[Editor’s note: The report mentioned here is from an inspection conducted on November 21 and may not represent the future health inspection status of the food establishment.]
On November 21, Mr. Platano underwent a routine health inspection by the Philadelphia Health Department. The restaurant was reported for several health violations, including uncovered food, severe grease and dust accumulation in the facility.
Mr. Platano
- When: November 21, 2025
- Where: 4315 N 5th St, Philadelphia, PA 19140
According to the health inspection report, Mr. Platano was cited for several violations. They are as follows:
- The report said no person shall operate a food establishment handling non-prepackaged potentially hazardous food without having at least one certified food safety employee on-site at all times.
- The report noted that a food employee was observed wearing single-use gloves without washing their hands beforehand.
- Eggs were stored above raw beef. It also mentioned uncovered broths and sauces in the refrigerators.
- The report indicated that a personal drink and an ice scoop were found in direct contact with ice inside the ice machine. A personal phone was placed on a cutting board in the prep area.
- Shrimp, lettuce, and plantains were held at 45°F instead of the required 41°F or below.
- An unlabeled chemical bottle was seen in the warewashing area.
- The report said working bulk food ingredient containers were not labeled with the common name of the food.
- Common bowls without handles were found stored inside bulk food ingredients such as rice.
- The report said the facility had several inoperable or unapproved pieces of equipment, including an inoperable walk-in cooler used as storage, an inoperable steam table used as storage, a non-NSF-approved reach-in freezer and chest freezers, and an inoperable garbage disposal on a handwashing sink.
- Raw wood pallets and milk crates were used as elevation in the basement.
- The facility was missing the sanitizer test strips needed to verify sanitizer concentration.
- The report said there was severe grease and dust accumulation on the hood exhaust in the food prep area.
- A garbage disposal was installed in a shallow basin sink, which is not allowed. Garbage disposals must be connected to a deeper, free-standing sink.
- Dust accumulation was observed on a restroom vent.
- Cracked floor tiles were found throughout the facility.
- The report said a broom and dustpan were stored on the floor in the basement instead of being elevated when not in use.
A detailed report is available online.
Follow-up Inspection
According to the health report, the restaurant is expected to correct the violations ahead of reinspection. If the establishment fails to correct the violations, it may have to face revocation of its health license.
