Kneaders Bakery and Cafe
Last inspected: Apr 14, 2026
95
Score
Inspectors have visited Kneaders Bakery and Cafe eight times, with records going back to 2024. The latest inspection on file is from Apr 14, 2026. A low risk rating suggests inspectors haven't found much to be concerned about lately.
Recent inspections have found fewer violations than earlier ones, averaging around one violation lately and about four violations before that.
Looking across the full record, “nonfood contact surfaces” is the recurring theme, flagged three times.
Kneaders Bakery and Cafe's latest score is in line with the Mesa average of 95. Overall, the inspection record reads well.
8
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
1
Minor latest
Inspection History
Apr 14, 2026
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
No certified food protection manager
Inspector notes: Observed no certified food protection manager (CFPM) on duty at time of inspection. A CFPM must be on duty during all hours of operation
2-102.12(A)
95
Dec 3, 2025
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Nov 20, 2025
Reinspection
1 critical violation.
View 1 violation
Manual and Mechanical Warewashing Equipment, Chemical Sanitization- On-site Generation
Inspector notes: Observed 0 PPM of quat sanitizer dispensing from three compartment sink. PIC made a service call at time of inspection and is manually dispensing sanitizer until repairs are completed. Will re-inspect on 11.25.25
4-501.114(F1-2)
86
Nov 13, 2025
Routine
1 critical violation.
View 1 violation
Manual and Mechanical Warewashing Equipment, Chemical Sanitization- On-site Generation
Inspector notes: Observed 0 PPM of quat sanitizer dispensing from three compartment sink. PIC made a service call at time of inspection and is manually dispensing sanitizer until repairs are completed. Will re-inspect on 11.18.25
4-501.114(F1-2)
86
Aug 7, 2025
Routine
2 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Equipment lacks capacity to maintain safe food temperatures
Inspector notes: Observed pastry display case holding ambient air temperature of 56*F at time of inspection. It was determined that the thermostat needed to be adjusted and was able to bring temperature to 41*F at time of inspection. 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. Addl Notes: Observed tuna portioned in plastic containers with an internal temperature of 48*F in top portion of prep table. According to PIC, tuna was mixed 30 minutes prior to inspection. Discussed approved cooling methods. Also discussed moving tuna package to walk-in cooler prior to prepping to expedite cooling process and keeping portions below fill line
4-301.11
No soap available at handwashing sink
Inspector notes: Observed no hand soap available at front handwashing station. PIC restocked at time of inspection. All handwashing stations must have soap and paper towels available at all times
6-301.11
Wiping cloths used or stored improperly
Inspector notes: Observed 0 PPM of quat sanitizer in bucket. PIC drained and re-filled at time of inspection to bring sanitizer solution to 200 PPM
3-304.14
Cutting surfaces scratched, scored, or no longer cleanable
Inspector notes: Observed scored cutting boards being used in prep area. Advised person in charge (PIC) that cutting surfaces shall be maintained so they are smooth and easily cleanable. Please correct prior to next routine inspection
4-501.12
Nonfood-contact surfaces not cleaned at required frequency
Inspector notes: Observed organic debris on food storage racks in walk-in cooler closest to freezer. Please clean prior to next routine inspection
4-602.13
Physical facilities not cleaned at required frequency
Inspector notes: Observed heavy accumulation of dry food on sides of equipment and underneath grill area. Please maintain a regular cleaning schedule to prevent further accumulation. Correct prior to next routine inspection
6-501.12
67
Mar 28, 2025
Routine
1 major violation. 5 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Improper cooling methods used
Inspector notes: Observed tuna portioned in plastic containers with an internal temperature of 53*F in prep table. According to PIC, tuna was made 1 hour prior to inspection. Discussed approved cooling methods. Also discussed moving tuna package to walk-in cooler prior to prepping to expedite cooling process
3-501.15(A)
Nonfood-contact surfaces not cleaned at required frequency
Inspector notes: Observed organic debris on food storage racks in walk-in cooler closest to freezer. Please clean prior to next routine inspection
4-602.13
Physical facilities not cleaned at required frequency
Inspector notes: Observed heavy accumulation of food and oil on floors underneath grill area. Please maintain a regular cleaning schedule to prevent further accumulation. Correct prior to next routine inspection
6-501.12
Lighting not sufficient for food or utensil handling areas
Inspector notes: Observed dim light bulbs underneath hood, above grill area. The light intensity shall be at least 108 lux (10 foot candles) at a distance of 75 cm (30 inches) above the floor, in walk-in refrigeration units and dry food storage areas and in other areas and rooms during periods of cleaning. 4-202.18 - Core: Ventilation Hood Systems, Filters Addl Notes: Observed build up of black debris in hood filters. Last hood service was completed on 2/2025. Please maintain a regular cleaning schedule in between services. Clean prior to next routine inspection
6-303.11
Equipment or utensils not air-dried before storage
Inspector notes: Observes several plastic containers stacked wet in drying rack. Please air dry dishes, utensils and equipment prior to stacking or storing to prevent contamination
4-901.11
Precleaning
Inspector notes: Observed several clean containers stored with old day dots. PIC removed day dots at time of inspection. Discussed importance of removing day dots after warewashing
4-603.12
70
Nov 20, 2024
Routine
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 3 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Raw and ready-to-eat foods not properly separated
Inspector notes: Observed pan of raw eggs placed on a shelf. above open box of cream cheese. showed PIC. manager relocated raw eggs to a designated lowest shelf. corrected
3-302.11(A1-2)
No hand drying provision at handwashing sink
Inspector notes: At the front soup service station hand washing basin. observed no hand drying/papaer towel. showed PIC. manager obtained paper towel. corrected
6-301.12
Wiping cloths used or stored improperly
Inspector notes: At the station , food prep. noted sanitizer bucket with towels in it, in use. checked the sanitizer. noted at 0 ppm. manager was informed. manager removed towels, drained and refilled . quat ammonia at 220 ppm established. corrected
3-304.14
Plumbing system not maintained in good repair
Inspector notes: Observed at the front food service hand washing station. , leak under the cabinet from the hand washing basin. showed facility PIC. please repair the leak
5-205.15(B)
Designation-Dressing Areas and Lockers
Inspector notes: At the back room foodservice, baking stations /counters, noted employee cell phones and personal bags placed on the food prep. surfaces. showed manager. use of a designated area for personal items reviewed. manager removed articles. corrected
6-305.11
67
Oct 31, 2024
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Nonfood-contact surfaces not cleaned at required frequency
Inspector notes: Observed organic debris on food storage racks in walk-in cooler and floors. Please clean prior to next routine inspection
4-602.13
95
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Kneaders Bakery and Cafe last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Kneaders Bakery and Cafe on file is from Apr 14, 2026. The public record contains eight inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Kneaders Bakery and Cafe?
Across the inspection record, “nonfood contact surfaces” has been cited three times, more than any other issue at Kneaders Bakery and Cafe.
How does Kneaders Bakery and Cafe compare to other restaurants in Mesa?
Kneaders Bakery and Cafe most recently scored 95 out of 100, which is about the same as the Mesa average of 95.
Has Kneaders Bakery and Cafe's inspection record improved over time?
Yes. Recent inspections at Kneaders Bakery and Cafe have averaged around one violation per visit, down from roughly four earlier in the record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Kneaders Bakery and Cafe means inspectors found minimal or no significant issues at the most recent visit. Most facilities at this tier have a clean recent inspection report.
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