[Editor’s note: The report mentioned here is from an inspection conducted on February 17 and may not represent the future health inspection status of the food establishment.]
Hua Lai Chinese Restaurant underwent a routine health inspection on February 17 by the Philadelphia health department. The restaurant was found to be in violation of multiple food codes and needs a reinspection.
Hua Lai Chinese Restaurant
- When: February 17, 2026
- Where: 5148 Walnut St, Philadelphia, PA 1913
Hua Lai Chinese Restaurant serves Chinese food staples. According to the report, the violations were:
- The report observed uncovered food items, including egg rolls, shrimp, and chicken, stored inside refrigeration units. The person in charge covered all food items during the inspection, the report said.
- About 21 egg rolls prepared in-house and stored in a reach-in refrigerator were not date-marked. The violation was corrected during the inspection.
- Raw chicken was seen thawing using an unapproved method in a container with standing water on a table. The person in charge immediately moved the chicken to the prep sink and thawed it under continuous running water, the report mentioned.
- Temperature-measuring devices were not available in the cold prep refrigerator. The person in charge provided an ambient thermometer during the inspection.
- Visible physical evidence of rodents, including new mouse droppings, was observed. They were found in the warewashing area, food preparation areas, and storage areas.
- More new mouse droppings were observed throughout the same areas.
- A common bowl without a handle was observed in direct contact with a bulk food ingredient (flour).
- Non-NSF/ANSI-approved reach-in freezers and drying racks were observed in use in the food preparation area. A missing kickplate was also seen on one of the reach-in refrigerators.
- Raw wood and plastic crates were found being used for elevation in the basement storage area.
- The report noted an ice accumulation inside chest freezers. Food debris was found inside the cold prep refrigerator, residue on the gaskets of the reach-in refrigerators, and dust and mold buildup on the shelving inside the walk-in cooler.
- Hood filters were observed with an accumulation of static dust and grease.
- Employee’s personal food was seen stored inside a reach-in freezer. Dust accumulation was also observed on the fan cover in the employees’ restroom, the report said.
A more detailed report is available online.
Follow-up Inspection
The report notes that the establishment was not in satisfactory compliance, and corrective action was needed to eliminate the violations ahead of the reinspection. Failure to fix the violations will result in the revocation of the health license or other legal action.
