cold Holding TemperaturesPriority3-501.16

Inspector's notes

Observed pico at 49, beans at 50F inside north prep fridge along prep line. Manager embargoed the foods. Ensure that all TCS foods in cold holding ares are kept at 41F or less.

Show full county text

PRIORITY VIOLATION-3-501.16(A)(2) and (B) - Priority: Time/Temperature Control for Safety Food, Cold Holding. 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/4576/AMC-Toolbox---Cold-Holding.

Apr 8, 2024Routine3 priority1 foundation2 coreD°

This establishment is not participating in the award program at this time and had 3 Priority, 1 Priority Foundation violations on this inspection.A pattern of non-compliance is developing for Priority violation # 13, 3-302.11 (A1-2), which has been noted during this inspection. An Active Managerial Control Intervention Visit was offered to the person in charge. Failure to correct repeat violations may result in legal action.Inspection was done with RS 1376.Discussed not overfilling food pans in the top area of the sandwich coolers and use of time as a control for cooked chicken breast on the cook's line.Emailed the manager cleanup procedures for vomit and fecal accidents. Inspection report was emailed.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 websitehttps://www.maricopa.gov/FormCenter/Environmental-Services-16/Administrative-Change-Request-Form-181.Award: Not Participating,Embargo Lbs: 35,Signer: Brian Peterson

#15 — Food Separated and ProtectedPriority3-302.11

Repeat Violation PRIORITY VIOLATION-3-302.11 (A1-2), P: Packaged and Unpackaged Food-Separation, Packaging, and Segregation; Protection From Cross Contamination. 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/4621/AMC-Toolbox---Cross-Contamination.......Raw shell eggs were in the walk in cooler above ready to eat foods (cheese). Food was moved. Correct By: Corrected At Time Of Inspection,Repeat Violations: 2nd

#16 — Food-Contact Surfaces: Cleaned and SanitizedPriority foundation4-501.114

PRIORITY VIOLATION-4-501.114, P: Manual and Mechanical Warewashing Equipment, Chemical Sanitization- Temperature, pH, Concentration and Hardness. 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........Concentration of chlorine sanitizer was observed at 0ppm after the final rinse in the kitchen dish wash machine. The concentrated sanitizer bucket for this machine was empty. Machine had been in use this day. The bucket was changed, the manager primed the machine, and the chlorine concentration was observed at 100 ppm. Priority Foundation-4-601.11(A), Pf: Equipment, Food-Contact Surfaces, Nonfood-Contact Surfaces, and Utensils. 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..................Large stacks of plastic and metal pans and dicer were in the dish area stored as clean but had a heavy accumulation of food still in the pans and dicer blade. Knives in the prep area were stored on the magnetic rack with dried food on the blades. All wares were moved to the dishwasher to be cleaned and sanitized. Correct By: Corrected At Time Of Inspection

#20 — Proper Cooling Time and TemperaturesPriority3-501.14

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.............Deep container of cooked tricolor pasta in the walk in cooler was at 47F, bean broth was at 45F and chicken soup was at 53F. All had been in the cooling process for more than six hours. Food was embargoed. Reviewed proper cooling processes. Correct By: Corrected At Time Of Inspection

#41 — Wiping Cloths; Properly Used and StoredCore3-304.14

Core-3-304.14, C: Wiping Cloths, Use Limitation.............Wiping cloth buckets on the cooks line had a concentration of Quat below 150PPM. Buckets were changed. Correct By: Corrected At Time Of Inspection

#47 — Food and Non-Food-Contact Surfaces Cleanable, Properly Designed, Constructed and UsedCore4-501.12

Core-4-501.12, C: Cutting Surfaces.............. Cutting boards were observed to be stained and had deep cuts. Repair or replace. Correct By: Correct Prior To Reinspection

2023

Nov 30, 2023Routine2 priorityall corrected on siteC°

This establishment is not participating in the award program at this time and had 2 Priority, 0 Priority Foundation violations on this inspection.No County legal action will result from this inspection.Inspection report sent by 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 websitehttps://www.maricopa.gov/FormCenter/Environmental-Services-16/Administrative-Change-Request-Form-181.Award: Not Participating,Signer: Brian Peterson

#9 — No Bare Hand Contact with RTE Foods or a Pre-Approved Alternate Properly FollowedPriority3-301.11

PRIORITY VIOLATION-3-301.11, P: Preventing Contamination from Hands; Bare Hand Contact with Ready to Eat Foods. 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. -- Observed an employee preparing a meal, remove a soiled glove and then bare hand contact ready to eat vegetables to top it off. PIC had employee throw food away and remake. Discussed donning a new glove if still in the same task. Correct By: Corrected At Time Of Inspection

#15 — Food Separated and ProtectedPriority3-302.11

PRIORITY VIOLATION-3-302.11 (A1-2), P: Packaged and Unpackaged Food-Separation, Packaging, and Segregation; Protection From Cross Contamination. 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/4621/AMC-Toolbox---Cross-Contamination. -- Observed a pan of raw lamb stored above ready to eat vegetables. PIC relocated pan at the time of inspection. Foods shall be stored according to final cook temperature with cooked or ready to eat foods on the top and raw foods below according to their end cook temperature. Correct By: Corrected At Time Of Inspection

Aug 29, 2023Routine1 priority1 foundationall corrected on siteB

This establishment received a(n) B Grade and had 1 Priority, 2 Priority Foundation violations on this inspection.No County legal action will result from this inspection.Report delivered by email and inspection rights signed for by John C. A pattern of non-compliance for foodborne illness risk factor violation #8, 5-205.11, has been noted during this inspection. An Active Managerial Control Intervention Plan visit was offered to the person in charge. Failure to correct repeat violations may result in legal action. 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.Award: B,Food Manager Licenses: 1,Signer: John C.

#10 — Adequate Handwashing Sinks, Properly Supplied and AccessiblePriority foundation6-301.12

Repeat Violation Priority Foundation-6-301.12, Pf: Hand Drying Provision. 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. Observed hand sink on line without towels. Discussed having soap and towels at all hand sinks at all times. PIC filled dispenser with towels. Priority Foundation-5-205.11, Pf: Using a Handwashing Sink-Operation and Maintenance. 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. Observed hand wash sink in dish area blocked by trash can. Moved can away from sink and discussed not blocking a hand sink in any way. ---------3rd Repeat Correct By: Corrected At Time Of Inspection,Repeat Violations: 3rd

#16 — Food-Contact Surfaces: Cleaned and SanitizedPriority4-602.11

Core-4-602.11 (E), C: 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. Observed ice machine with organic build up under lid. Discussed cleaning with sanitizer as often as needed to preclude build up. PRIORITY VIOLATION-4-501.114, P: Manual and Mechanical Warewashing Equipment, Chemical Sanitization- Temperature, pH, Concentration and Hardness. 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. Observed dish machine behind bar at 0ppm sanitizer concentration. Sanitizer line was cut. Had PIC discontinue use of machine and call for service. Employees will utilize dish machine in back room until repair is made. Correct By: Corrected At Time Of Inspection

Nearby restaurants

Other places to eat within a short walk, with their current scores.

Data from Maricopa County Environmental Services public records, last checked Sep 20, 2026. Grades marked with ° are computed equivalents for establishments not participating in the county's voluntary grading program. View official county records →