On May 1, health inspections conducted unveiled violations of the food code at various restaurants in Philadelphia. Two restaurants among them were found to be not in satisfactory compliance with the food safety regulations. These restaurants will face reinspections, which will ensure compliance.
Please note that the results mentioned here are from inspections conducted on May 1 and may not represent the future health inspection status of the food establishments.
Highlights
- Two Philadelphia restaurants were found to be non-compliant with the food code on May 1, as several violations were reported.
- Unsanitary conditions, improper food storage, and problems with the ice machines were among the common issues found at the restaurants.
- Both restaurants will have to take corrective actions to fix the issues and face reinspections.
Two Restaurants Revealed to Be In Unsatisfactory Compliance
The Philadelphia Department of Public Health‘s Office of Food Protection reported various violations of the food code at the establishments. Respective teams at the restaurants will have to address the violations, failing which their health licenses may be revoked.
Baguette
- Where: 4046 Woodhaven Rd, Philadelphia, PA 19154
- When: May 1, 2025
Baguette is a family-owned restaurant that serves Vietnamese-Mexican fusion food. Diners can enjoy tacos and noodles along with Bahn Mi, sandwiches, and other dishes at this restaurant.
Health inspectors who visited Baguette reported five risk factors/intervention violations, along with others. The inspection at the establishment took place between 10:35 AM and 12:15 PM.
Food Safety Violations Reported at Baguette
The certified food safety person was absent when the restaurant opened, the report said. Raw meat was seen stored above ready-to-eat food in the walk-in cooler. A non-commercial (non-NSF) chest freezer was in use, marking another violation.
It was noted that old food was found in the handwashing sink. Old food residue was seen in the 3-compartment sink as well. The 3-compartment bay sink was seen being used to prep the food.
It was reported that the Ice machine had black residue and pink slime inside. Furthermore, the slicer was dirty and not being cleaned every 4 hours as required. The report noted that the cutting boards were deeply scratched and couldn’t be properly cleaned.
Food was stored directly on the floor instead of at least 6 inches above it. Containers without handles were being used to scoop bulk food, it was noted.
There were signs of rodents and flies found in several areas of the restaurant. There was debris on the floors, especially in the corners of the premises, as per the inspection report.
Good Morning Breakfast One
- Where: 1408 Point Breeze Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19146
- When: May 1, 2025
As the name suggests, Good Morning Breakfast One specializes in serving breakfast favorites like omelets and toast. The restaurant also offers smoothies and homemade juices for their customers to start their mornings.
Good Morning Breakfast One was inspected between 10:40 AM and 2:15 PM. In the inspection, the restaurant was reported to have eight risk factors and public health intervention violations.
Food Safety Violations Reported at Good Morning Breakfast One
An employee was seen not washing hands between tasks, marking the first violation. The report said that raw meat was stored above ready-to-eat food in a fridge. Cheese and eggs were stored at higher than the allowed temperatures; some were thrown away. Cheese was seen stored directly in a container with eggs.
It was also noted that uncovered sugar and French toast batter were left out. Inspectors noted that hazardous foods were left out using “time” control but without proper labeling. There were crates that were being used to elevate food in the walk-in cooler.
The report said that the slicer was dirty even after being washed. Additionally, the sanitizer in the 3-compartment sink was too weak. Insecticides not approved for food areas were seen stored in the prep area. The report noted that some chemical containers weren’t labeled properly.
There were no thermometers in some fridges and none to check food temperatures, inspectors pointed out. The front door did not close properly, letting in pests. Bowls without handles were being used to scoop bulk food; scoops in the sugar had handles inside the food. Single-use jugs were reused to make drinks.
Styrofoam cups and containers were being stored in a way that could contaminate food contact surfaces. Some fridges were seen holding food or drinks above safe temperatures.
Equipment like a waffle maker, blender, and racks weren’t commercial-grade, the report said. Furthermore, grease under the grill, dust on the fan, debris on the racks, old mouse droppings, and dirty sink basins were reported.
Issues with maintenance were also observed. The ceiling tiles in the prep and warewashing areas were unapproved. The basement steps were damaged, and the basement could not be inspected, the report said. There was no visible backflow prevention on the ice machine, and the backflow prevention machine could not be checked as the basement was inaccessible.
The inspection report also asked the restaurant to get the City of Philadelphia Department of Public Health Food Establishment Personnel Food Safety Certificate. If the restaurant does not apply for the certificate, it may be forced to cease operations.
The reinspection at the restaurants will ensure all the issues that have been found are fixed. If they are not fixed within the given time frame, it may attract unwanted consequences for the restaurant, like losing its license.
