Panda Express

1320 W Elliot Rd, Tempe, AZ 85284

Chinese

License: Food Establishment - Food Production

Last inspected: Mar 3, 2026

Score

Low Risk Grade: A

Going back to 2024, Panda Express has four inspections in the public record. The latest inspection on file is from Mar 3, 2026. A low risk rating suggests inspectors haven't found much to be concerned about lately.

Performance has remained roughly level over recent inspections, averaging near one violation each time.

When inspectors have written things up, “equipment and utensils, air-drying required” has been the most frequent reason, cited two times.

The city-wide average is 95, putting Panda Express squarely in typical territory. Overall, the inspection record reads well.

Inspections

Critical latest

Major latest

Minor latest

Inspection History

Mar 3, 2026

Routine

1 minor violation.

View 1 violation

Plumbing system not maintained in good repair

Inspector notes: Observed a segment of accordion-style flexible drain line at hand washing sink closest to produce prep sink. Please replace with smooth, rigid material like PVC. All plumbing must be maintained in good repair at all times

5-205.15(B)

Jun 17, 2025

Routine

1 minor violation. 1 corrected on site.

View 1 violation

Equipment or utensils not air-dried before storage (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: Observed several clean containers wet stacked away as clean. Discussed with person in charge (PIC) all equipment and food contact surfaces must be air-dried after properly cleaning and sanitizing. PIC unstacked containers to allow them to fully dry

4-901.11

Feb 25, 2025

Routine

No violations found.

100

Aug 22, 2024

Routine

2 minor violations. 1 corrected on site.

View 2 violations

Equipment or utensils not air-dried before storage (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: >>>Observed several plastic hotel pans stored in the dish area and the walk-in refrigerator put away stacked wet. Discussed with Person in Charge (PIC) all equipment and food contact surfaces must be completely air-dried after proper cleaning and sanitizing. PIC took all hotel pans down to be rewashed and properly air dried

4-901.11

Fixed equipment not properly spaced or sealed

Inspector notes: >>>Observed at the hand washing sink in the back near the soda machine and at the mop sink with either missing caulking or brown to black organic matter on existing caulking. Discussed with PIC fixed equipment shall be sealed to create a smooth cleanable surface to avoid accumulation of contamination and organic matter. Per PIC a work order will be put in to have new caulking applied

4-402.11

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Panda Express last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at Panda Express on file is from Mar 3, 2026. The public record contains four inspections in total.

What is the most common violation at Panda Express?

Across the inspection record, “equipment and utensils, air-drying required” has been cited two times, more than any other issue at Panda Express.

How does Panda Express compare to other restaurants in Tempe?

Panda Express most recently scored 95 out of 100, which is about the same as the Tempe average of 95.

Has Panda Express' inspection record improved over time?

Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Panda Express have averaged around one violation per visit across the recent record.

What does a low risk rating mean?

A low risk rating at Panda Express 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 Panda Express inspected?

Based on the inspection history on file, Panda Express is inspected around three times per year on average.

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