The Citadel Assisted Living

520 S Higley Rd, Mesa, AZ 85206
Healthcare Facility
License: Food Establishment - Eating & Drinking
Last inspected: Apr 17, 2026
95
Score
Low Risk Grade: A

Public records show nine inspections at The Citadel Assisted Living stretching back to 2024. The most recent report on file is from Apr 17, 2026. A low risk rating suggests inspectors haven't found much to be concerned about lately.

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

Looking across the full record, “cleaning, frequency and restrictions” is the recurring theme, flagged three times.

That falls roughly in the middle of the pack for Mesa restaurants. The record reflects steady performance over time.

9
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
1
Minor latest
Inspection History
Apr 17, 2026
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Equipment not in good repair or proper adjustment
Inspector notes: Observed the freezer walk-in refrigerator door not closing properly. Person in charge stated a work order was submitted. 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
95
Jan 13, 2026
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Equipment not in good repair or proper adjustment
Inspector notes: Observed the freezer walk-in refrigerator door not closing properly. Person in charge stated a work order was submitted. 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
95
Oct 15, 2025
Routine
1 major violation. 1 minor violation. 2 corrected on site.
View 2 violations
No hand drying provision at handwashing sink (corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Observed no paper towels at the handwashing sink at the end of the cook-line. PIC provided paper towels. Discussed the importance of handwashing. Facilities must be maintained in a condition that promotes handwashing. Handwashing sinks must always be accessible and stocked with hot water, soap and paper towels
6-301.12
Wiping cloths used or stored improperly (corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Observed several wet wiping cloths in use at the cook-line, server's area, and in the prep area. PIC instructed employees to store wiping cloths in sanitizing solution between use. Soiled wiping cloths, especially when moist, can become breeding grounds for pathogens that could be transferred to food. Any wiping cloths that are not dry (except those used once and then laundered) must be stored in a sanitizer solution of adequate concentration between uses
3-304.14
86
Jul 16, 2025
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Cutting surfaces scratched, scored, or no longer cleanable
Inspector notes: 2ND CONSECUTIVE VIOLATION Observed heavy scoring and gouging on the cutting boards along the cook-line. Discussed replacing or resurfacing the cutting boards to restore a smooth and easily cleanable surface. Cutting surfaces such as cutting boards and blocks that become scratched and scored may be difficult to clean and sanitize. As a result, pathogenic microorganisms transmissible through food may build up or accumulate
4-501.12
Physical facilities not cleaned at required frequency
Inspector notes: 2ND CONSECUTIVE VIOLATION Observed soil and debris on the floors and walls of the cook-line. Discussed cleaning the physical facilities more often. PHYSICAL FACILITIES shall be cleaned as often as necessary to keep them clean to prevent pest activity and pathogen growth
6-501.12
90
Apr 16, 2025
Routine
1 critical violation. 2 minor violations. 1 corrected on site.
View 3 violations
Expired or improperly marked ready-to-eat food not discarded (corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Observed an open package of sliced ham (dated 4/9), sliced turkey (dated 4/9), diced ham (dated 4/7) and an undated open package of cut lettuce in the cook-line reach-in cooler. PIC discarded the TCS foods for being held 1-3 days past the discard date, see embargo form. Discussed 7-day date marking. Day 1 begins the date that a package of TCS food is opened, such as deli meats, or cooked/prepped, such as noodles or proteins. Adding 6 to day one (6+1) determines the discard date. The Food Code requires that TCS foods be dated and discarded 7 days after opening/prep when held at 41F or less to prevent a hazardous amount of Listeria
3-501.18
Cutting surfaces scratched, scored, or no longer cleanable
Inspector notes: Observed heavy scoring and gouging on the cutting boards along the cook-line. Discussed replacing or resurfacing the cutting boards to restore a smooth and easily cleanable surface. Cutting surfaces such as cutting boards and blocks that become scratched and scored may be difficult to clean and sanitize. As a result, pathogenic microorganisms transmissible through food may build up or accumulate
4-501.12
Physical facilities not cleaned at required frequency
Inspector notes: Observed soil and debris on the floors and walls of the cook-line, prep area, and dish pit. Discussed cleaning the physical facilities more often. PHYSICAL FACILITIES shall be cleaned as often as necessary to keep them clean to prevent pest activity and pathogen growth
6-501.12
78
Jan 15, 2025
Routine
1 minor violation. 1 corrected on site.
View 1 violation
In-use utensils stored improperly between uses (corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Ice cream scoop stored in water with a temperature of 122 deg F. If storing scoop in water the water should be at least 135 deg F to prevent bacteria growth. 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
95
Nov 12, 2024
Routine
1 critical violation. 1 minor violation. 1 corrected on site.
View 2 violations
Expired or improperly marked ready-to-eat food not discarded (corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Observed sliced turkey and sliced ham in the cook-line reach-in both dated 11/4. The ham and turkey should have been discarded on 11/10, 2 days prior to inspection. Pic discarded the ham and turkey, see embargo form. Discussed 7-day date marking. Day 1 begins the date that a package of TCS food is opened, such as deli meats, or cooked/prepped, such as noodles or proteins. Adding 6 to day one (6+1) determines the discard date
3-501.18
Cutting surfaces scratched, scored, or no longer cleanable
Inspector notes: Observed heavy scoring and staining on the cutting boards on the cook-line. Discussed replacing or resurfacing the cutting boards to restore a smooth and easily cleanable surface. Cutting surfaces such as cutting boards and blocks that become scratched and scored may be difficult to clean and sanitize
4-501.12
82
Sep 12, 2024
Food AMC Trainings
No violations found.
100
Sep 4, 2024
Routine
1 major violation. 3 minor violations. 1 corrected on site.
View 4 violations
Ready-to-eat food not date marked (corrected on site)
Inspector notes: 3RD CONSECUTIVE VIOLATION Observed cut tomatoes and lettuce, hot dogs, and hardboiled eggs in the cook-line reach-in, without date marks. According to PIC, the TCS foods were prepared or opened 1-2 days prior to inspection. PIC dated each TCS food. Discussed creating a policy for date marking and disposition that is consistently used by staff. The Food Code requires that TCS foods be discarded 7 days after opening/prep when held at 41F or less. Listeria is the pathogen of concern, which cannot be observed by looking at the food in question. Day 1 begins the date that a package of TCS food is opened, such as deli meats, or once cooked/prepped, such as noodles or proteins. Adding 6 to the start date (6+1) determines the discard date
3-501.17
Cutting surfaces scratched, scored, or no longer cleanable
Inspector notes: Observed heavy scoring and staining on the cutting boards on the cook-line. Discussed replacing or resurfacing the cutting boards to restore a smooth and easily cleanable surface. Cutting surfaces such as cutting boards and blocks that become scratched and scored may be difficult to clean and sanitize
4-501.12
Plumbing system not maintained in good repair
Inspector notes: Observed leaks from the pipes under the 3-compartment sink and the dish machine. The water is being captured by bus tubs, which promotes pathogen growth and pests. Discussed repairing the leaks. All plumbing must be maintained in good repair at all times
5-205.15(B)
Physical facilities not cleaned at required frequency
Inspector notes: 2ND CONSECUTIVE VIOLATION Observed an accumulation of soil and debris on the floor and wall under the 3-compartment sink, in the dish pit, under equipment on the cook-line, under racks in the dry storage and in the walk-in cooler. Discussed doing a deep cleaning in order to prevent pest harborage conditions, pathogen growth and for general sanitation. PHYSICAL FACILITIES shall be cleaned as often as necessary to keep them clean to prevent pest activity and pathogen growth
6-501.12
78

Frequently Asked Questions

When was The Citadel Assisted Living last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at The Citadel Assisted Living on file is from Apr 17, 2026. The public record contains nine inspections in total.

What is the most common violation at The Citadel Assisted Living?

Across the inspection record, “cleaning, frequency and restrictions” has been cited three times, more than any other issue at The Citadel Assisted Living.

How does The Citadel Assisted Living compare to other restaurants in Mesa?

The Citadel Assisted Living most recently scored 95 out of 100, which is about the same as the Mesa average of 95.

Has The Citadel Assisted Living's inspection record improved over time?

Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at The Citadel Assisted Living have averaged around two violations per visit across the recent record.

What does a low risk rating mean?

A low risk rating at The Citadel Assisted Living 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 The Citadel Assisted Living inspected?

Based on the inspection history on file, The Citadel Assisted Living is inspected around six times per year on average.