[Editor’s note: The report referenced in this article reflects conditions observed during an inspection conducted on March 9 and does not represent the establishment’s current or future status.]
In an inspection conducted on March 9, the Philadelphia Department of Public Health reported violations at Saffron Patch. The inspection report cited equipment issues, sanitation concerns, and improper food storage.
WhatNow has reached out to the restaurant for comment and will update the story upon receiving a response.
Saffron Patch
- When: March 9, 2026
- Where: 2650 S 15th St, Philadelphia, PA 19145
Saffron Patch serves both vegetarian and non-vegetarian delights in Philadelphia. According to the report, inspectors noted the following violations:
- Soap was not available at the handwashing sink. No sign reminding employees to wash their hands was posted. The paper towel dispenser was empty. Soap, paper towels, and a handwashing sign were added during the inspection.
- Several food items were seen uncovered in the walk-in refrigerator.
- The chlorine concentration in the sanitizing solution at the three-compartment warewashing sink measured 0 ppm instead of the required 50-100 ppm. The sanitizer solution was prepared to the proper concentration during the inspection.
- Potentially hazardous ready-to-eat foods, including watermelon, chicken, spinach, lettuce, lamb, and cheese, stored in the walk-in and cold preparation refrigeration units, were held for more than 48 hours without proper date marking.
- A fly zapper was installed in the food preparation area, posing a risk of contaminating food, equipment, or utensils. The device was moved during the inspection.
- Food items were observed stored less than six inches above the floor in several areas of the facility, according to the report.
- A food dispensing utensil used for sugar and flour was found in direct contact with the food, with the handle not stored above the food surface.
- Glass plates and takeout containers were not properly inverted.
- The handwashing, food preparation, and warewashing sinks require resealing and caulking so they sit flush with the wall. The report also noted that the drying rack above the warewashing sink was not NSF/ANSI approved.
- A chest freezer and ice maker were inoperable, and an under-counter freezer was also not functioning and was being used for dry storage. A domestic coffee maker and blender were also observed in the food preparation area.
- Cardboard was observed lining shelves inside a reach-in refrigerator, which is not permitted.
- The report noted grease and debris in the fryer cabinet. Black residue and grime were observed on the gaskets of walk-in, reach-in, and cold preparation refrigeration units. Dust had also accumulated on the fan guards of the walk-in refrigerator.
- Floors and walls required additional cleaning to remove cobwebs, debris, grease, and grime.
- A broom, dustpan, and mop were seen stored directly on the floor rather than being properly elevated.
The full inspection report is available online.
Follow-up Inspection
According to the report, the inspection revealed found that Saffron Patch was non-compliant with food regulations. The restaurant was asked to correct all the violations ahead of the reinspection, or it may face revocation of its health license and other legal action.
