PlateScore

Tropical Smoothie Cafe

A

13749 N Litchfield Rd, Surprise 85379

Food Establishment · Permit FD-90993

Score based on 5 scored inspections on record, weighted toward recent visits (one-year half-life). How scoring works

County record last checked Sep 18, 2026.

96
Excellent

Surprise restaurant avg: 98

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Score over time

100060202420252026Jan 19, 2024 — Routine — score 99 (0 priority, 0 foundation, 1 core)Jul 5, 2024 — Routine — score 99 (0 priority, 0 foundation, 1 core)Jan 10, 2025 — Routine — score 100 (0 priority, 0 foundation, 0 core)May 22, 2025 — Routine — score 85 (1 priority, 0 foundation, 0 core)Jan 16, 2026 — Routine — score 99 (0 priority, 0 foundation, 1 core)99
Score per routine inspection and re-inspection; dashed line marks the “Poor” threshold (60).

Inspection history5 on record

2026

Jan 16, 2026Routine1 coreall corrected on siteA

No County legal action will result from this inspection.

#51 — Plumbing Installed; Proper Backflow DevicesCore5-205.15

Inspector's notes

Observed a spray nozzle with a shut-off valve downstream from an AVB. Educated PIC that no shut-off valves can be placed downstream from an Air Vacuum Breaker (AVB). PIC removed shut-off downstream from atmospheric vacuum breaker at time of inspection. Corrected at time of inspection. // Observed an actively leaking pipe from the in-use ice storage on the prep line. Educated PIC that all plumbing must be maintained in good repair at all times. Must repair all plumbing to a state of good repair prior to next routine inspection. Correct prior to next routine inspection.

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5-205.15 (B) - Core: System Maintained in Good Repair; Maintained

2025

May 22, 2025Routine1 priorityall corrected on siteB

No County legal action will result from this inspection.Discussed adjusting floor drain grate to prevent water pooling on floor. Predefined Comment: 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.

#8 — Hands Clean and Properly WashedPriority2-301.14

Inspector's notes

Observed an employee return from the bathroom and not wash their hands upon returning to the kitchen. Observed a gloved employee, while chopping vegetables, answer their phone, touch the phone to their face, and then return to chopping vegetables without washing hands or changing gloves. Discussed the importance of proper hand washing and when hand washing is required with the person-in-charge (PIC). Hands must be washed at any time contamination occurs and when changing tasks. Employee properly washed hands at handwash sink at time of inspection. Corrected at time of inspection.

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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.

Jan 10, 2025RoutinecleanA

No County legal action will result from this inspection.

2024

Jul 5, 2024Routine1 coreA

No County legal action will result from this inspection.

#51 — Plumbing Installed; Proper Backflow DevicesCore5-205.15

Inspector's notes

Observed a faucet with spray nozzle attachment actively leaking water from connection point when water was turned on. Informed PIC that all plumbing must be maintained in good repair at all times. PIC has already put in a work order with the owner. Correct prior to next routine inspection // Observed several outflow pipes w/less than 1" air gap above the floor drain. Informed PIC that all air gaps must be at least 1" above the floor drain to prevent sewage back up from entering the plumbing system. PIC stated they would put in a work order with their ownership immediately. Correct prior to next routing inspection.

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5-205.15 (B) - Core: System Maintained in Good Repair; Maintained

Jan 19, 2024Routine1 coreA

This establishment received an A Grade and had 0 Priority, 0 Priority Foundation violations on this inspection.No County legal action will result from this inspection.Inspection rights reviewed with Shae S.Inspection report emailed. 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: A,Food Manager Licenses: 2,Signer: Shae Sweaney

#38 — Insects, Rodents and Animals not PresentCore6-202.15

Core-6-202.15, C: Outer Openings, Protected. Back door of the establishment is not self-closing. Ensure the self-closing mechanism on the door is repaired to prevent pests from entering the establishment. Correct By: Correct Prior To Next Routine Inspection

This address holds 2 food permits

Maricopa County issues a separate permit for each kitchen rather than for each restaurant name, so large properties hold several. Each is inspected and scored on its own. The county does not publish which kitchen serves which venue.

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 18, 2026. Grades marked with ° are computed equivalents for establishments not participating in the county's voluntary grading program. View official county records →