Philadelphia health inspectors cited three restaurants during routine inspections on July 11. The food establishments must correct the violations and notify the department to resume regular operations.
Please note that the reports mentioned here are from a particular inspection conducted on July 11 and may not represent the future health inspection status of the establishments.
Highlights
- Tei Japanese Cuisine was cited for incorrect storage of potentially hazardous ready-to-eat foods.
- Visible physical evidence of rodent activity was observed at Mister Chubby’s.
- The inspector reported incorrect holding temperatures, among other issues, at Spread Bagelry.
Tei Japanese Cuisine
Where: 7111 Frankford Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19135
When: July 11, 2025 (01:15 PM to 2:55 PM)
The facility presented a certified food handler with only a ServSafe Certificate. Inspectors noted a plastic container submerged in the soy sauce bucket. The prep table surface, used for food contact, had visible residue.
Fried shrimp, fresh shrimp, and sauces are included in the potentially hazardous ready-to-eat food category. These items were located in the under-counter refrigerator for over 48 hours without proper date marking.
Food boxes were not stored 6 inches above the floor, as per the requirement. Knives kept between the refrigerator and counter table were not cleaned properly.
The cooking equipment had aluminum foil wrapped around it. The walk-in cooler had accumulated ice. The mop was not allowed to air dry in the rear area. The utility pipe in the storage area revealed gaps. The report is available online.
Mister Chubby’s
Where: 8312 State Rd, Philadelphia, PA 19136
When: July 11, 2025 (08:55 AM to 11:10 AM)
Inspectors noted overcrowding in the cold prep unit, with eggs, bacon, and other items improperly stored. It was not maintaining the required temperature of 41 degrees or below. The wiping cloths were not stored with a sanitizer concentration.
Food residue accumulated on the slicer confirmed that the facility was not cleaning the surfaces every four hours. A counter table was obstructing access to the prep sink. The produce and cream cheese were held at 45 degrees F instead of the minimum required 41 degrees F or below.
Chili and cheese held for more than 48 hours were not date-marked. The rear and front openings in the facility were inadequate to prevent the entry of insects, rodents, and other animals. The kitchen and storage area showed visible evidence of rodent/insect activity.
Condiments were exposed to potential contamination due to missing or improper serving utensils. The cold prep and reach-in units were storing uncovered foods. Staff were not wearing effective hair restraints during food preparation.
Food and dust debris were seen in the prep area, storage area, and counter area. Inspectors noted porous, stained ceiling tiles in the prep area and exposed utility lines in storage. The health inspection report is available to view.
Spread Bagelry
Where: 3602 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104
When: July 11, 2025 (09:40 AM to 10:55 AM)
The inspector did not find a certified person on arrival at the facility. Any establishment handling food should have at least one person with a valid Food Establishment Personnel Food Safety Certificate at all operational hours.
Inspectors found a handle-less bowl directly in contact with bulk food. Sausages, cooked chicken, and bacon in the refrigerator were held at 44°F rather than 41°F or below as required.
The facility had evidence of insect activity, particularly in the warewash and food prep area.
Two employees were working in the facility without wearing proper hair restraints. There was a non-NSF/ANSI-approved chest freezer in the prep area. A cutting board was not being effectively cleaned, as evidenced by deep scratches on it.
The brooms and dustpans were not elevated and stored properly. The bar area contained unused equipment including sinks and refrigeration units. The toilet ceiling vent cover showed accumulated dust. The report was published online for viewing.
Follow-up Requirements
The inspector noted that Tei Japanese Cuisine should apply to acquire a City of Philadelphia Department of Public Health Food Establishment Personnel Food Safety Certificate. In case of failure of the application, the restaurant will be subjected to an intent to cease operations order.
Mister Chubby’s should correct all the listed violations as a priority to achieve satisfactory compliance from the department. The corrective actions will be reviewed in a follow-up inspection to check if the facility is fit to continue operations.
Spread Bagelry was found in non-compliance with the city health codes. The restaurant should ensure the violations are corrected to receive the department’s approval for continued food handling activities.
The restaurants must complete all corrective actions in accordance with health department standards. Noncompliance may result in revocation of the health permit or other legal measures.
