Whole Grain Natural Bread Co

1244 S Val Vista Dr, Mesa, AZ 85204
Other
License: Food Establishment - Eating & Drinking
Last inspected: Jan 5, 2026
86
Score
Low Risk

Going back to 2024, Whole Grain Natural Bread Co has four inspections in the public record. The most recent visit was on Jan 5, 2026. A low risk tier reflects an inspection that turned up minimal issues.

Things are looking better lately, with recent visits averaging around two violations compared to roughly six violations earlier on.

“Certified food protection manager” comes up most often, recorded three times in the inspection record.

That's lower than the typical Mesa restaurant, which scores around 95. The record reflects steady performance over time.

4
Inspections
0
Critical latest
1
Major latest
1
Minor latest
Inspection History
Jan 5, 2026
Routine
1 major violation. 1 minor violation. 1 corrected on site.
View 2 violations
Working containers of toxic materials not identified (corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Observed an unlabeled spray bottle near the dough prepping area. Per PIC, the spray bottle had water inside. PIC labeled container at time of inspection
7-102.11
No certified food protection manager
Inspector notes: At time of inspection, no CFPM was on site
2-102.12(A)
86
Jun 23, 2025
Routine
1 major violation. 4 minor violations. 3 corrected on site.
View 5 violations
Ready-to-eat food not date marked (corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Observed wrapped large portioned of deli sandwich meats, such as ham, turkey assorted flavors. unable to locate a use by date /discard date. mcesd use by date policy were reviewed with staff. manager provided a use by date for the deli meats
3-501.17
No certified food protection manager
Inspector notes: Inquired regarding a certified food manager for the establishment. staff were unable to find a CFSM. please obtain one certified food manager. list of available courses/resources on esd.maricopa.gov was reviewed
2-102.12(A)
Improper cooling methods used (corrected on site)
Inspector notes: One of the on site prepared chicken salad pans were placed atop the other empty pan in the top reach-in cooler panel temperature was at 47 deg f . suggested to staff to utilize the empty cooler areas t place additional tcs food pans. also may keep excess food in the facility deli upright coolers. manager removed food / placed in lower cooler panel. 41 deg f established,
3-501.15(B)
Wiping cloths used or stored improperly (corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Checked the facility sanitizer wiping cloth buckets. noted at 0ppm. informed /showed staff drained and refilled by staff. chlorine at 50 ppm established
3-304.14
Toilet Room Receptacle, Covered
Inspector notes: Observed at the facility restrooms, trash can lids were removed/missing. showed manager on duty. please provide one covered trash can for the female restrooms
5-501.17
74
Jan 15, 2025
Routine
2 critical violations. 2 major violations. 3 minor violations. 3 corrected on site.
View 7 violations
Bare hand contact with ready-to-eat food (corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Observed staff handling bread with bare hand. discussed with staff importance of utilizing on site provided single service food handler gloves to minimize contamination. staff washed hand, put on gloves
3-301.11(B)
Hot or cold food held at improper temperature (corrected on site)
Inspector notes: At the facility steam table noted 3 pans containing chilli at 109-112 deg f , and 2 pans of chicken soup at 126-134 deg f . Inquired about the temperature requirement and on site food reheating and hot strategies for the rte/tcs . per staff soups and chili and sandwiches are available from 1030am to 7pm. recommended to adjust the steam table water level. also to ensure the cold soup and chili bags are heated first prior to placing in the steam table. manager removed all, reheated to 165 deg f .also staff on duty, tyurned the warmer dial temp setting from medium to hot please monitor utilizing the on site thermometer to validate the tcs food is kept at 135 deg f or higher
3-501.16(A)(1)
No hand drying provision at handwashing sink
Inspector notes: Facility restroom hand washing basin, paper towel dispenser not working. informed staff on duty. paper towel obtained for hand washing station. corrected
6-301.12
Equipment or utensils not clean (corrected on site)
Inspector notes: At the time of inspection, heavy organic debris accumulation on the food slicer and the prep. table below. frequency of cleaning (within every 4hrs), as well as methods of proper cleaning the utensils/equipment were reviewed with staff. staff clean and sanitized food slicers and tables during the inspection. corercted
4-601.11(A)
No certified food protection manager
Inspector notes: Please ensure one certified food protection manager is available on site during operations. list of online resources at esd.maricopa.gov reviewed with staff
2-102.12(A)
Outer openings not protected against pests
Inspector notes: Facility back entry door has a gap, door sweep in in disrepair. please repair or replace the door sweep, showed staff on duty
6-202.15
Wiping cloths used or stored improperly
Inspector notes: Wiping cloth wet on the counter. also checked the sanitizer bucket solution checked . noted at 0 ppm asked staff regarding the frequency and method of sanitizer preparation. staff drained bucket. fresh chlorine at 50 ppm established. corrected
3-304.14
52
Jul 24, 2024
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Food storage containers not labeled with contents
Inspector notes: Observed some of the food ingredient containers utilized on site without an identification . discussed with manager on duty. manager affixed ingredient labels for salt, sugar. corercted
3-302.12
95

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Whole Grain Natural Bread Co last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at Whole Grain Natural Bread Co on file is from Jan 5, 2026. The public record contains four inspections in total.

What is the most common violation at Whole Grain Natural Bread Co?

Across the inspection record, “certified food protection manager” has been cited three times, more than any other issue at Whole Grain Natural Bread Co.

How does Whole Grain Natural Bread Co compare to other restaurants in Mesa?

Whole Grain Natural Bread Co most recently scored 86 out of 100, which is lower than the Mesa average of 95.

Has Whole Grain Natural Bread Co's inspection record improved over time?

Yes. Recent inspections at Whole Grain Natural Bread Co have averaged around two violations per visit, down from roughly six earlier in the record.

What does a low risk rating mean?

A low risk rating at Whole Grain Natural Bread Co means inspectors found minimal or no significant issues at the most recent visit. Most facilities at this tier have a clean recent inspection report.