The Philadelphia Department of Health inspected three local establishments on August 14 and 15 as part of a routine check. Inspectors found the establishments out of compliance with health standards. Inspectors reported multiple violations at the facilities, such as poor sanitation, insect activity, and evidence of a mouse infestation. Officials will conduct a follow-up inspection once the establishments correct the violations.
Please note that the reports mentioned here are from inspections conducted on August 14 and 15 and may not represent the future health inspection status of the food establishments.
Highlights
- Desforra Cafe was reported for poor cleanliness and lack of general upkeep throughout the facility.
- Inspectors observed significant mouse activity while visiting Ken Shin Asian Diner.
- Insect activity and incorrect labeling prompted officials to flag Nifty Fifty’s.
Desforra Cafe
- Where: 1149 N 3rd St, Philadelphia, PA 19123
- When: August 15, 2025
Inspectors observed that paper towels were missing at the kitchen handwashing sink. The sink was blocked by bowls and kitchen equipment. It was blocked by a mop bucket and maintenance tools. The person in charge (PIC) resolved the problem during the inspection visit.
Inspectors observed the front door propped open, leaving the facility vulnerable to pests. An inoperative cold-holding prep unit and chest freezer were found in the kitchen and basement area.
Cutting boards were found in poor condition, reflecting the need for thorough sanitization. Shelves showed accumulated grease and debris, and the reach-in revealed ice buildup. Grime and debris were seen in the kitchen and the warewash area.
The basement floor had pooled standing water, and the hood filters in the facility had accumulated grease. The complete report can be viewed online.
Ken Shin Asian Diner
- Where: 301 Spring Garden St, Philadelphia, PA 19123
- When: August 14, 2025
No person in charge (PIC) was available at the premises when the inspectors arrived. No facility handling food should operate without a person holding a valid Food Establishment Personnel Food Safety Certificate. Handwashing reminder signage was missing at the sink.
Inspectors reported that ready-to-eat foods in refrigerators were not properly date-marked. They found employees thawing chicken using unauthorized methods.
Inspectors found mouse droppings in the basement storage area. Knives and cutting boards were in need of deep cleaning. A leak was found in the prep area’s mop sink. Inspectors found the under-counter refrigerator sealed with duct tape.
Rust and dust were found in the prep and storage area. Accumulated grease, food debris, stains, and residue were identified throughout the facility, including the kitchen, prep area, and cashier area. Inspectors reported ice buildup and mouse droppings in several parts of the restaurant.
The inspectors noted dim lighting in the kitchen and the basement storage areas. The full inspection report for Ken Shin Asian Diner is available here.
Nifty Fifty’s
- Where: 2431 Aramingo Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19125
- When: August 15, 2025
A handwash reminder poster was missing at the handwash sink. The violation was corrected during the inspection. The ice scooper was seen directly in contact with the ice. The low-temperature dish machine was not in good working condition.
Employees were not using a chemical sanitizer between washing and use. The facility did not correctly label working containers with the chemical’s common name. The inspection noted insect activity, including flies and fruit flies.
Excess ice buildup was reported on the cooling system and fan of the walk-in cooler. Inspectors found that the warewash sink was not properly attached to the wall. The inspection found no chlorine sanitizer test strips on-site. The stoppers of the compartments of the sink did not seal enough to hold water. The inspection report is available online.
Follow-up Inspection
During the inspection, Desforra Cafe did not present a valid food license. In cases of an expired license, establishments must contact the Department of Licenses and Inspections for renewal. A License Eligibility Report (LER) was issued by the Department of Public Health during the inspection.
All three restaurants were cited as noncompliant and must correct the violations before reinspection. Once the corrections are done, the department will visit to reassess compliance.
