Pink slime, fresh mouse droppings, live baby roaches close Philly eateries

Philadelphia Department of Public Health inspectors braved pink slime, gnawed packages of food, mountains of mouse droppings, greasy grills, and other imminent health hazards in their quest to keep eateries clean for patrons.

Between Aug. 5 and Aug. 18, 19 restaurants and markets were closed temporarily or voluntarily agreed to close to correct violations.

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

Walgreens #7027
7001 Frankford Ave.
7 violations, 1 serious
There were gnawed packages of food and dark mouse feces in Aisle 6 and 7 near the Quaker granola and Nutrigrain bars; a package of Jack Links dried-meat products and Nice Magic trail mix were also gnawed and removed from sale; mouse feces found on the pet food shelves and in the back room by the Ramen noodle storage and by the Pampers and Huggies; cleaning needed in the contaminated areas.
Due to imminent health hazards observed during this inspection, the establishment was issued a Cease Operations Order and discontinued food operations immediately. The establishment could not operate for a minimum of 48 hours. Inspected Aug. 30.

Royu Mini Market
3878 Glendale St.
11 violations, 4 serious
Potentially hazardous ready-to-eat food, such as deli meat and cheese, were prepared/opened in the food facility and held for more than 48 hours in the deli case, and not date-marked; utensils were observed being stored in stagnant water in between use; surfaces in the restroom are not in good repair; damaged floor tiles were observed in the retail area; a food-safety-certified person was not present at time of inspection.
Due to conditions observed during the inspection, the establishment agreed to discontinue food operations and to voluntarily close until approved by the department to resume operations. Inspected Aug. 31.

Hyon Seafood
5600 Spruce St.
12 violations, 6 serious
Dead mice were found in the basement, mouse droppings were found throughout the facility including on single-use utensils, on the food-prep table, on a table with microwave and security-camera system, in the gaskets of deep freezer and on the toilet room floor; live flies observed flying into container with bread crumbs; raw fish was observed defrosting in the wash compartment of the ware-washing sinks; food items including shrimp, chicken, and seafood cakes were found uncovered in the chest freezer.
Due to conditions observed during the inspection, the establishment agreed to discontinue food operations and to voluntarily close until approved by the department to resume operations. Inspected Aug. 31.

Lid's Cafe Society
2243 Tasker St.
12 violations; 5 serious
Employees were seen touching with their bare hands ready-to-eat food and ice for use in drinks; black residue and pink slime were found on the interior of the ice machine bin; there were fruit and house flies throughout the facility; mouse droppings were found behind the service area; the cold-holding unit in the bar area was in bad repair; the interior of the refrigeration units were rusty and dirty; there was no toilet tissue in the restrooms; all floors and other surfaces throughout the facility and the basement area needed to be thoroughly cleaned.
Due to imminent health hazards observed during this inspection, the establishment was issued a Cease Operations Order, and it discontinued food operations immediately. The establishment could not operate for a minimum of 48 hours. Inspected Aug. 28.

Lee's Food Cart
2400 Kensington Ave.
8 violations, 2 serious
Mouse droppings were found in the storage and retail areas, shelves, and floor; the facility does not have a food-preparation sink; the display case does not maintain food at the required temperature; food was not kept at proper temperatures.
Due to conditions observed during the inspection, the establishment agreed to discontinue food operations and to voluntarily close until approved by the department to resume operations. Inspected Aug. 28.

Family Dollar Store #6929
6555 Greene St.
12 violations, 3 serious
There was visible evidence of rodent activity, including several gnawed packages of snacks found on the retail shelf and in a display box, and droppings in the retail and rear storage areas and behind the Coca Cola refrigerator; hand sanitizers were stored above or on the same shelf with food snack items; flies were in the toilet room; the employee break area in the rear had food debris on surfaces.
Due to imminent health hazards observed during this inspection, the establishment was issued a Cease Operations Order, and it discontinued food operations immediately. Inspected Aug. 25.

Sunshine
5228 Market St.
14 violations, 5 serious
Floor cleaning needed where mouse droppings, dead flies, and food debris were found; the hand-wash sink in the food-prep area was blocked by boxes and not accessible at all times for employee use; packages of raw chicken was being thawed using an unapproved method; food found thawing in standing water; water observed dripping from the display case onto the meats, and meats were covered during the inspection; multiple house flies and drain flies were found in the food-prep/storage areas; fresh mouse droppings found on the floor in the rear storage area and retail area; multiple insect-control devices found in the food area with potential to contaminate food, equipment, and/or utensils.
Due to imminent health hazards observed during this inspection, the establishment was issued a Cease Operations Order, and it discontinued food operations immediately. The establishment could not operate for a minimum of 48 hours. Inspected Aug. 24.

Spring Chinese Restaurant
3905 Kensington Ave.
16 violations, 5 serious
Flies were observed landing on cooked chicken and throughout the facility; uncovered, exposed food was observed throughout the facility; raw chicken and fish were stored above cooked egg rolls in the walk-in cooler; mouse droppings were found in the storage closet and on bottom shelves in the food-preparation area; live roaches were found in the rear storage closet.
Due to imminent health hazards observed during this inspection, the establishment was issued a Cease Operations Order, and it discontinued food operations immediately. The establishment could not operate for a minimum of 48 hours. Inspected Aug. 24.

Elaine & Paul Deli
1627 S. Second St.
13 violations, 5 serious
Mouse droppings observed on food, food-equipment storage shelves, and floors in the retail area; flies observed throughout the facility; dead flies found on food-storage shelves in the retail area; cold-holding units in the retail area were not working; refrigeration units in the retail area are in bad repair; food and food-equipment storage shelves, interior/exterior of cold-holding units, interior/exterior of ware-washing sinks and hand sink, and all the walls in the facility were not clean to sight and touch.
Due to conditions observed during the inspection, the establishment agreed to discontinue food operations and to voluntarily close until approved by the department to resume operations. Inspected Aug. 23.

Little Negril Caribbean Restaurant
627 South St.
11 violations, 1 serious
Live roach found in front sales area; rat droppings seen on floor and food containers in the ice machine area; flies seen in kitchen area; mouse droppings found on the floor in the seating area; no hot water found during time of inspection; floors were not clean to sight and touch.
Due to imminent health hazards observed during this inspection, the establishment was issued a Cease Operations Order, and it discontinued food operations immediately. The establishment could not operate for a minimum of 48 hours. Inspected Aug. 23.

Lenny Mini Market
1621 E Chelten Ave.
20 violations, 4 serious
Live roaches, including five baby roaches, were found nesting in a sandwich paper roll on the table next to the slicer; live roaches were seen crawling on the exterior door; dead roaches were found on the interior door of the refrigerator; deli meats and cheeses, opened commercially processed ready-to-eat food, located in the display case and prep area, were held more than 48 hours and were not marked with the date they were opened; there was excess dust, debris, old cat food cans, and pooled water on the basement floors, and severe water damage to the ceiling, walls, and floors of the facility.
Due to imminent health hazards observed during this inspection, the establishment was issued a Cease Operations Order, and it discontinued food operations immediately. The establishment could not operate for a minimum of 48 hours. Inspected Aug. 22.

New Third World Bar(n)
4901 Catharine St.
29 violations, 9 serious
Visible evidence of insect-contaminated foods in the coolers; cockroaches were found on paper towels at the upstairs prep-area hand-wash sink, and on plates and prep surfaces; raw bacon was observed stored above ready-to-eat food in the cooler; shellfish was not stored at proper temperatures; mouse feces found in prep area; coolers were not keeping proper temperature; hood found without filters; upstairs toilet room was out of order. 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 it discontinued food operations immediately. The establishment could not operate for a minimum of 48 hours. Inspected Aug. 22.

Little Spot II
413 E Penn St.
6 violations, 4 serious
There was a large infestation of flies throughout the establishment; no hot water at the three basin sinks in kitchen; food-certified person not present at start of inspection; no access to basement at time of inspection.
Due to imminent health hazards observed during this inspection, the establishment was issued a Cease Operations Order, and it discontinued food operations immediately. The establishment could not operate for a minimum of 48 hours. Inspected Aug. 22.

New Hepps Laundromat
1920 E Chelten Ave.
8 violations, 2 serious
Unapproved appliances and sink; cracked/damaged floor tiles in rear prep area and near the toilet room; front door observed open, not protecting against the entry of insects, rodents, and other animals; dust buildup on the retail shelves near the register; a food-safety-certified person was not present during the time of inspection; hot water did not reach the required temperature.
Due to conditions observed during the inspection, the establishment agreed to discontinue food operations and to voluntarily close and cease all food operation, including the sale of prepackaged foods, until approved by the department to resume operations. Inspected Aug. 22.

Little Lilies Childcare
5459 Kingsessing Ave.
5 violations, 4 serious
Day care was operating without hot water at hand-wash sinks; there were two gallons of expired milk in the refrigerator; spray bottle is not labeled with name of cleaner; floor tiles in bathroom are beginning to break.
Due to conditions observed during the inspection, the establishment agreed to discontinue food operations and to voluntarily close until approved by the department to resume operations. Hot water must be restored prior to reopening. Reopening without Health Department approval will result in a Cease Operations order. Inspected Aug. 22.

Merrigan, William/Merrigan Enterprises, L.L.C. / John's Lunch Cart / 003185
3300 South St.
6 violations, 5 serious
No hot water available; heavy accumulation of grease observed on the exhaust fans; excessive amount of grease from grill was contaminating the sink; food employee did not follow proper handwashing procedures.
Due to conditions observed during the inspection, the establishment agreed to discontinue food operations and to voluntarily close until approved by the department to resume operations. Inspected Aug. 22.

Crown Fried Chicken
5818 Woodland Ave.
18 violations, 3 serious
Fly tape found hanging over food-preparation table; flies were on the cutting board and throughout the establishment; mice feces found on chairs stored in the employee toilet room; food, including a box of ice cream cones, was not covered in the deep freezer; the front door was found opened during time of inspection; the rear door did not prevent the entrance of vermin; an unapproved microwave was in the food-preparation area; there was debris found on walls in the customer toilet room; there were damaged ceiling tiles observed in the employee toilet room; debris was found on floors in the storage area, ware-washing area, and food preparation area.
Due to imminent health hazards observed during this inspection, the establishment was issued a Cease Operations Order, and it discontinued food operations immediately. The establishment could not operate for a minimum of 48 hours. Inspected Aug. 22.

TD Beer & Chinese Food
5500 Torresdale Ave.
9 violations, 2 serious
A cat was found in the basement; uncovered, exposed food was found at the bottom of prep-station unit; interior surfaces of freezers were in need of cleaning; there was an accumulation of grease and static dust found on the exhaust-hood filters; the basement needed to be cleaned; a food-safety-certified person was not present at time of inspection.
Due to conditions observed during the inspection, the establishment agreed to discontinue food operations and to voluntarily close until approved by the department to resume operations. Inspected Aug. 21.

A's Pizza
7100 Edmund St.
18 violations, 6 serious
Numerous live flies were found in the basement restroom, prep, and ware-washing area, landing on walls and equipment; bidet and toilet need cleaning; old mouse feces and mouse carcass observed in the trash storage area; restroom floor needs cleaning; the person in charge did not assure that a certified food handler was present at all times of food-handling/operations.
Ownership Change application was previously received by EHS/Central Office. Due to imminent health hazards observed during this inspection, the establishment was issued a Cease Operations Order, and it discontinued food operations immediately. The establishment could not operate for a minimum of 48 hours. Inspected Aug. 21.

Eateries scheduled for hearing in the Court of Common Pleas on Aug 31: JD McGillicuddy's Pub, 111 COTTON ST.; Family Dollar Store #6929, 6555 GREENE ST.; Chattime Hand Drawn Noodle & Japanese Cuisine 3608, CHESTNUT ST.; Hai Street Kitchen & Co, 125 S 40TH ST.; Kabobeesh, 4201 CHESTNUT ST.; Saba Live Poultry, 162 W LEHIGH AVE UNIT B.; Media (Edenis) Grocery, 1501 N 57TH ST.; Major's Market, 4207 RIDGE AVE.; Fino's Pizzeria, 6784 GERMANTOWN AVE.; Dayvi Food Market, 1738 W OXFORD ST.; Papi Deli Grocery, 839 N 20TH ST.; Quality Donuts, 101 W CHELTEN AVE.

Eateries scheduled for hearing in the Court of Common Pleas on Sept. 12:  Hibachi Grill & Supreme Buffet., 2051 COTTMAN AVE.; Winthrop & Valentine Bar & Grill, 99 S 17TH ST.; Beijing Garden Li L.L.C., 5911 RIDGE AVE.; Trolley Car Diner, 7619 GERMANTOWN AVE.; McMenamin's Tavern, 7170 GERMANTOWN AVE.; New Hepps Laundromat, 1920 E CHELTEN AVE.; Kids 'R' Special Day Care Center, 2100 BOLTON ST.