Routine inspections by the Philadelphia Department of Health aim to uphold public health standards. A recent inspection by the department cited two eateries for health code violations. Both establishments must address the violations ahead of reinspection.
Please note that the reports mentioned here are from an inspection conducted on July 8. The reports may not represent the future health inspection status of the two food establishments.
Highlights
- Health inspectors cited two eateries in Philadelphia for health code violations on July 8.
- The violations include those related to sanitary and temperature control of food.
- The violations must be corrected before reinspection of the two eateries.
Cleavers
- Where: 108 S 18th St, Philadelphia, PA 19103
- Date: July 8, 2025
Cleavers is known for serving cheesesteaks and a variety of sandwiches and sides. But a recent inspection documented several health code violations at the cheesesteak restaurant. The on-site inspector found no one with a valid Food Safety Certificate.
The cheese whiz was stored at 103°F, below the required 135°F. There was no documentation verifying the temperature of time/temperature control (TCS) foods. Food was served without written procedures or logs to track time and temperature safety.
The prepackaged cakes were not labeled properly. Labels were missing key information such as product names and other details. The inspector also saw rust on the drain board rack in the warewash area.
The cold hold unit across the chicken steak cooking station could not hold a temperature of 41°F or below. There was also an accumulation of ice in the corner and on the shelves of the walk-in freezer.
Find the detailed health report of this inspection online.
Gryphon Cafe
- Where: 100 W Oxford St, Philadelphia, PA 19122
- Date: July 8, 2025
Gryphon Cafe operates as a neighborhood cafe offering food and beverages. But a recent inspection registered several health code violations. The on-site inspector documented swarms of small flies in the rear storage area and the rear kitchen. There were no sanitizer test strips available in the cafe during the inspection.
Dust and debris had accumulated on lower kitchen shelving. In the restroom, dust was accumulating on the ceiling vent, and debris was collecting on the floor. Inspectors noted dust and debris on the floors of the front coffee prep, rear warewashing, and kitchen areas.
There was also rust on the rear warewashing area’s storage racks. The dustpan and broom were stored improperly on the floor. Milk crates were on the floor throughout the facility.
The detailed health report of this inspection of the cafe is available online.
Follow-Up Inspection
Inspectors issued a list of violations to the management of the two food facilities. They need to be corrected before the reinspection to prevent their health licenses from being revoked.
Routine inspections are conducted to ensure food safety in public establishments. The Philadelphia Department of Health conducts routine inspections to uphold food safety standards.
