PlateScore

Masala Maniac

A

414 S Mill Ave, Tempe 85281

Food Establishment - Eating & Drinking · Permit FD2404586

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

County record last checked Sep 22, 2026.

90
Excellent

Tempe restaurant avg: 93

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Score over time

10006020252026Jan 8, 2025 — Routine — score 45 (3 priority, 1 foundation, 5 core)May 13, 2025 — Routine — score 98 (0 priority, 0 foundation, 2 core)Sep 23, 2025 — Routine — score 85 (1 priority, 0 foundation, 0 core)Apr 15, 2026 — Routine — score 99 (0 priority, 0 foundation, 1 core)Aug 18, 2026 — Routine — score 98 (0 priority, 0 foundation, 2 core)98
Score per routine inspection and re-inspection; dashed line marks the “Poor” threshold (60).

Inspection history5 on record

2026

Aug 18, 2026Routine2 coreA

No County legal action will result from this inspection.Of Note: Discussed with PIC to label all chemical and water spray bottles.

#16 — Food-Contact Surfaces: Cleaned and SanitizedCore4-602.11

Inspector's notes

Observed black organic matter on the ceiling of the ice machine. Discussed with PIC to clean prior to next routine inspection by manufacturer's specifications or by soap, rinse, sanitize and airdry if there are none. All food-contact surfaces must be cleaned to sight and touch. 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.

#45 — Single-Use/Single-Service Articles; Properly Stored, UsedCore4-502.13

Inspector's notes

Observed several empty plain yogurt containers stored with different sauces, stored empty /cleaned, and also observed several single use seasoning containers with labels crossed out and new product written on them. Discussed with Person in charge (PIC) the Single-use food containers are intended for single-use and are not designed to be re-used for storage of food. Discussed to replace with food grade reusable containers or line the containers with food grade bags. Corrective Action: Correct prior to next routine inspection. 2nd Consecutive Violation

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Repeat Violation 4-502.13(A) - Core: Single-Service and Single-Use Articles-Use Limitations

Apr 15, 2026Routine1 coreA

No County legal action will result from this inspection.Of Note: Assisting PIC with Time as Public Health Control (TPHC) policy for buffet from 11am to 3pm.

#45 — Single-Use/Single-Service Articles; Properly Stored, UsedCore4-502.13

Inspector's notes

Observed several empty plain yogurt containers stored with different sauces, stored empty /cleaned, and also observed several single use seasoning containers with labels crossed out and new product written on them. Discussed with Person in charge (PIC) the Single-use food containers are intended for single-use and are not designed to be re-used for storage of food. Discussed to replace with food grade reusable containers or line the containers with food grade bags. Corrective Action: Correct prior to next routine inspection.

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4-502.13(A) - Core: Single-Service and Single-Use Articles-Use Limitations

2025

Sep 23, 2025Routine1 priorityall corrected on siteB°

No County legal action will result from this inspection.

#21 — Proper Hot Holding TemperaturesPriority3-501.16

Inspector's notes

Observed yellow and red curry with temperatures between 108 to 120*F at time of inspection. Per cook, curries were put in hot holding well less than 2 hours prior to inspection. Cook reheated the curries back up to 165*F at time of inspection. Except during preparation, cooking, cooling or when time is used as a control all TCS foods must be maintained at 135°F or above. Corrective Action: Corrected at time of inspection.

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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.

May 13, 2025Routine2 coreA

Due to the violations noted on this inspection report, County legal action may result from this inspection.Observed newly constructed bar with a 3-compartment sink, ice well, reach in fridges & dump sink at time of inspection. Observed soda machine moved to the back of house and observed newly installed dish machine at time of inspection. Upon inspection, a remodel has taken place which may require an application and plans to be submitted, and/or additional permits. Please submit an application, supporting documentation, and fees within 5 business days or legal action may result pursuant to MCEHC Chapter 1, Regulation 4(e). Applications with supporting documentation can be submitted via the customer portal "Permit Center" online at maricopacountyaz-energovweb.tylerhost.net/apps/selfservice#/home.

#47 — Food and Non-Food-Contact Surfaces Cleanable, Properly Designed, Constructed and UsedCore4-202.16

Inspector's notes

Observed rusted shelfing throughout the establishment. Replace or refinish the rusted shelving units in the walk-in cooler unit. Utilize a rustoleum paint for any refinishing. Repeat violation: 3rd consecutive. Corrective Action: Correct prior to next routine inspection

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Repeat Violation 4-202.16 - Core: Nonfood-Contact Surfaces

#55 — Physical Facilities Installed, Maintained, and CleanCore6-201.13

Inspector's notes

Observed cove base with 90* angle in the dry storage room at time of inspection. Provide a 3/8 inch minimum cove base to the floor/wall junctures of the dry storage room. Provide rubber cove base or finger/tool cove with silicone grout. Repeat violation: 3rd consecutive. Corrective Action: Correct prior to next routine inspection.

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Repeat Violation 6-201.13 - Core: Floor and Wall Junctures, Coved, and Enclosed or Sealed

Jan 8, 2025Routine3 priority1 foundation5 coreD°

No County legal action will result from this inspection.Reviewed proper dish washing procedures & reheating for hot holding procedures with person in charge at time of inspection.

#8 — Hands Clean and Properly WashedPriority2-301.14

Inspector's notes

Observed employee cooking falafel on the grill, drop some onto the floor, pick up fallen falafel with gloved hands and then go back to plating the rest of the order without changing gloves and washing hands at time of inspection. Employee properly washed hands at handwash sink at time of inspection. 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. Provided person in charge (PIC) with handwashing guidance documents at time of inspection. Corrective Action: 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.

#22 — Proper Cold Holding TemperaturesPriority3-501.16

Inspector's notes

Observed baba ghanoush, feta cheese, cut tomatoes, shredded lettuce, and pickled cabbage in the prep table in the front of house with temperatures between 47 to 56*F at time of inspection. Observed ambient temperature of the prep cooler at 48.6*F at time of inspection. Per employee all items were placed in the prep table less than an hour prior to inspection. Person in charge (PIC) called out repairman at time of inspection. All items were moved to the walk-in to rapid cool at time of inspection. Except during preparation, cooking, cooling or when time is used as a control all TCS foods must be maintained at 41°F or below. Corrective Action: Corrected at time of inspection.

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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.

#28 — Toxic Substances Properly Identified, Stored, and Used; Held for Retail Sale, Properly StoredPriority7-201.11

Inspector's notes

Observed mop cleaner tablets stored on top of the ice machine at time of inspection. Observed room air freshener spray stored on table where onions were being prepped at time of inspection. Chemicals must be stored away from food, utensils, and single service items at all times to prevent contamination. All chemicals were relocated and properly stored by PIC at time of inspection. Corrective Action: Corrected at time of inspection.

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PRIORITY VIOLATION-7-201.11 - Priority: Separation-Storage

#29 — Compliance with Variance, Specialized Process, Reduced Oxygen Packaging Criteria or HACCP planPriority foundation3-502.11

Inspector's notes

Observed establishment pickling cabbage at room temperature at time of inspection. Observed pickling cabbage with temperatures between 68 to 70*F at time of inspection. Per person in charge (PIC) & employee, cabbage had been prepped the day prior to inspection and is left at room temperature for 24 hours prior to being placed into the walk-in cooler. Pickeled cabbage was embargoed at time of inspection. Discussed with PIC about pickling cabbage under refrigeration. PIC stated that they will discontinue pickling cabbage at room temperature and only pickle cabbage under refrigeration. A variance/HACCP must be obtained prior to conducting any specialized processes. Variance/HACCP applications are available through the customer portal "Permit Center" at https://maricopacountyaz-energovweb.tylerhost.net/apps/selfservice#/home. Additional resources can be found at https://www.maricopa.gov/3978/Food-Variances.

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3-502.11 - Priority Foundation: Variance Requirement. 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/3978/Food-Variances.

#38 — Insects, Rodents and Animals not PresentCore6-202.13

Inspector's notes

Observed fly tape attached to the ceiling with dead fly's attached above the prep table containing dry spices in the kitchen. Person in charge (PIC) removed the fly tape at time of inspection. Insect control devices cannot be above food prep areas. Discussed with PIC about utilizing certified pest control & only utilizing approved insect control devices. Corrective action: Corrected at time of inspection.

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6-202.13 - Core: Insect Control Devices, Design and Installation

#39 — Contamination Prevented during Food Preparation, Storage and DisplayCore3-307.11

Inspector's notes

Observed no splash guard between the handwashing sink in the back of house and the rack containing clean dishes. Provide a splash guard handwash sink located next to the clean dish rack. Repeat violation: 2nd Consecutive. Corrective Action: Correct prior to next routine inspection

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Repeat Violation 3-307.11 - Core: Miscellaneous Sources of Contamination

#47 — Food and Non-Food-Contact Surfaces Cleanable, Properly Designed, Constructed and UsedCore4-101.19

Inspector's notes

Observed rusted shelfing throughout the establishment. Replace or refinish the rusted shelving units in the walk-in cooler unit. Utilize a rustoleum paint for any refinishing. Repeat violation: 2nd consecutive. Corrective Action: Correct prior to next routine inspection

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4-101.19 - Core: Nonfood-Contact Surfaces

#51 — Plumbing Installed; Proper Backflow DevicesCore5-205.15

Inspector's notes

Observed drain pipe from prep sink and ice machine going into the flood rim of the floor drain at time of inspection. Trim the ice machine and prep sink drains to provide 1" minimum air gaps above the floor sink flood rims. Repeat violation: 2nd Consecutive. Corrective Action: Correct prior to next routine inspection.

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

#55 — Physical Facilities Installed, Maintained, and CleanCore6-201.13

Inspector's notes

Observed cove base with 90* angle in the dry storage room at time of inspection. Provide a 3/8 inch minimum cove base to the floor/wall junctures of the dry storage room. Provide rubber cove base or finger/tool cove with silicone grout. Repeat violation: 2nd consecutive. Corrective Action: Correct prior to next routine inspection.

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Repeat Violation 6-201.13 - Core: Floor and Wall Junctures, Coved, and Enclosed or Sealed

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 22, 2026. Grades marked with ° are computed equivalents for establishments not participating in the county's voluntary grading program. View official county records →