Recent inspections by the Philadelphia Department of Health identified several food safety violations in three local restaurants. Inspections at Careda’s Caribbean Cuisine, Las Margaritas, and P & J Red Fox Deli identified problems ranging from improper food storage to evidence of rodent activity, with several issues requiring immediate attention.
Please note that the scores mentioned here are from a particular inspection conducted on May 12 and may not represent the future health inspection status of the establishments.
Highlights
- Careda’s Caribbean Cuisine was forced to close voluntarily due to rodent activity and multiple critical health code violations.
- Las Margaritas did not have proper food safety certifications and displayed improper food storage practices.
- P & J Red Fox Deli was found to be using unauthorized rodenticide and had several structural and equipment issues.
Three Philadelphia Restaurants Spotted for Health Code Violations
The Philadelphia Department of Health Office of Food Protection cited the establishments for violations that posed a potential risk to public health.
Careda’s Caribbean Cuisine
- Where: 1126 Arch Street, Space 421, Philadelphia, PA 19107
- When: May 12, 2025 (12:55 PM-3:05 PM)
Inspectors reported 8 risk factor/intervention infractions, with 5 resolved at the time of inspection. The most concerning was the presence of mouse droppings on shelving surfaces in the prep area, basement storage areas, and floor perimeters.
Other infractions were attributed to unsatisfactory handwashing facilities where there was no hot water available, inadequate separation and protection of food items, and expired milk in the refrigerating compartment. As per the report, the facility agreed to voluntarily close down until the department inspected and cleared them to reopen.
Las Margaritas
- Where: 2538 Welsh Road, Philadelphia, PA 19152
- When: May 12, 2025 (11:40 AM-1:50 PM)
The inspection found 6 risk factor/intervention infractions, with 1 being resolved at the time of inspection. Serious concerns included the unavailability of a valid Food Establishment Personnel Food Safety Certificate, incorrect storage of food where raw chicken was improperly stored above other proteins, and incorrect date labeling of potentially hazardous ready-to-eat foods.
The inspection report also stated evidence of fly infestation and the staff either not wearing hair restraints or using inadequate ones.
P & J Red Fox Deli
- Where: 2604 Germantown Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19133
- When: May 12, 2025, (9:20 AM – 11:40 AM)
The inspection documented 4 violations for risk factor/intervention, and all were corrected at the time of inspection. The violations included an initial absence of a Person in Charge with valid certification (arriving within 5-10 minutes), improper use of the handwashing sink with a cutting board placed on it, insufficient hand-drying material in the customer restroom, and unauthorized rodent bait not approved for food service areas.
The report also stated that the facility also had certain equipment and physical facility problems, such as non-NSF/ANSI certified equipment, water-damaged ceiling tiles, and inoperable lighting.
Path to Compliance: Required Remediation Steps
All facilities have been instructed to take measures to correct the violations. Careda’s Caribbean Cuisine must eliminate rodent infestation and address its sanitation problems before it can reopen.
Las Margaritas has been required to obtain food safety certification within 30 days and make all corrections to prevent a possible shutdown. In making corrections for critical violations during inspection, P & J Red Fox Deli has to remedy structural and equipment-related problems.
These reports highlight the role of regular inspections in safeguarding public health. If not addressed, these facilities face additional enforcement action, such as permanent closure or potential revocation of licenses.
