[Editor’s note: The report mentioned here is from an inspection conducted on November 4 and may not represent the future health inspection status of the food establishment.]
Cafe Cake & Joe underwent a health inspection by the Philadelphia Department of Health on November 4. The report revealed several violations, including unmarked ready-to-eat food, a clogged utility sink, and the absence of chlorine sanitizer test strips.
Cake & Joe
- When: November 4, 2025
- Where: 1401 E Moyamensing Ave, PA 19147
According to the health inspection report, Cake & Joe was cited for several violations. Some are as follows:
- The person in charge could not identify the five reportable foodborne illnesses.
- An open beverage container of an employee was seen in a food preparation area.
- Old food residue, dishes, and utensils were discovered in the hand-wash sink.
- No splashguard was observed at the handwash sink in the coffee bar area.
- The quaternary ammonium concentration in the sanitizing solution of the three-compartment sink was 0 ppm instead of the required 200–400 ppm, according to the report.
- Ready-to-eat, potentially hazardous food that was prepared in the facility and held for over 48 hours in the walk-in and reach-in coolers had not been date-marked.
- An insect control device located in the kitchen/stairwell leading to the basement prep area could have contaminated food, equipment, or utensils. The device was removed during the inspection.
- Visible evidence of insect activity (fruit flies) was observed in the basement prep and utility sink areas, the report noted.
- Knives and cleavers were stored between table edges, which are not easily cleaned or sanitized.
- Aluminum foil was being used to line shelving in the basement. Protective film remained on the lower shelving of prep tables and should be removed, according to the inspection report.
- Inverted plastic crates were being used as elevated shelving.
- The facility lacked chlorine sanitizer test strips to monitor sanitizer concentration.
- The report cited plumbing problems, such as a leak that was observed beneath the three-compartment sink. The utility sink was clogged with stagnant water.
- The indirect drain at the food preparation sink did not have an air gap of at least one inch.
- Food debris was found under and behind the kitchen cooking equipment. General cleaning was required behind the grease trap, according to the report.
- Maintenance tools were stored on the floor in the kitchen and basement. The report advised that tools be kept on designated racks when not in use.
- The lights in the kitchen were not shielded from breakage.
- The exhaust hood was not operating at the start of the inspection.
Follow-Up Inspection
According to the inspection report, the restaurant failed to meet required health and safety standards during this inspection. The restaurant must fix all the problems listed in the report. Inspectors will return for a follow-up inspection to check if the violations have been corrected.
