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Flies, mouse droppings, and ants close Philly eateries

Health Department inspectors visit nearly 1,000 eateries and food retailers every two weeks.

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There were flies on spam, mouse droppings on celery and ants on the condiment shelves in this round of inspections by the Philadelphia Department of Public Health.

A few familiar names, including Baril, Cavanaugh's, Essen Bakery and Mugshots Diner, were on the list of 28 restaurants and markets that were closed temporarily or voluntarily agreed to close between Aug. 5 and Aug. 18 in order to correct violations.

Health Department inspectors visit nearly 1,000 eateries and food retailers every two weeks. Every inspection is generally regarded as a snapshot in time, and not necessarily a reflection of day-to-day conditions.  Most violations were corrected immediately in the presence of an inspector.

A list of eateries that were closed, or are facing court dates, follows:

58th Street Food Market
1801 S 58th St.
1 violation, 1 serious
A certified food-safety person was not present at beginning of inspection and the store was ordered to close. This was a repeat violation for the facility. Due to conditions observed during the inspection, the establishment agreed to discontinue food operations on Aug. 15 and voluntarily close until approved by the Department to resume operations.

South Garden Chinese Restaurant
220 South St.
19 violations, 7 serious
Dead mice were found on the basement floor; a live roach was seen in a food preparation sink in the kitchen; mouse droppings were found on the floor in basement, on stairs leading to basement, on shelves in basement, on basement reach-in freezer, on boxes in basement, on floors in customer eating area, on floors in kitchen area, on trays in kitchen area, and on food equipment in kitchen area; flies were found in the kitchen area; food equipment is not clean to sight and touch; a pack of cigarettes was found on the counter in kitchen; food employee observed washing hands at a three bay sink; paper towel dispenser empty at the handwash sink in the employee toilet area; moist wiping cloths observed lying on counters and not stored in sanitizing solution; standing water found in the back area.
Due to imminent health hazards observed during this inspection, the establishment was issued a Cease Operations Order to discontinue food operations immediately. The establishment cannot operate for a minimum of 48 hours. The establishment cannot operate until the required fee is paid and the establishment is approved by the Department to resume operations.

Top Day Care
2027 N 63rd St.
14 violations, 3 serious
The food safety certified person could not demonstrate knowledge of foodborne illnesses and symptoms; bug residue was found on the floor by the side of the refrigerator, mouse droppings were found on the floor in the utility closet; the stopper was missing at one sink and other sinks could not be set up properly; the facility did not have a way to measure food temperatures, the refrigerator thermometer was not working properly; moist wiping cloths were found lying on the sink and not stored in sanitizing solution.
Due to conditions observed during the inspection, the establishment agreed to discontinue food operations on Aug. 14 and voluntarily close until approved by the Department to resume operations.

Richmond Food
2203 W Lehigh Ave.
24 violations, 8 serious
There were dead mice and mouse droppings along with flies and gnats throughout the facility; ants were found on the condiment shelf behind the counter; a pot handle was replaced with a soiled shoestring; the refrigerator in the kitchen was leaking; there was moldy stagnant water found in the refrigerator; utensils in the coffee area were stored in stagnant room temperature water and not hot water; the cold-holding unit is not maintaining food at a proper temperature; there was grease and food debris beneath the cooking equipment; the facility was found to have a vegetable margarine that violated of the city's trans fat ban.
Due to imminent health hazards observed during this inspection, the establishment was issued a Cease Operations Order on Aug. 14 and ordered to discontinue food operations immediately. The establishment cannot operate for a minimum of 48 hours. The establishment cannot operate until the required fee is paid and the establishment is approved by the Department to resume operations.

Jack Mini Market
1901 Brunner St.
8 violations, 1 serious
Access to the basement, which is required for license approval, was not provided; there were holes in toilet room wall; temperature measuring devices for ensuring proper temperatures of food are not available or readily accessible; food was not stored at least six inches above the floor.
Due to imminent health hazards observed during this inspection, the establishment was issued a Cease Operations Order on Aug 12 and ordered to discontinue food operations immediately. The establishment cannot operate for a minimum of 48 hours. The establishment cannot operate until the required fee is paid and the establishment is approved by the Department to resume operations.

Rodriguez, Juan Rey/ La Fritura/ #001133
488 W Hunting Park Ave.
17 violations, 9 serious
Food was stored in the owner's home and not in an approved commissary; food was stored in stained, soiled buckets; insect repellent was stored with canned milk; a bucket of frozen chicken was found thawing at ambient temperature; raw fruits and vegetables used as ingredients in cooked or ready to eat food were not washed to remove soil or other contaminants prior to use; cooked food was stored in hot holding unit that was not operating; food was not maintained at temperatures 135 F or above as required; a Food Safety Certified Person was not present at the start of the inspection.

Baril
267 S 19th St.
7 violations, 2 serious
Flies were seen at the handwashing sink in the bar area, in the men's toilet room in the basement area, and in the utility closet in the basement area; a Food Safety Certified Person was not present in the establishment; the interior of a freezer in the kitchen area was not clean to sight, food equipment storage shelves in the kitchen area were not clean to sight; the hood filters, vents, and fixtures have an accumulation of static dust and grease; there were no splash guards found between the food preparation and handwash sinks, or between the handwash sink and the food equipment storage shelves in the kitchen area.
Due to conditions observed during the Aug. 11 inspection, the establishment agreed to discontinue food operations and voluntarily close until approved by the Department to resume operations.

Broad Street Tavern
3648 N Broad St
14 violations, 4 serious
Severe roach infestation observed in facilty; dead roaches found in the basement refrigerator and door gaskets and on the floors throughout the facility; molded cheese observed in refrigerator in basement; interior surfaces of microwave were heavily soiled; residue was found on the inside of the ice machine; duct tape found on the handwashing sink in bar area, not easily cleanable; utility sink is not in good repair; handwashing sink behind the bar has a leak at the drainpipe.
Due to conditions observed during the inspection on August 15, the establishment agreed to discontinue food operations and voluntarily close for 48 hours until approved by the Department to resume operations.

Mimmo's Pizza and Kitchen
3000 W Alleghany
38 violations, 13 serious
The celery was contaminated by mouse droppings in the walk-in cooler; there was visible physical evidence of mouse droppings and flies found throughout the facility including in the food prep area, basement, and walk-in cooler; raw chicken was stored above cheese in the walk-in cooler; food including sauce, celery, cookie dough, and pasta we stored uncovered in walk-in cooler, freezer, and food prep area; pizza was held at 72 degrees rather than 135 degrees or above as required; food including sliced tomatoes, coleslaw, eggs, shrimp, pizza sauce, cheese, and deli meats were not held at proper temperatures; the food safety certified person did not demonstrate adequate knowledge of the PA Food Code.
Due to imminent health hazards observed during the inspection on August 15, the establishment was issued a Cease Operations Order and discontinued food operations immediately. The establishment cannot operate for a minimum of 48 hours. The establishment cannot operate until the required fee is paid and the establishment is approved by the Department to resume operations.

Sam's Deli Mini Market
173 W Chew Ave.
25 violations, 9 serious
Hot water not available at any of the sinks throughout the facility; fish observed thawing at the three-basin sink which is not indirectly drained; cut lettuce and cheese were held at temperatures higher than required; food establishment is storing, distributing, holding for service, using in preparation of menu items or serving food items containing artificial trans fat; backflow prevention device was not observed in stalled on the main water line; sanitizer is not EPA approved; complete renovation of the establishment has taken place at the facility. Several pieces of equipment has been added; exhaust hood, 3-basin sink, refrigeration equipment, grill, burners, deep fryers, and steamtable. Alteration or construction began prior to plan submission and approval. Inspected Aug 15.

Cavanaugh's
119 S. 39th St.
23 violations, 8 serious
The soda guns at bar had a slime/buildup inside them; there was visible physical evidence of rodent/insect activity observed in the bar and kitchen areas; several live roaches observed under warewashing area; drain flies observed in dry storage rooms and lower level room where walk-in cooler and reach-in freezers are; the slicer had an accumulation of food residue on the food contact surfaces and was not being washed, rinsed and sanitized at least every four hours as required; the handwash sink in the slicer area was blocked by unknown items and not accesible at all times for employee use; soap was not available at the handwash sink in the bar area; hand sink in banquet room was dirty; rill area and oven need cleaning; Cleaning needed in beer display case of food display racks.
Due to imminent health hazards observed during the inspection on August 11, the establishment was issued a Cease Operations Order and discontinued food operations immediately.

Essen Bakery
1437 E Passyunk Ave.
16 violations, 2 serious
A dead mouse was found on the floor in the basement area; flies and flying insects seen in the storage and food preparation areas; mice feces found throughout the facility including on shelves, in the food prep area and in containers where rice flour was stored; cookies were not covered on top of the display case; pastries and breads were not covered on the rolling racks in the food preparation area; pastry boxes observed in the basement area are not protected from contamination.
Due to imminent health hazards observed during the inspection on August 11, the establishment was issued a Cease Operations Order and discontinued food operations immediately. The establishment cannot operate for a minimum of 48 hours.

Jin House Chinese Restaurant
1117 Locust St.
3 violations, none serious
German roaches were found in grooves and gaps in metal shelving above the sandwich prep unit and on the wall where dried noodles are stored; food was stored in non-food grade bags; drinks stores on the floor in the customer area; condensation was draining into the handwashing sink.
Due to imminent health hazards observed during the inspection on August 11, the establishment was issued a Cease Operations Order and discontinued food operations immediately. The establishment cannot operate for a minimum of 48 hours.

Garden Court Eatery
4725 Pine St.
13 violations, 6 serious
Eggs were not stored at proper temperatures; potentially hazardous ready to eat food including salad and cut and packaged fruit salad, that was prepared in the food facility and held for more than 48 hours in the refrigerator was not dated; flies were found in the food prep area; employees seen donning single use gloves without a prior hand wash.
The inspection on August 10 revealed the establishment is not in satisfactory compliance. Due to conditions observed during this inspection, the establishment agreed to discontinue food operations and voluntarily close until approved by the Department to resume operations.

Jonalis Grocery Store Inc.
315 N. 52nd St.
22 violations, 5 serious
Multiple containers of expired baby food were found on the shelves in the retail area; uncovered foods were found in the deli case; bread rolls were stored in non-food grade plastic shopping bags in the freezer units; domestic appliances in use; house and drain flies were seen flying in the prep and warewashing area; a food safety person was not present; the store does not have a utility/mop sink; toilet room sink is not in good repair and the door is not self-closing.
Due to imminent health hazards observed during the inspection on August 10, the establishment was issued a Cease Operations Order and discontinued food operations immediately. The establishment cannot operate for a minimum of 48 hours.
COMMON PLEAS DATE Aug 17.

Ecowas African Restaurant
6421 Woodland Ave.
9 violations, 2 serious
Flies found in the indoor and outdoor food areas; Live roaches seen behind the microwave, in the gaskets of the refrigerator and between the floor-boards and joists at the basement entrance. Dead roaches were seen in many areas; two bottles of Raid insecticide were found in the restaurant, only a licensed exterminator is permitted to use pesticides in a food facility.
Due to imminent health hazards observed during the inspection on August 10, the establishment was issued a Cease Operations Order and discontinued food operations immediately. The establishment cannot operate for a minimum of 48 hours.

Subway
4004 Spruce St.
2 violations, 1 serious
No food safety person was present; the food establishment licensee and operations changes require submission of a Plan Review Application.
Due to conditions observed during the inspection on August 10, the establishment agreed to discontinue food operations and voluntarily close until approved by the Department to resume operations.

AC Girard Deli Grocery Inc.
5931 W. Girard Ave.
18 violations, 6 serious
Budding, wrinkled, soft potatoes were found in the retail area; expired baby foods and baby juices were on the retail shelves; browning shredded lettuce found in the deli case; live roaches and flies in the basement; old mice droppings, dead bugs and debris found on the floors in the rear storage area and basement; uncovered foods including lettuce, burgers and ketchup, were found in the deep freezer, refrigerator and deli case in the food prep area; two cellphones were found on the cutting board in the sandwich area which was ordered immediately sanitized.
Due to conditions observed during the inspection on August 9, the establishment agreed to discontinue food operations and voluntarily close until approved by the Department to resume operations.

Luo, Sheng/Ricy's Café #V-03097
3201 Market St.
19 violations, 7 serious
Foods were not stored at proper temperatures; both hot and cold water were not found in the hand sink; employee did not was hands between changing tasks; multiple foods were found uncovered in the bottom of the cold holding unit; a dirty, heavily soiled wet wiping cloth was found on the cutting board; aluminum foil was used as a shelf lining; general cleaning was needed along he cold holding unit, sinks, bottom shelves; the exterior exhaust system and rooftop window needed cleaning due to heavy grease and grime accumulation.
Due to conditions observed during the inspection on August 9, the establishment agreed to discontinue food operations and voluntarily close until approved by the Department to resume operations.

Mugshots Diner
2424 York St. Unit 106
15 violations, 5 serious
A food safety person was not present; food held in a refrigerator was not kept at required temperatures; food in the refrigerator was not covered to prevent possible contamination; can opener and food contact surface of the orange machine was not clean; faucet at the steam table was dripping; cardboard was used as a floor mat; floor at the front food prep area was not clean; accumulated grease was found at the ready storage area; black residue was found under the warewash machine
The inspection revealed the establishment is not in satisfactory compliance. Due to conditions observed during the inspection on August 10, the establishment agreed to discontinue food operations and voluntarily close until approved by the Department to resume operations.

Lou & Choo
2101 W Hunting Park Ave.
1 violation, 1 serious
A food safety certified person was not present.
Due to conditions observed during the inspection on August 18, the establishment agreed to discontinue food operations and voluntarily close until approved by the Department to resume operations. Please contact 215-686-4514 to arrange for an inspection prior to opening.

Sheffield Tavern
4501 Sheffield Avenue
1 violation, 1 serious
The person in charge did not assure that a certified food handler was present at all times of food/beverage handling/operations.
Due to conditions observed during the inspection on August 18, the establishment agreed to discontinue food operations and voluntarily close until approved by the Department to resume operations.

A Mart Food Store
4918 N 5th St.
15 violations, 3 serious
Visible physical evidence of insect activity; flies observed in the food prep area; food safety certified person was not present upon arrival for the inspection; Hot water not available at the 3-basin sinks and handwash sinks; thermometers were not provided in the refrigeration equipment; backflow prevention device was not installed on the main water line.
Alteration or construction began prior to plan submission and approval. The store is required to submit a Plan Review Application with proper plans, drawn to scale, showing all design features, including all food service equipment specifications and the location of toilet rooms, plumbing fixtures, storage areas, and utilities must be submitted to the, Office of Food Protection. Due to conditions observed during the inspection on August 18, the establishment agreed to discontinue food operations and voluntarily close until approved by the Department to resume operations.

Matias Marte Mini Market
530 S 60TH ST 19143
14 violaitons, 5 serious
Water observed leaking from the exhaust hood in the food prep area; water is leaking from apartment located above the food facility; raw chicken and soiled dishes observed in the rinse compartment of the warewashing sinks; visible physical evidence of rodent/insect activity observed in the basement area; mice dropping and cockroaches were observed in the basement; t he chlorine concentration in the sanitizing solution of the 3-bay warewash sink was greater than 200 ppm, rather than 50-100 ppm as required; floor cleaning needed throughout food prep area where food debris an build-up were observed; food safety certified person could not demonstrate knowledge of foodborne illnesses.
Due to conditions observed during the inspection on August 18, the establishment agreed to discontinue food operations and voluntarily close until approved by the Department to resume operations.

Is-A-Bella Pizza
1824 E Passyunk Ave.
26 violations, 7 serious
Fly were seen crawling on opened package of scrapple, slicer, empty pizza boxes, as well as other equipments, walls, floors, and ceilings; foods were not covered inside of the reach-in freezer in the pizza preparation area; bacon and bacon bits observed on the griddle not holding proper temperature; pizza stored in the pizza preparation area is not holding proper temperature; cutting boards observed with deep scratches and scoring not allowing for effective cleaning and sanitizing; dust observed in vent inside of the reach-in freezer and Coca-Cola refrigeration unit in the pizza preparation area, vents inside the walk-in cooler, vent in the refrigeration unit where eggs are stored, and makeup air vents; cloths observed being used as sink stoppers for the rinsing and sanitizing compartments of the warewashing sink.
Due to imminent health hazards observed during the inspection on August 8, the establishment was issued a Cease Operations Order and discontinued food operations immediately. The establishment cannot operate for a minimum of 48 hours. reinspection.

Jose Mini Market
2561 S Massey St.
6 violations, 4 serious
Three compartment sink dirty and blocked; soaking cut-up lettuce was not covered inside refrigeration unit; slicer had an accumulation of food residue on the food contact surfaces and was not being washed, rinsed and sanitized at least every four hours; food safety person not present.
Due to conditions observed during the inspection on August 8, the establishment agreed to discontinue food operations and voluntarily close until approved by the Department to resume operations.

QQ Chinese Restaurant
723 E Chelten Ave.
The person-in-charge of this establishment refused inspection. Due to the refusal of an inspection, the establishment was issued a Cease Operations Order and discontinued food operations immediately. The establishment cannot operate for a minimum of 48 hours. The establishment cannot operate until the required fee is paid and the establishment is approved by the Department to resume operations.

Walnut Block Grocery
5400 Walnut St
11 violations, 5 serious
Mold growth found on the cardboard used to line the shelves in the deli case; cleaners and detergents are being stored over dog food in the grocery aisle; deli meats and cheeses were opened without a date label; a person with a verifiable food safety certificate was not present at beginning of inspection; the ammonia concentration in the sanitizing solution of the 3-bay warewash sink did not meet requirements.
Due to conditions observed during the inspection on August 7, the establishment agreed to discontinue food operations and voluntarily close until it is approved by the Department to resume operations.

Eateries scheduled for hearings in Court of Common Pleas on August 17:
Barra Rossa, 927 WALNUT ST.; Hai Street Kitchen & Co, 125 S 40TH ST,; Jonalis Grocery Store Inc, 315 N 52ND ST.; 18th Street Food, 1801 W ONTARIO ST.; 40th St. Grocery, 804 N 40TH ST.; Hickory Lane American Bistro, 2025 FAIRMOUNT AVE.
Eateries scheduled for hearings in Court of Common Pleas on August 15:
1st Oriental Market III, 2842 SAINT VINCENT; Caribbean Palm Jamaican Food 6114 GERMANTOWN AVE.