Discolored deli meats, bloated bacon bags close Philadelphia eateries

Summer is winding down but Philadelphia health inspectors are not. In this edition of Clean Plates they encountered moldy cheese, bloated bacon bags, and cigarette butts. They reported that food safety people were still missing in action but they found a cat in one facility and two children by a refrigerator in another.

The grossest thing they discovered was food tongs on top of rat traps in the food prep area, no less. Although discolored deli meats in slimy packaging is also rather disgusting.

The inspectors closed 29 facilities for various violations between Sept. 1 and Sept. 15 including a Starbucks, McDonald's, and Applebee's.

Inspectors visit nearly 1,000 eateries and food retailers every two weeks. Each 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.

To look up reports on a specific Philadelphia restaurant, or a Montgomery, Bucks, or Gloucester County eatery, visit philly.com/cleanplates.

A list of eateries that were closed follows:

Golden Tot's Daycare Center
4516 Frankford Ave.
4 violations, 2 serious
Fruit flies were at the handwash sink by the diaper changing station; the interior surface of the microwave needed to be cleaned; a food safety certified person was not present; food-grade sanitizer could not be provided for warewashing purposes; sinks were not properly sealed to the adjoining wall.
Due to conditions observed during the inspection, the establishment agreed to discontinue food operations and voluntarily close until it is approved by the Department to resume operations. Inspected Sept. 12.

Bacha,Raham/Penn Gyro/V03245
1403 W Champlost Ave.
6 violations, 4 serious
Hot water and soap were not available at the hand wash sink; the hand wash sink was blocked by the rice cooker making it inaccessible for employee use; cut lettuce and tomatoes were not held at the proper temperature; aluminum foil was covering pipes underneath grill; grease accumulation was found along perimeters of the steam table and along perimeters underneath of the grill.
Due to conditions observed during the inspection, the establishment agreed to discontinue food operations and voluntarily close until it is approved by the Department to resume operations. Inspected Sept. 13.

Ranck Luncheon Meats
8229 Germantown Ave.
9 violations, 4 serious
Mouse droppings and flies were found in the facility; uncovered potato patties were found in the refrigerator; pork, which was cooled, was not reheated to the proper temperature; opened commercially processed ready-to-eat deli meats and cheeses, located in the display case, and held more than 48 hours, were not marked with the date they were opened; potentially hazardous ready-to-eat food including salads, sandwiches, sides, and chicken, held for more than 48 hours, located in the display case, were not date marked; food employees observed not wearing or wearing ineffective hair restraints, such as nets, hats, or beard restraints; a plastic adhesive wrapping was on the exterior surfaces of the convection oven and the prep unit refrigerator doors.
Due to imminent health hazards observed during this inspection, the establishment was issued a Cease Operations Order and must discontinue food operations immediately. The establishment could not operate for a minimum of 48 hours. Inspected Sept. 13.

Big Moe's Halal Grill
5542 Chew Ave.
22 violations, 2 serious
There were cigarette butts on the floors in the restroom; 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; working bulk food ingredient storage containers were not labeled with the common name of the food; flies were found in the food prep, warewashing, basement, and trash areas; the commercial refrigerator was not maintaining food at the proper temperature; dirt and debris found on the basement steps; a bucket of stagnant wastewater was under the handwashing sink in the restroom; there were damaged floor tiles in the warewashing area; food employees were not wearing or wearing ineffective hair restraints, such as nets, hats, or beard restraints.
Due to imminent health hazards observed during this inspection, the establishment was issued a Cease Operations Order and must discontinue food operations immediately. The establishment could not operate for a minimum of 48 hours. Inspected Sept. 12.

Chinatown Food Market Inc.
143 N 11th St.
43 violations, 14 serious
Tongs were stored on top of rat traps in the prep area; cigarette butts were found in the prep area and employee bathroom; an ashtray was found in the rear storage area; containers of fish balls, crab sticks were stored uncovered in an open display freezer; there were several open containers of dried and salted foods throughout establishment; loose and chipped paint observed above open ice bath of fish; the hand sink in the employee restroom is damaged and unusable; the paper towel dispenser at the handwash sink in the prep area was empty; soap was not available at the handwash sink in the rear storage area; there were severely dented canned items in the retail area; some packaged fruit and black chicken, available for customer self-service, were not labeled; the garbage grinder was not functioning; the ceiling plugs in the walk-in cooler were not sealed.
Due to imminent health hazards observed during this inspection, the establishment was issued a Cease Operations Order and must discontinue food operations immediately. The establishment could not operate for a minimum of 48 hours. Inspected Sept. 12.

Ridge Gas and Food Mart
5650 Ridge Ave.
1 violation, 1 serious
The food safety certified person was not present.
Due to imminent health hazards observed during this inspection, the establishment was issued a Cease Operations Order and must discontinue food operations immediately. The establishment could not operate for a minimum of 48 hours.  Inspected Sept. 12.

John and Greis Grocery Store
2466 N Colorado St.
No violations
A clogged pipe in the basement caused a leak throughout the rear end of basement.
Due to conditions observed during the inspection, the establishment agreed to discontinue food operations and voluntarily close until it is approved by the Department to resume operations. Inspected Sept. 12.

Parmar Mohan / Lucky's Dragon Noodle / V03190/Roamer
3609 Spruce St.
7 violations, 5 serious
There was no hot water at handwash sink in the mobile food truck; cut peppers, broccoli and chicken in cold-hold unit were not held at proper temperatures; there was no ice found for cooling cold foods in the mobile food unit; the employees were not wearing or wearing ineffective hair restraints, such as nets, hats, or beard restraints; the food safety certified handler was not initially present; soap was not available at the handwash sink in the mobile food unit area.
Due to conditions observed during the inspection, the establishment agreed to discontinue food operations and voluntarily close until it is approved by the Department to resume operations. Inspected Sept. 12.

Applebee's Restaurant
215 S 15th St.
8 violations, 5 serious
Plumbing was backed up in several drains in the warewashing and kitchen areas; a container of tortilla chips was found without a lid and underneath the three-bay sink in the warewashing area; the bulk grease tank was leaking and with an accumulation of grease on the tank, floor, and walls' cutting boards in the downstairs food preparation area had deep scratches and scoring that did not allow for effective cleaning and sanitizing; cooked bone-in Buffalo wings were too hot and not held at the correct temperature; hot water temperature at several handwash sinks throughout the facility was not at required temperatures; the soap dispenser was not in working order.
Due to conditions observed during the inspection, the establishment agreed to discontinue food operations and voluntarily close until it is approved by the Department to resume operations. Inspected Sept. 11.

Island Supermarket
7290 Woodland Ave.
1 violation, 1 serious
The person in charge was not present.
Due to conditions observed during the inspection, the establishment agreed to discontinue food operations and voluntarily close until it is approved by the Department to resume operations. Inspected Sept. 11.

McDonald's
5601 Vine St.
1 violations, none serious
There was visible physical evidence of drain flies throughout establishment including in the beverage dispensing area, food prep area, and food storage area.
Due to imminent health hazards observed during this inspection, the establishment was issued a Cease Operations Order and must discontinue food operations immediately. The establishment could not operate for a minimum of 48 hours. Inspected Sept. 10.

Capital Beer
2661 E Cumberland St.
21 violations, 7 serious
There was a live roach in a food preparation sink; a dead roach was found on the pan for the meat grinder; mouse droppings were in the beer storage area; raw fish that was used to make sushi was not date marked; two children were sitting by a refrigerator at sushi area; a ice scoop was stored in stagnant water; there was grease accumulation on floor around grease trap; the food safety certified person was not initially present; food in the bottom compartment of cold hold unit was not covered; there were flies in dining area and food preparation area; there is no handwash reminding sign at handwash sink in the restroom; food in cold hold units was stored in tin cans.
Due to imminent health hazards observed during this inspection, the establishment was issued a Cease Operations Order and must discontinue food operations immediately. The establishment could not operate for a minimum of 48 hours.  Inspected Sept 10.

La Caribena Bakery
3447 N 2nd St.
15 violations, 4 serious
Mouse droppings and debris had accumulated along floor perimeters of food service area, food prep areas, warewashing and food storage areas; the slicer had food residue on the food contact surfaces and was not being washed, rinsed and sanitized at least every four hours; open baits rodenticides were not labeled by the manufacturer for food facility usage, were found under refrigeration units opened panels in front food service area; there were house flies in the food prep areas; mouse droppings were found along the floor perimeters of food service area, food prep areas, warewashing and restroom areas; a food safety certified handler was not present; food debris and ice accumulation were in reach-in freezers and chest freezer in rear food prep / storage area; paper towels were not available at the handwash sink in the restroom area.
Due to conditions observed during the inspection, the establishment agreed to discontinue food operations and voluntarily close until it is approved by the Department to resume operations. Inspected Sept. 10.

Billy Murphy's Irish Saloon
3333 Conrad St.
25 violations, 8 serious
A live mouse and mouse droppings were seen throughout the facility; flies were landing on whole potatoes in the storage area; a food employee was touching a sandwich roll with his bare hands; the fry cutter had debris on it; loose rodent bait packets were on the floor, in the corners, between equipment behind the bar area; food employees were not wearing or wearing ineffective hair restraints, such as nets, hats, or beard restraints; there was stagnant water inside of the refrigerator of the prep unit; the walk-in cooler floors had debris on them; there was pink slime and black residue under the splashguard on the basin used for handwashing behind the bar area; the food safety certified person was not initially present; the garbage grinder was improperly installed; there was a defective refrigerator in the food prep area; the handwash sink in the food prep area was blocked by a utensil holder with utensils, and not accessible at all times for employee use.
Due to imminent health hazards observed during this inspection, the establishment was issued a Cease Operations Order and must discontinue food operations immediately. The establishment could not operate for a minimum of 48 hours.  Inspected Sept. 7.

Lee's Palm Tree Market
4366 Cresson St.
21 violations, 7 serious
The food safety certified person was not present; flies were in the food prep area; prepackaged brownies, cut fruit, and fruit salads were not labeled properly with the name of product, ingredient statement, net weight, distributed by statement and/or nutritional facts; food was thawing at room temperature on the warewashing sink drainboard; there was uncovered bacon in the food prep area; soap was not available at the handwash sink; 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; brooms, mops, and dustpans were stored in a mop bucket and not elevated on a utility rack; there was dust and debris under equipment and shelving in the food prep area.
Due to conditions observed during the inspection, the establishment agreed to discontinue food operations and voluntarily close until it is approved by the Department to resume operations. Inspected Sept. 7.

The Stand
1844 W Hunting Park Ave.
16 violations, 6 serious
No hot water available at the handwash sinks in the food prep or toilet room areas; a food safety certified person was not present; the microwave in the food prep area was soiled with food debris; a bag of chicken was leaking in the refrigeration unit; paper towel dispensers were empty and soap was not available at the handwash sinks in the food prep and toilet room areas; dirt, debris and mouse droppings were found along floor perimeters in the basement area; potentially hazardous ready-to-eat food, prepared in the food facility located in the refrigeration unit, was not date marked; the utility sink in the basement area was not functioning/ plumbed; there was a grease can leaking in the basement area.
Due to conditions observed during the inspection, the establishment agreed to discontinue food operations and voluntarily close until it is approved by the Department to resume operations. Inspected Sept. 7.

Le Faso
2401 S 61st.
27 violations, 9 serious
Mouse feces and flies were in the food prep; there was no handwash sink conveniently located in the food prep area; the paper towel dispenser at the handwash sink in the toilet was empty; employee personal items were in the food storage area; chicken, rice and salad dressing were not held at the correct temperatures; the person in charge was not present; there was no garbage grinder found for the disposal of food waste; there was an an accumulation of grease on walls and ceiling in food prep area; the facility was preparing and packaging juices without a safety plan or alternatively providing a consumer advisory or warning label on the juice; there was no sign or poster posted at the handwash sink in the toilet area to remind food employees to wash their hands.
Due to imminent health hazards observed during this inspection, the establishment was issued a Cease Operations Order and must discontinue food operations immediately. The establishment could not operate for a minimum of 48 hours.  Inspected Sept. 7.

Mendoza Deli
322 W Ruscomb St.
18 violations, 6 serious
A cat, cat feces, and litter box were found in the facility; water was not provided at the handwash sink in the food prep area; there was visible physical evidence of insect activity; flies were found throughout the food prep area; the food prep sink with an indirect drain was not provided for proper rinsing of produce; the slicer had a heavy accumulation of old food residue on the food contact surfaces and was not being washed, rinsed and sanitized at least every four hours; employees were not wearing hair restraints, such as nets, hats, or beard restraints; the cutting boards had deep scratches and scoring that did not allowing for effective cleaning and sanitizing; there was heavy grease accumulation on the hood filters.
Due to imminent health hazards observed during this inspection, the establishment was issued a Cease Operations Order and must discontinue food operations immediately. The establishment could not operate for a minimum of 48 hours.  Inspected Sept. 6.

Starbucks Coffee Company
3400 Lancaster Ave.
3 violations, 1 serious
A food safety person was not present; a general cleaning of the prep counter and shelving units throughout was needed; the floor in the front prep area needed cleaning.
Due to conditions observed during the inspection, the establishment agreed to discontinue food operations and voluntarily close until it is approved by the Department to resume operations. Inspected Sept. 5.

RD Family Market Inc.
3423 Haverford Ave.
11 violations, 4 serious
The handwash sink in the food prep area was blocked by chemicals and not accessible at all times for employee use; chemical sanitizer was not being used on equipment and utensils after washing and rinsing them, and prior to use; physical evidence of rodent activity observed in the retail area; food was not stored at least six inches above the floor; large volume of flies were seen in food prep area; all shelving units needed cleaning; there were holes in the rear area ceilings.
Due to imminent health hazards observed during this inspection, the establishment was issued a Cease Operations Order and must discontinue food operations immediately. The establishment could not operate for a minimum of 48 hours.  Inspected Sept. 5.

Half Moon Lounge
4228 Lancaster Ave.
1 violation, 1 serious
The food safety certified person was not present.
Due to imminent health hazards observed during this inspection, the establishment was issued a Cease Operations Order and must discontinue food operations immediately. The establishment could not operate for a minimum of 48 hours. Inspected Sept. 5.

Bill's Family Pizza
8200 Frankford Ave.
9 violations, 2 serious
Mouse feces was found on the basement floor corners; there were small live cockroaches in the basement storage area and restroom area; multiple flies were in the food preparation/warewashing area and near walk-in cooler; several potentially hazardous ready-to-eat foods including deli meats and cheeses, prepared in the food facility and held for more than 48 hours, located in the walk-in cooler, were not date marked; ice build-up was found in multiple reach-in freezer units; open bait was found on the floor in small containers in several areas including the food preparation area and rear area.
Due to imminent health hazards observed during this inspection, the establishment was issued a Cease Operations Order and must discontinue food operations immediately. The establishment could not operate for a minimum of 48 hours. Inspected Sept. 5.

A&D Food Market
6202 Elmwood Ave.
24 violations, 9 serious
Mouse feces were found on cardboard shelf liners and box of Sunny D in walk-in cooler; cat feces were found under rear three-basin sink; there was moldy cheese, tomatoes, and orange juice jug; bloated bacon and cheese packages; melted blocks of cheese; expired, unpackaged baby food in retail area; employees seen donning single use gloves without a prior hand wash; flies were seen on uncovered rolls; food, including chicken, tomatoes and bacon, was not held at proper temperatures; the deli case and open display case were not keeping proper temperature; the inspection revealed a change of ownership; alteration or construction began prior to plan submission and approval.
Due to imminent health hazards observed during this inspection, the establishment was issued a Cease Operations Order and must discontinue food operations immediately. The establishment could not operate for a minimum of 48 hours.  Inspected Sept. 5.

Bustleton Grocery
8035 Bustleton Ave.
5 violations, 4 serious
Deli meats were discolored and with slimy packaging; cut onions were stored inside bain-marie and were discolored and had a slimy consistency; there was no chemical sanitizer being used on equipment and utensils after washing and rinsing them, and prior to use; opened commercially processed ready-to-eat food, including deli meats and cheeses, located in the deli display case, and held more than 48 hours, were not marked with the dates they were opened; the freezer unit was in need of defrosting; a person in charge was not present.
Due to conditions observed during the inspection, the establishment agreed to discontinue food operations and voluntarily close until it is approved by the Department to resume operations. Inspected Sept. 4.

McDonald's
5601 Vine St.
10 violations, 2 serious
The rear drain behind smoothie machine was backed up with waste water; there were flies and drain flies throughout establishment; flies were on food items and containers; cell phones were stored on food contact surfaces; an employee's open beverage container was found in a food preparation area; a general cleaning was needed of all equipment due to grease buildup; a general cleaning and degreasing was needed on the floor/wall perimeters of the kitchen; the floor behind equipment and along perimeters throughout the food prep and storage areas needed cleaning.
Due to imminent health hazards observed during this inspection, the establishment was issued a Cease Operations Order and must discontinue food operations immediately. The establishment could not operate for a minimum of 48 hours. Inspected Sept. 4.

Save A Lot #253
3901 M ST 19124
9 violations, 2 serious
There was mold on the prepackaged corn on the cob was in the produce area; dead flies were found inside cold holding units in the rear of the retail area; flies were landing on cutting board and produce weight in the rear warewashing area; walls inside of the walk-in units were in need of repair; food and debris were on the floor of all walk-in units; the floor underneath shelves in the rear storage and retail areas needed cleaning; puddled stagnant water was found on the floor in the meat packing room.
Due to conditions observed during the inspection, the establishment agreed to discontinue food operations and voluntarily close until it is approved by the Department to resume operations. Inspected Sept. 2.

Sabor Centroamericano/LA Fogota
5201 N 2nd St.
30 violations, 6 serious
Food contact surfaces throughout facility were contaminated with old grease, food debris and flies; the faucet at the hand washing sink next to the three-basin sink was broken; food in the walk-in freezer was not stored covered or wrapped; raw meat in the walk-in refrigerator was stored over produce; multi-use utensils and food storage containers were not properly cleaned prior to use or storage; old food debris, grease and dirt were found on items; all shelving; storage containers; floors, walls and ceilings of all walk-in units, exterior of floor mixer, the rear of microwave and equipment were heavily soiled; there was a heavy accumulation of grease, food debris and dirt covering the gas stoves, ovens, pots and pans; hot water was not provided at the hand washing sink in the food prep area next to the three-basin sink; condensation from inside of the walk-in refrigerator was draining into two large buckets.
Due to imminent health hazards observed during this inspection, the establishment was issued a Cease Operations Order and must discontinue food operations immediately. The establishment could not operate for a minimum of 48 hours. Inspected Sept 2.

Papa Joe's Pizza
7204 Ogontz Ave.
19 violations, 3 serious
Pizza dough storage containers were heavily soiled with old grease; Food including eggs and tomatoes were not held at the correct temperatures; the food safety certified person has allowed unacceptable health code violations to exist; there was physical evidence of a German roaches infestation found in the large deep freezer in the basement; doors on the chest freezers were damaged and not in good repair; the cold hold food prep unit was supported by a plastic crate; a puddle of stagnant water was found on the floor in the basement; old food spatters, dirt and roach feces were on the walls of the food prep area and near restroom; a harborage of equipment and supplies was observed in the basement storage area.
Due to imminent health hazards observed during this inspection, the establishment was issued a Cease Operations Order and must discontinue food operations immediately. The establishment could not operate for a minimum of 48 hours.  Inspected Sept. 1.

Hong Kong Supermarket (aka Farmer's Best)
5675 Rising Sun Ave.
21 violations, 3 serious
The food safety certified person has allowed unacceptable health code violations to exist at the facility; flies, vermin feces and live mouse was found during the inspection; fish in the walk-in freezer was unwrapped and had freezer burn; the fish storage bins were soiled with old food debris; defective door handles were found for various walk-in coolers throughout facility; there were gaps, holes and rust on shelving, refrigeration equipment, exterior and interior surfaces in the walk-in boxes; the food prep equipment and utensils are unable to be properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized due to the lack of sink stoppers; sinks with attached stoppers were not holding water; there was heavy grease accumulation on the interior and exterior of cooking equipment in the kitchen; stagnant water puddles and old food debris were found along the floor perimeter inside walk-in refrigeration units; mold was growing on all pipes feeding water into fish tanks; there was heavy ice accumulation hanging from sprinklers inside walk-in freezer and onto floor and boxes of food.
Due to imminent health hazards observed during this inspection, the establishment was issued a Cease Operations Order and must discontinue food operations immediately. The establishment could not operate for a minimum of 48 hours.  Inspected Sept 1.