The Philadelphia Department of Public Health’s Office of Food Protection reported several food code violations at two restaurants on Friday, June 13. A Cease Operations Order was issued for one restaurant after inspectors observed imminent health hazards. The other restaurant was instructed to submit the Plan Review Application.
Please note that the reports mentioned here are from particular inspections conducted on June 13 and may not represent the future health inspection status of the establishments.
Highlights
- IVE Artisan Kitchen was ordered to discontinue food operations after possible health hazards were reported.
- Asadero Los Tios is required to submit the Plan Review Application and was cited for other violations.
- Both restaurants will face a reinspection soon to regain their health inspection status.
IVE Artisan Kitchen
- Where: 3522 Cottman Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19149
- When: June 13, 2025
IVE Artisan Kitchen was ordered to shut down all food operations right away during the health inspection on Friday. Seven Risk Factor/Intervention violations were noted in the inspection report.
Restaurant Closed Temporarily
Due to the identification of critical health and safety concerns, the restaurant will remain closed for at least 48 hours following the inspection. The restaurant will have to take action to rectify all the issues noted and then request a reinspection. It will be required to pay a fee and gain approval from the health department to restart operations.
Violations Reported
The inspector’s report stated that the person in charge failed to ensure a certified food handler was present during all hours of operation, as is required. It was also noted that the PIC did not show proper knowledge of food safety regulations.
An employee’s food container was found stored on a food prep surface. The kitchen handwashing sink did not have paper towels or soap available.
Cooked wheat was seen uncovered in the chest freezer. Boxes of bananas were observed stored directly on the floor in the storage area. Ready-to-eat foods such as pasta, rice, meat, and gravy were not labeled with preparation or discard dates.
Several equipment issues were noted at the facility. The garbage grinder was not working, a splash guard was missing, a display case was out of service, and domestic kitchen equipment was being used.
In addition, dusty cooking utensils were found under the prep table. House flies were observed inside the kitchen.
No chemical sanitizer was being used after washing and rinsing equipment and utensils; the proper procedure was explained to staff. Sanitizer test strips were not available to check the strength of sanitizing solutions.
It was noted that water stains were seen in the women’s restroom, and the men’s restroom floor and walls needed cleaning.
The storage area had a damaged floor, and peeling paint was seen on kitchen walls, the report said. General cleaning was needed under equipment, and excessive clutter in the kitchen and storage areas needed to be removed or organized.
Grease had built up on the kitchen exhaust hood. There was no exhaust hood above the griddle. A galvanized hood system was found installed over cooking equipment without proper approval.
The detailed health inspection report is available to check online.
Asadero Los Tios
- Where: 3087 Holme Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19136
- When: June 13, 2025
Asadero Los Tios on Holme Avenue in Philadelphia was reported to have several violations of the food code. Five violations of Good Retail Practices and no Risk Factor/Intervention violations were reported.
Restaurant Required to Submit Plan Review Application
The report said alteration or construction was done at the restaurant before receiving the proper plan approval. A plan review application will have to be submitted and approved by the department.
Violations Reported
The inspectors stated in the report that milk crates were being used to elevate food in the walk-in unit, which is not an approved method. Cutting boards were found with deep scratches and scoring, making them difficult to clean and sanitize properly.
It was also noted that an unused ice machine and a hot holding unit were being used for dry storage. The fan guards in the walk-in freezer were observed to be rusted.
Cardboard was being used on the floor of the walk-in unit to catch spills. Lighting levels in the walk-in units were observed to be low.
The original health inspection report can be accessed online.
Reinspection to Be Held Soon
Reinspections will be conducted to confirm that violations have been corrected. The reports did not state the exact dates for the reinspections.
All the violations must be resolved before the reinspection. If the restaurants fail to correct the issues, they may face the revocation of the health permit and other legal actions.
