Safeway
Last inspected: Feb 10, 2026
90
Score
The health department has logged five inspections at Safeway, the earliest from 2024. On Feb 10, 2026, the health department conducted the most recent visit. A low risk rating suggests inspectors haven't found much to be concerned about lately.
The picture has improved over the last few visits: recent inspections have averaged around one violation, down from roughly three violations earlier in the record.
The most common issue across all inspections has been “other liquid wastes and rainwater”, showing up three times.
By comparison, the average Tempe facility scores 95, putting Safeway on the weaker side. The full picture is one of consistent compliance.
5
Inspections
0
Critical latest
1
Major latest
0
Minor latest
Inspection History
Feb 10, 2026
Routine
1 major violation. 1 corrected on site.
View 1 violation
Handwashing sink blocked, inaccessible, or used improperly
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Observed back handsink near fryers blocked with a sheet pan and large mixing bowl stored directly inside basin. All handwash sinks must be maintained so accessible at all times. Facilities must be maintained in a condition that promotes handwashing. Person in charge (PIC) relocated all items blocking handwash sink at time of inspection
5-205.11
90
Sep 18, 2025
Routine
1 critical violation. 2 minor violations. 1 corrected on site.
View 3 violations
Food is unsafe, adulterated, or misrepresented
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Observed a whole deli ham cooked in house on display with white fuzzy organic matter all over. Per person in charge (PIC) it would be expired today. The ham was embargoed and discarded at time of inspection. Discussed with PIC All food must be in good condition, safe, and unadulterated. All adulterated food was discarded at time of inspection. Also observe date marking was not clear after further discussion with deli employee. Discussed 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)
3-101.11
Fixed equipment not properly spaced or sealed
Inspector notes: Observed missing, separated and dangling caulking along the fixed parts of the ventilation system above the oven, fryer and thermalizer. Discussed with PIC all ventilation system fixed parts shall be sealed with high temperature caulking to create a smooth and easily cleanable surface to prevent grease accumulation and drippage
4-402.11
Other Liquid Wastes and Rainwater
Inspector notes: Observed unknown liquid dripping from ceiling piping all along the back of the facility hallway where backstock is stored. Discussed with PIC to not store any foods under the dipping pipes and fix/repair/replace the leaking pipes
5-403.12
78
Jun 13, 2025
Routine
3 minor violations. 1 corrected on site.
View 3 violations
Raw and ready-to-eat foods not properly separated
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Observed unknown white filmy particles in the water in the thermalizer with bags of different sauces heating up. Also observed missing 1 inch air gap of the drainage pipe to the floor sink of the thermalizer. Discussed with person in charge (PIC) to clean the sauce bags clean the thermalizer, add new water and start the reheating process. All food and equipment shall be free of contamination. Also discussed to incorporate a minimum of 1 inch of air between the drainage pipe and the floor sink to prevent back syphoning of contaminants. Employees started to drain the thermalizer and started the cleaning process at the time of inspection
3-302.11(A3-8)
Physical facilities not cleaned at required frequency
Inspector notes: Observed behind the oven and fryers to be grease buildup on the floor. Discussed with PIC cleaning shall be at a frequency that prevents buildup of grease dust and food debris. Must clean prior to next routine inspection
6-501.12
Ventilation Hood Systems, Drip Prevention
Inspector notes: Observed missing, separated and dangling caulking along the fixed parts of the ventilation system above the oven, fryer and thermalizer. Discussed with PIC all ventilation system fixed parts shall be sealed with high temperature caulking to create a smooth and easily cleanable surface to prevent grease accumulation and drippage
4-204.11
86
Mar 12, 2025
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Other Liquid Wastes and Rainwater
Inspector notes: Observed icicles of a frozen liquid buildup on the fans in the walk-in freezer. Discussed with PIC to clear out the frozen liquid, repair/fix/replace the unit and to not store food under the frozen liquid. No contamination observed at time of inspection
5-403.12
95
Oct 4, 2024
Routine
2 critical violations. 2 minor violations. 1 corrected on site.
View 4 violations
Food not cooled to safe temperature within required time
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Observed a tray of rotisserie chicken with internal temperature of 55*F on a speed rack in the deli refrigerator. Per PIC the chicken has been in the unit overnight. Discussed with PIC cooked TCS foods must be cooled from 135°F to 70°F within 2 hours, and from 70°F to 41°F within 4 hours for a total of 6 hours for cooling. Embargoed the chicken and PIC discarded at time of inspection
3-501.14
Hot or cold food held at improper temperature
Inspector notes: Observed in customer self serve hot holding table to have buffalo wings at 112*F, sausage with BBQ at 106*F and boneless buffalo wings at 92*F. Per Person in charge PIC the items have been in the table for less than 4 hours. Discussed with PIC to reheat wings to 165*F and place in unit. All TCS foods improperly hot held were reheated to 165°F at time of inspection. Per PIC the hot holding table was not high enough and the temperature was adjusted
3-501.16(A)(1)
No certified food protection manager
Inspector notes: Observed no Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) in facility at time of inspection. Discussed with Person in Charge (PIC) A CFPM is required to be on the premises during all hours of operation
2-102.12(A)
Other Liquid Wastes and Rainwater
Inspector notes: Observed unknown frozen liquid buildup dripping from the fans in the walk-in freezer. Observed a box of fried egg patty stored under the liquid and found it to be contaminated. Embargoed the frozen fried egg patty and discarded. Also observed a pinkish orangish liquid dripping from pipes along the ceiling walkway in the back of the facility between dairy walk-in and alcohol cages. Discussed with PIC to clear out the frozen liquid, repair/fix/replace the unit and to not store food under the frozen liquid
5-403.12
67
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Safeway last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Safeway on file is from Feb 10, 2026. The public record contains five inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Safeway?
Across the inspection record, “other liquid wastes and rainwater” has been cited three times, more than any other issue at Safeway.
How does Safeway compare to other restaurants in Tempe?
Safeway most recently scored 90 out of 100, which is lower than the Tempe average of 95.
Has Safeway's inspection record improved over time?
Yes. Recent inspections at Safeway have averaged around one violation per visit, down from roughly three earlier in the record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Safeway 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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