[Editor’s note: The report mentioned here is from an inspection conducted on October 29 and may not represent the future health inspection status of the food establishment.]
Cecilia’s Cafe was inspected on October 29 by the Philadelphia Department of Health, which found several health code violations, including mouse droppings and the lack of a utility or mop sink.
Ceciliass Cafe
- When: October 29, 2025
- Where: 1543 S 7th St, Philadelphia, PA 19147
According to the health report, inspectors found several violations at Cecilia’s Cafe, including the following:
- The cafe did not have a Health Awareness Reporting Procedure for food employees. The policy was later reviewed with the person in charge.
- The report noted an open beverage container and partially eaten food in the preparation area, indicating that staff were eating in the food prep zone.
- The food employee was seen not following proper handwashing procedures. Hot water was not available in the facility at the time of inspection; measured at 74.8°F.
- Crepe utensils were observed in the handwash sink in the food prep area, the report mentioned.
- The handwash sink in the food prep area did not have single-use towels, continuous towels, or an air-drying device. Paper towels were provided during the inspection.
- The person in charge was unable to provide documentation verifying that prepared cakes came from an approved source, the report noted.
- The establishment has no sink stoppers for the 3-compartment sink.
- Potentially hazardous ready-to-eat food (cake) located in the closed display case was not date-marked, the report said.
- Prepackaged cakes were not labeled properly with the product name, ingredient statement, net weight, distributor information, and/or nutritional facts.
- A gap was observed underneath the rear door leading to the refuse area, which does not prevent the entry of insects, rodents, or other animals, as per the report.
- Visible evidence of rodent activity (mouse droppings) was observed in the storage and basement areas.
- Food employees were seen not wearing, or wearing ineffective, hair restraints such as nets, hats, or beard covers.
- Moist wiping cloths were found lying on the counter and sink surfaces. They were not stored in a sanitizing solution.
- Serving utensils in the prep area stored with food contact surfaces were exposed to hand contact when retrieved for service.
- Raw wooden shelving was observed in the prep/service area.
- Non-NSF/ANSI-approved equipment was observed, which included an ice machine, Carnival King crepe maker, panini press, and drying rack.
- Hot water was not available at the time of inspection.
- The report noted that plumbing facilities were lacking. There were no utility and mop sink present. There was no backflow prevention device on the main water supply line in the basement, and on the ice and espresso machines.
- The toilet room door was unable to self-close, the report mentioned.
- Maintenance tools were stored on the ground at the top of the stairs leading to the basement.
- Establishment does not have a food preparation sink with an indirect drain, said the report.
A detailed health inspection report is available here.
Follow-up Inspection
Based on the inspection findings, the establishment agreed to close voluntarily until it receives approval to reopen.
The restaurant can contact the assigned Sanitarian to schedule a reinspection. Under Section 6-502 of the Philadelphia Health Code, all violations listed in this report must be corrected as noted. Failure to do so may result in license revocation and other legal action.
