Business
DQ Shines in Three ‘Outstanding’ Health Department Inspections This Week

Dairy Queen’s Maricopa location has received high praise from Pinal County health inspectors following a recent surprise visit. The inspectors noted that the staff meticulously adhered to food safety standards while preparing their signature frozen treats.
This Dairy Queen, along with Maricopa Food Mart and a Chevron station, earned an “excellent” rating during the inspection conducted on October 25. Such commendations reflect a commitment to maintaining high hygiene and safety standards.
The inspection team highlighted the compliance of all priority health standards at these establishments. This positive assessment marks a noteworthy event, as these inspections were the only ones carried out in Pinal County during the last week of October.
The following week, inspectors returned to evaluate Butterfield Elementary School, which also received an “excellent” rating. Pinal County Environmental Health’s consistent monitoring underscores the importance of public health and safety regulations.
Each rating carries specific implications. An “excellent” rating indicates full compliance with priority standards, while a “satisfactory” rating points to minor issues corrected during the visit. Businesses rated as needing improvement face some unresolved issues, and those rated as unacceptable face severe health hazards that could pose risks to public safety.
These inspections serve as a reminder of the critical role food safety plays in protecting community health.