The Philadelphia Department of Health conducted a routine inspection at Banana Leaf, a Malaysian cuisine restaurant, on June 26. The restaurant was found to be out of compliance with the health standards during the inspection. The establishment is required to correct the violations, with a reinspection needed to confirm compliance.
Please note that the report mentioned here is from a particular inspection conducted on June 26 and may not represent the future health inspection status of the establishment.
Highlights
- Banana Leaf was inspected in Philadelphia on June 26, 2025.
- The restaurant was cited for multiple health code violations.
- The health department will reinspect the facility to assess compliance.
Banana Leaf
Where: 1009 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107
When: June 26, 2025 (01:00 pm to 02:00 pm)
The restaurant did not have a designated person in charge available during the inspection. The food facility is required to have at least one designated PIC with a valid Food Establishment Personnel Food Safety Certificate at all business hours.
The inspector observed the lack of soap at the sink in the kitchen. The inspector noted a heavily soiled microwave with food residue. The violation was corrected on-site. Non-functional temperature measuring devices were identified at the facility.
Evidence of pest activity, including live roaches and mouse droppings, was noted in several areas. A large hole at the base of the door in the prep area confirmed a lack of protection against the potential entry of insects, rodents, and other animals.
Several out-of-use equipment, including an ice maker, a refrigerator, prep tables, trays, and sushi rice cookers, were found at the restaurant. The inspector cited the eatery for significant cleanliness issues and poor maintenance.
Accumulated food debris was seen on the cooking equipment in the kitchen area. Dust, stains, and rust accumulation were also present on shelves in key areas such as the prep area, kitchen area, and basement storage, among others.
Floor tiles were damaged in the prep area, holes were seen in the basement staircase, and paint was peeling on the ceiling in the prep and washing areas. The inspection report is available online.
Follow-up Inspection
The inspector mentioned the restaurant was not in satisfactory compliance. The establishment must take corrective actions to remedy all the issues and eliminate the violations. Once the corrections are completed, the department will check the establishment again to confirm compliance with health standards.
The restaurant is expected to address all listed violations before the follow-up inspection. In case of non-compliance, the department may revoke the facility’s health permit and even initiate legal action.
