[Editor’s note: The report mentioned here is from an inspection conducted on November 3 and may not represent the future health inspection status of the food establishment.]
The Philadelphia Department of Health conducted a health inspection at Ekta Indian Cuisine on November 3 and found several violations, including uncovered food and evidence of mouse droppings.
Ekta Indian Cuisine
- When: November 3, 2025
- Where: 106 S 40th St, Philadelphia, PA 19104
According to the report, inspectors cited the restaurant for multiple health code violations, including the following:
- The person in charge was unable to name the five foodborne illnesses required by the Health Department. According to the report, the inspector reviewed the diseases and their causes during the visit.
- Uncovered food items were found during the inspection. It included chicken in a reach-in freezer, diced onions and peppers in the walk-in cooler, and samosas and biscuits in another refrigerator, the report said.
- A scoop handle was stored in contact with bulk food, the report said.
- The chlorine sanitizer level in the dishwasher’s final rinse measured 0 ppm instead of the required 50–100 ppm, according to the report.
- Some ready-to-eat, potentially hazardous foods stored in the walk-in cooler were not date-marked.
- Prepackaged foods lacked proper labeling, including ingredient statements, net weight, distributor information, and nutritional facts.
- Bulk food storage containers were not labeled with the common names of the ingredients.
- Evidence of rodent activity, including mouse droppings, was found in the dry storage, warewashing, and tandoor areas, the report said.
- Boxes of food were stored directly on the floor in one of the walk-in coolers, instead of the required six inches above the ground.
- were stored upright instead of being turned upside down, the report said.
- A mop was left on the floor instead of being stored in a way that allows proper air-drying.
- Lighting in the dry storage area was below the required minimum of 50 foot-candles.
- A food employee was observed working inside one of the walk-in coolers.
The detailed health inspection report is available here.
Follow-Up Inspection
According to the report, the restaurant must correct all violations outlined in Section 6-502 of the Philadelphia Health Code or risk losing its license. The eatery’s compliance will be reviewed during a follow-up inspection by health officials.
