The Office of Food Protection of the Philadelphia Department of Health performed its routine inspection test in Philadelphia restaurants on April 8. During the scrutiny, health inspectors observed multiple food safety violations at Fringe Bar and Tamalli. Both the food facilities have thus been asked to take corrective actions.
Please note that the results mentioned here are from health inspections conducted on April 8 and may not represent the future health inspection status of the food establishments.
Highlights
- Fringe Bar and Tamalli failed health inspection on April 8.
- The inspection was conducted by the Office of Food Protection of the Philadelphia Department of Health.
- The health department has ordered both Philadelphia food facilities to take immediate corrective measures against the violations.
Two Philadelphia Restaurants Failed Health Inspection
The Philadelphia Department of Health conducts routine inspection tests to make sure that every Philadelphia restaurant follows its food safety guidelines. Both Fringe Bar and Tamalli failed to show their compliance with their set criteria. Health officials noted the many violations in their individual inspection reports.
Fringe Bar
Dining space and food items at Fringe Bar (Source: Google Reviews)
- Where: 140 N Christopher Columbus Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19106
- When: April 8, 2025
Fringe Bar offers a variety of cocktails and a private dining room, according to its diners. Its private dining room feature has made the food facility a key restaurant player on Christopher Columbus Blvd. Menu highlights include a Philly bagel sandwich, Relleno De Papas, and a shrimp cocktail.
Located at Christopher Columbus Blvd, the restaurant/bar failed to demonstrate satisfactory results in the inspection test by the Philadelphia Department of Health.
What Went Wrong for Fringe Bar?
The inspection report of Fringe Bar threw light on an empty paper towel dispenser at its hand wash sink. The paper towels were replaced as a part of the corrective actions stated by the health officials. Plus, the chlorine chemical sanitizer residual was only 0 ppm (not 50-100 ppm), which was again corrected during the inspection.
Inspectors then highlighted the issue of mouse feces on the floor and shelves of Fringe Bar’s kitchen, dining, warewashing, bar, and stairway areas. Gaps in the front door’s base were noted, which could allow rodent or insect entry.
Fringe Bar’s inspection report showed the presence of debris in its multiple areas, including tables, shelves, and the kitchen prep spot. Inspectors noted that its refrigerator and cooking equipment were also dirty due to debris and grease. The Philadelphia restaurant had dust and stains in the walk-in coolers and washing area as well.
The unisex toilet at Fringe Bar had a broken faucet, and tiles were also missing at the restaurant/bar. Unsealed baseboard coving and an unused reach-in freezer were also noted in the Philadelphia Health Department’s report.
Tamalli
Food items served at Tamalli (Source: Google Reviews)
- Where: 2655 S Sheridan St, Philadelphia, PA 19148
- When: April 8, 2025
Located at S. Sheridan St., this restaurant is loved for its Mexican taste. Menu highlights include birria tacos, asada tacos, eggs benedict, tortilla soup, al pastor tacos, and waffles.
Tamalli was cited for several violations based on its non-compliance with guidelines set by the Office of Food Protection of the Philadelphia Department of Health.
What Went Wrong for Tamalli?
Health inspectors identified a range of food- and sanitation-related issues at the Philadelphia-based food facility. The inspection report first highlighted the problem of no sign/poster at Tamalli’s hand wash sink for employees. A handwash sign was later posted during the inspection round.
Old food residue and utensils were found in the handwash sink, according to the inspection report. Additionally, there was an empty towel dispenser in the kitchen sink. Corrective actions were taken for both violations during the inspection itself.
The health inspectors then listed down the many food-related violations in Tamalli’s final report. Ready-to-eat food, which was potentially hazardous, had no marked date and was kept for more than two days at the Philadelphia food facility. The date was provided later during the inspection.
Rodent bait in the basement and an insect control device on the cold prep refrigerator were other problem areas mentioned in the report. Inspectors also found German cockroaches in Tamalli’s kitchen flooring/walls.
The Philadelphia Department of Health further mentioned in their report that an unsealed handwash sink, exposed plastic utensils, and non-NSF/ANSI-certified utensils at Tamalli.
Based on the many food safety violations at both Fringe Bar and Tamalli, the Philadelphia food facilities have been asked to follow corrective measures. Although no date was mentioned in their reports, the Philadelphia Department of Health has stated it will return for a reinspection.
