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Wawa, McDonald's among latest restaurant closures by health department

Moldy Wawa cappuccino machines, live mice in glue trap and employees who don't wash hands were some of the violations found by health inspectors.

Clean Plates
Clean PlatesRead moreStaff

Twenty-three restaurants and markets were closed temporarily by the Philadelphia Department of Public Health between Sept. 16 and Friday.

Health inspectors cited a Wawa's moldy cappuccino machine, caught a McDonald's employee not washing hands after nose-picking, and found live mice stuck in a glue trap in the basement of a food market.

The 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:

McDonald's #02444
2400 OREGON AVE
15 violations 8 serious
An employee was observed picking the nose and returning to food preparation without washing hands; an employee was drinking and eating food in the food preparation area and despite repeated warnings did not desist from the practice; an employee was smoking less than 10 feet from the main entrance door; food was held at 70 degrees rather than 41 degrees; there was an open sewage line in the female toilet room area where the floor has been dug up and pipes are collapsed. Sewage smell was present inside facility though suppressed by some chemicals; visible physical evidence of insect activity observed throughout the facility; black residue, pink slime observed on the interior of the ice machine bin; interior of walk-in cooler and freezer in need of 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 on Oct. 6.

Neets Bar
5127 MARKET ST 19139
14 violations, 5 serious
Visible physical evidence of rodent/insect activity found in the bar and kitchen area; slime found on the soda guns and gun holders at the bar; the food facility does not have a handwash sink conveniently located in the kitchen area; cleaning needed of all food containers in kitchen, due to food debris and crumbs; ready-to-eat food, prepared in the food facility and held for more than 48 hours, was found without date marks in the refrigerator; hood not operable in kitchen.
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 Oct. 5.

Villari Brothers Bakery
2134 S 10TH ST
12 violations, 6 serious
Mouse feces observed along floors in the basement area, the toilet area, in the basement, in the customer area between the window sill and the display case, and on floors in the prep area behind dough mixer, prep table, and radiator near the handwashing sink; flies found in the food preparation area; an employee was seen handling mini pizza and bread with their bare hands; the facility lacks a dedicated handwash sink.
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.

10 Brothers Food Market Corp. 
1801 W Venango St.
22 violations, 11 serious
Live mice and roaches found on glueboards in the retail and basement areas; mouse droppings observed on the shelving, plastic crates, and retail items in the retail area; frozen and raw food items observed uncovered in the chest freezer, reach-in freezer, refrigerator, and water ice chest freezer; the facility does not have a handwash sink conveniently located in the retail area where water ice is prepared; the person in charge was not able to provide documentation that individual water ice cups were from an approved source; wastewater from the warewashing sink observed leaking from the sewer pipe in the basement; interior cavities of the microwave oven observed with food debris.
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 on Sept. 28.

Fiore Steak & Shake
2072 E Huntingdon St.
6 violations 1 serious
The food safety certified person was not present; food storage containers were not labeled with common names of the food; the backdoor was kept open; black trash bags are used for food storage; the chest freezer and drain rack above three bay sink were not approved; the handwash sink faucet was leaking. Water condensation from air conditioners was drained to handwash sink.
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 on Sept. 28.

Charlie's Little Spot
1945 Stenton Ave.
14 violations, 2 serious
Flies were found in the bar area and men's room and mouse droppings were seen along the floor perimeters near the pool table; mold and mildew found on the interior of the ice machine and inside the igloo coolers where the beers are stored; heavy accumulation of dirt, dust, old mouse feces found along the floor perimeters throughout the facility; person in control of premises has not posted "No Smoking" signs or the appropriate warning signs regarding the dangers of consuming alcoholic beverages during pregnancy.
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 Sept. 28.

Hibachi Grill & Supreme Buffet
2051 Cottman Ave.
6 violations 4 serious
Food including chicken nuggets, various cut melons were being held at inappropriate temperatures; small flies were seen surrounding and on fruit at cold fruit buffet area; a pipe was leaking at dishwasher under disposal sink area; an employee's open beverage container was found in a food preparation area stored on top of dishwasher.
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 Sept. 27.

1st Oriental Market III
2842 Saint Vincent
9 violations, 1 serious
Live flies were seen landing on cutting boards in meat, seafood and produce prep areas and around large ice machine; spiders observed on overhead light fixture in seafood prep area; food/meat particles were seen in the ceiling fixture above meat bandsaw; excess liquid on floor inside seafood walk-in cooler; blood/juices from beef found on the floor of the walk-in cooler; multiple large used cooking oil containers stored outside require proper removal.
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 on Sept. 27.

Cafeteria & Panaderia Las Rosas
1712 S 8th St.
11 violations, 2 serious
Active fly infestation seen in the basement, first floor food preparation and sales areas. House and fruit flies observed sitting on ready to eat food; fresh mouse droppings observed at perimeter of floors in the basement area; food prep in the basement area was not approved, tongs observed with handles in direct contact with bread; employees observed not wearing gloves; employees drinking a cup of tea in food preparation area; rear exit door without screens found wide open; No sign or poster posted at the handwash sink in the sales area to remind food employees to wash their hands; the handwash sink in the basement area was blocked by 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 discontinued food operations immediately. The establishment could not operate for a minimum of 48 hours. Inspected Sept. 26.

Aladdin Market
6247 Elmwood Ave.
31 violations, 11 serious
Dead flies observed on prep area surfaces; slicer has an accumulation of food residue on the food contact surfaces and is not being washed, rinsed and sanitized at least every four hours; flies seen on the slicer; old food residue found in the handwash sink; no hot water available at the prep handwash sink; broken floor tiles, bare wood flooring observed; insect feces on walls; cat seen being fed in rear fenced yard, with access to facility through open door; cat litter box observed in basement; toilet needs cleaning.
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 Sept 26.

J B Delicatessen Grocery LLC 1
3119 N 29th St.
19 violations, 10 serious
Whole moldy tomatoes found in the display case; flies found throughout the facility; expired baby food items observed in retail area; employee medicines stored in food prep area, and were not stored to prevent the contamination of food, equipment or utensils; static dust observed on vent covers in the toilet room; food safety certified person is not monitoring temperatures of food and equipment; food not held at required temperatures; slicer had an accumulation of food residue on the food contact surfaces and is not being washed, rinsed and sanitized at least every four hours.
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 on Sept. 25.

Wawa No. 207
1300 E Erie Ave.
4 violations, 1 serious
Mold found in the cappuccino machine at time of inspection; food flies observed throughout the facility; there was a hole in the ceiling around utility lines in the rear area; dust and food debris observed under the equipments in the front and rear storage area.
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 Sept. 25.

Ha Ha Market
5035 N Broad St.
10 violations, none serious
Mouse droppings observed on the floor in the retail area; food is not stored at least six inches above the floor; green sticky substance observed on the chest freezer in the retail area; heavy dirt accumulation observed on the containers where fish is stored in the walk-in box; Water condensation line draining onto the floor in the walk-in refrigerator.
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. 25.

Simon's Kosher Meat
6926 Bustleton Ave.
11 violations, 3 serious
Large accumulation of mouse feces observed on floor in first floor walk-in box; food not protected from contamination; Numerous ootheca (roach egg cases) observed on basement walls and chest freezer lid; live German roaches of all stages found on the floors and walls and inside takeout containers; basement window not properly screened to prevent pest entrance; visible physical evidence of mouse activity observed in the food prep and storage areas; slicer has an accumulation of food residue on the food contact surfaces and is not being washed, rinsed and sanitized at least every 4 hours.
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 Sept. 24.

TakeOver
3348 Germantown Ave.
32 violations, 9 serious
Basement access not provided. Hooka smoking equipment observed; heavy fly infestation inside kitchen prep area; food not protected from contamination; visible physical evidence of rat, fly, and roach activity found in the bar and kitchen areas; unauthorized persons observed hanging inside kitchen; fly strip observed hanging inside kitchen; food employees observed not wearing or wearing ineffective hair restraints, such as nets, hats, or beard restraints; food not held at required temperatures.
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 Sept. 24.

Primo's Grocery
1701 W Tioga St.
29 violations, 10 serious
Live baby roaches observed on glueboards in the retail area; visible physical evidence of mouse droppings, flies and live roaches found in the retail, food prep, and rear storage areas; food not held at required temperatures; dust, dirt and other debris observed along the floor perimeters throughout the facility; exterior surfaces of cooking equipment observed heavily soiled with grease; employees did not follow proper handwash procedures; employees did not wash hands between changing tasks; the handwash sink in the food prep area was blocked by a rag and bucket and not accessible at all times for employee use; expired baby food and hot dogs observed in the retail area and display case.
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 Sept. 22.

Sunoco A-Plus
2102 S 17th St.
11 violations; 3 serious
No hot water observed at restroom hand sink or the three basin sink; Food facility lacks sanitizer test strips to monitor sanitizer concentration; no sink stoppers at three basin sink; the person in charge did not demonstrate adequate knowledge of the PA Food Code.
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. 21.

RD Family Market Inc
3423 Haverford Ave.
6 violations, 2 serious
Insect activity found in the food prep area and the toilet room, one roach found on the deli slicer; dead roaches observed on floor perimeter, house flies found in the food prep area; moldy onions were on the retail shelf; a bottle of bug spray was in the handsink; expired baby food was found on retail shelves; milk crates being were used to store onions and potatoes.
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 on Sept. 21.

The Hut Bar
6718 Greenway Ave.
17 violations, 6 serious
Live roaches were found under a refrigerator at the bar, the three basin sink, on the prep table in the prep room, on the bar near the gaming computer; several live roaches of all life stages seen behind the Pepsi refrigerator in the kitchen; raw shellfish was being stored on a shelf over ready to eat foods; black residue, and pink slime observed on the interior of the ice machine bin around top chute; moldy build-up was observed inside soda guns; loose rodent bait observed in bar area behind HVAC unit, under refrigerator; mechanical exhaust hood and filters had an accumulation of grease and dust; an unapproved BBQ grill was found in the closet.
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 Sept. 20.

Plaza Pizza
337 Spring Garden St.
26 violations, 10 serious
House flies, fruit flies and mouse droppings are observed in the food preparation and storage areas; mouse droppings found on the food preparation tables; dust accumulation and grease found on storage shelves; grease accumulation found on and between equipment; walk in cooler surface was not clean; food debris and grease accumulation found in and on tape holders; black residue and dust accumulation found in cold hold unit; food not held at required temperatures; salad, cakes and opened commercially processed ready-to-eat foods that were held for more than 48 hours, were not date marked; an employee was seen touching ready-to-eat food with his bare hands; the faucet spout of handwash sink was missing and the handwash sink was blocked.
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 on Sept. 20.

Woodland Produce Garden
6409 Woodland Ave.
1 violation, 1 serious
A food safety certified person was not preset at beginning of inspection. A food safety certified person is required to be present at all times of operation. This is a repeat violation.
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. 20.

American & European Food LLC V-03066
33 N 33rd. St.
1 violation, 1 serious
Food safety person 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. 18.

Mill Creek Tavern
4202 Chester Ave.
14 violations, 8 serious
Soda gun holsters have an accumulation of mold; build up of mold observed inside the ice machine; dried food was seen on deli slicer and potato slicer; chicken wings seen thawing at room temperature; the floor and shelves at the main bar need cleaning; dead American "Water Bug" seen on glue trap; too much clutter is present, floor and walls of walk-in units are in need of cleaning; extra cleaning is needed in the area around the deep fryer and stove. Grease and food debris seen on floor; general cleaning needed at the Track n' Turf bar; a food safety certified person was not present at beginning of inspection
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 on Sept. 18.

Eateries scheduled for hearing in the Court of Common Pleas on Oct. 17.
Major's Market, 4207 Ridge Ave.; Happy Day Food Market, 6000 Vine St.; 1st Oriental Market III, 2842 Saint Vincent.
Eateries scheduled for hearing in the Court of Common Pleas on Oct. 12.
Saba Live Poultry, 162 W Lehigh Ave. Unit B; Hickory Lane American Bistro, 2025 Fairmount Ave.; Germantown Cricket Club, 411 W Manheim St.; Beijing Garden Li LLC, 5911 Ridge Ave.

Eateries scheduled for hearing in the Court of Common Pleas on Oct. 10.
Falls Taproom, 3749 Midvale Ave 19129; Maple Star Xu, 1521 Cecil B. Moore Ave.; Brunic's, 2000 S 17th St.; Copa Banana, 4000 Spruce St.; Bellini Grill, 220 S 16th St.; Philly Soft Pretzel Factory, 3734 Spruce St.; New Dragon Star Chinese Restaurant, 1128 W Loudon St.; W & M Deli Grocery, 3300 N Mutter St.; Haverford Mini Market Inc., 5450 Haverford Ave.

Eateries scheduled for hearing in the Court of Common Pleas on Oct. 6.
Family Dollar Store #7350, 4701 W Girard Ave.

Eateries scheduled for hearing in the Court of Common Pleas on Sept 29.
Jenaliz Food Market, 2024 S 68th St.
Eateries scheduled for hearing in the Court of Common Pleas on Sept 28.
Los Vargas Mini Market, 4171 N Fairhill St.; 2017-09-22 Hickory Lane American Bistro, 2025 Fairmount Ave.; Tejada Grocery 1 2400 W Allegheny Ave.; B.B.Q. Town, 7711 Ogontz Ave.
Eateries scheduled for hearing in the Court of Common Pleas on Sept 26.
The Hut Bar, 6718 Greenway Ave.; Four Points By Sheraton Philadelphia Airport, 4101 Island Ave.