Two Philadelphia food facilities were cited for health code violations during recent Department of Health inspections. Both facilities were found to have issues that were noted for corrective action.
Highlights
- Gonzalez Deli received one risk factor violation during their inspection.
- Café Square One had no critical violations but required other corrections.
- Both restaurants must correct issues to maintain their operating licenses.
Two Philadelphia Restaurants Receive Unsatisfactory Health Inspection Scores
Several violations were recorded at both establishments by health inspectors from the Philadelphia Department of Health. Gonzalez Deli had one risk factor violation and four other corrections, and Café Square One received no risk factor violations but needed three corrections for hygiene.
Gonzalez Deli
- Where: 1400 N 07th St 19122
- When: May 28, 2025, 8:30 AM to 10:15 AM
Gonzalez Deli received one risk factor violation for not having a certified food safety manager present during operating hours. The sanitarian sent an email with instructions and updated the city application, with the issue being resolved on-site. There were four additional violations that the establishment had to remedy.
The side/rear entry door had gaps at the bottom that allowed potential entry of rodents and insects. Scoops were stored with handles in contact with food, posing a contamination risk.
Utensils at the coffee counter were held in room-temperature water instead of in hot water maintained at 135°F as required. The inspection report also noted equipment violations, such as a non-NSF/ANSI chest freezer, hot holding unit, and deli slicer.
Café Square One
- Where: 1225 Walnut St., 19107
- When: May 28, 2025, 9:00 AM to 11:30 PM
Café Square One had no risk factor violations but was cited for other cleanliness and maintenance issues. The most serious of these was the presence of rodent activity, with mouse droppings found throughout the kitchen and prep stations and rat droppings around trash cans and window sills.
Equipment issues included a non-NSF under-counter reach-in freezer and scratched cutting boards that needed deep cleaning. Handwashing sinks needed to be resealed to the walls in the counter and restroom area.
Many cleaning problems were identified around the facility, as per the inspection report. The lower shelves of refrigeration units required cleaning. Cardboard and foil linings, which are not code-compliant, were observed on shelves, and ice had accumulated in the under-counter freezer. Dust accumulation was also observed on ceiling fan blades and restroom vents.
Both facilities need to rectify the documented issues to comply with Philadelphia Health Code Section 6-502. Failure to address the violations may lead to license revocation and other legal actions. A re-inspection will assess the level of compliance on both premises.
