Authentic Ethio African Spices & Bakery

1740 E Mcdowell Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85006

Café / Breakfast

License: Food Establishment - Eating & Drinking

Last inspected: Feb 19, 2026

Score

Low Risk Grade: A

Across the available record, Authentic Ethio African Spices & Bakery has six inspections on file, the first dated 2024. The latest inspection on file is from Feb 19, 2026. Diners can read the low risk label as a sign that recent inspections have gone well.

Inspection results have stayed in a similar range over the last few visits, averaging around one violation each.

The pattern that stands out is “in-use utensils, between-use storage”, which has been cited two times.

Among Phoenix restaurants, this is a fairly standard result. The record reflects steady performance over time.

Inspections

Critical latest

Major latest

Minor latest

Inspection History

Feb 19, 2026

Routine

1 minor violation. 1 corrected on site.

View 1 violation

In-use utensils stored improperly between uses (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: Observed a large bucket of butter mixture with metal spoons inside for portioning, with the spoon handles in direct contact with the butter at time of inspection. Discussed proper storage of in-use utensils with PIC. In-use utensils must be stored in a clean, dry location; in running water; or in hot water above 135°F. If utensils are stored in food, the handles must be stored above the surface of the food. All in-use utensils were properly stored at time of inspection

3-304.12

Sep 12, 2025

Routine

No violations found.

100

Jun 30, 2025

Routine

No violations found.

100

Feb 6, 2025

Routine

1 critical violation. 2 minor violations. 3 corrected on site.

View 3 violations

Rodent bait not in tamper-resistant station (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: Observed 5 open rodent traps with bait located under dish machine at bar, behind reach-in fridge next to bar, and under prep table for food production. Discussed with person-in-charge (PIC) approved trapping methods. Rodent bait shall be contained in a covered, tamper-resistant bait station. PIC discarded all open rodent traps at time of inspection

7-206.12

In-use utensils stored improperly between uses (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: Observed handle of scoop used for garnishes at bar rest inside of garnish container. PIC moved scoop handle to rest outside of container at time of inspection. Observed ice scoop with handle rest inside of ice bin located at bar. PIC moved ice scoop outside ice bin at time of inspection. In-use utensils must be stored in a clean, dry location; in running water; or in hot water above 135°F. If utensils are stored in food, the handles must be stored above the surface of the food. All in-use utensils were properly stored at time of inspection

3-304.12

Outer openings not protected against pests (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: Observed screen door connecting outdoor area to kitchen with gap under door. PIC closed solid door at time of inspection and no gap was observed. Outer openings of a food establishment shall be protected against the entry of insects and rodents by: filling or closing holes and other gaps along floors, walls, and ceilings; closed, tight-fitting windows; and solid, self-closing, tight-fitting doors

6-202.15

Oct 28, 2024

Routine

1 critical violation.

View 1 violation

Hot or cold food held at improper temperature

Inspector notes: Observed various TCS food items being held in the steam table. Per PIC, these items were ready for service and heated up approximately 2 hours prior to inspection. The TCS food items included cooked vegetables, various sauces, and various cooked meats. Instructed PIC to reheat the items to 165 degrees F and then hold at 135 degrees F or higher. Discussed hot holding parameters

3-501.16(A)(1)

Jul 8, 2024

Routine

1 major violation. 1 minor violation. 1 corrected on site.

View 2 violations

Ready-to-eat food not date marked (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: Observed multiple RTE/TCS food items (cooked veggies, cooked lentil curry, cooked squash, and cooked chicken curry with no/wrong datemark in walk-in unit at time of inspection. Cooked veggies with datemarking of 06/29 in walk-in unit, was made and frozen on 06/29, per PIC. PIC stated item was thawed on 07/06. Cooked chicken curry with datemarking of 06/02 in walk-in unit, was made and frozen on 06/29, per PIC. PIC stated item was thawed on 07/07. Cooked lentil curry and cooked squash curry with no datemarking in walk-in unit, were made on 07/02, per PIC. All RTE/TCS foods were properly date marked at the time of inspection. 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). Frozen food items shall be marked with freeze date and be marked with discard date when thawed

3-501.17

Equipment not in good repair or proper adjustment

Inspector notes: Observed door of refrigeration unit located by hot-holding unit in disrepair. Unit in question also observed to be in disrepair as ambient temperature of unit was measured at 58'F. PIC had put a work order in prior to inspection. Refrigeration unit is not used to store TCS food items, per PIC. No TCS food items found in unit at time of inspection. All equipment must be maintained in good repair at all times. Repair all equipment to a state of good repair prior to next routine inspection

4-501.11

Show all 6 inspections Show less

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Authentic Ethio African Spices & Bakery last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at Authentic Ethio African Spices & Bakery on file is from Feb 19, 2026. The public record contains six inspections in total.

What is the most common violation at Authentic Ethio African Spices & Bakery?

Across the inspection record, “in-use utensils, between-use storage” has been cited two times, more than any other issue at Authentic Ethio African Spices & Bakery.

How does Authentic Ethio African Spices & Bakery compare to other restaurants in Phoenix?

Authentic Ethio African Spices & Bakery most recently scored 95 out of 100, which is about the same as the Phoenix average of 97.

Has Authentic Ethio African Spices & Bakery's inspection record improved over time?

Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Authentic Ethio African Spices & Bakery have averaged around one violation per visit across the recent record.

What does a low risk rating mean?

A low risk rating at Authentic Ethio African Spices & Bakery means inspectors found minimal or no significant issues at the most recent visit. Most facilities at this tier have a clean recent inspection report.

How often is Authentic Ethio African Spices & Bakery inspected?

Based on the inspection history on file, Authentic Ethio African Spices & Bakery is inspected around four times per year on average.

Nearby Restaurants

Garfield Elementary School

Score: 100 — Low Risk

Phoenix Children's Hospital

2632 N 20th St

Score: 95 — Low Risk

Explore More

→ All locations in Phoenix → Café / Breakfast restaurants in Maricopa → Café / Breakfast restaurants in Phoenix