[Editor’s note: The reports mentioned here are from inspections conducted on December 16 and may not represent the future health inspection status of the food establishments.]
The Philadelphia health department conducted several routine health inspections on December 16 in the area. Saffron Indian Kitchen and Scramble Club were found to be out of compliance with health regulations.
Saffron Indian Kitchen
- When: December 16, 2025
- Where: 423 W Girard Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19123
Saffron Indian Kitchen is a BYOB restaurant known for its blend of spices and variety of Indian dishes. According to the inspection report, the restaurant was cited for several violations, including:
- The report stated that no employee with a valid Food Establishment Personnel Food Safety Certificate (FSC) was present at the time of the inspection.
- There were no paper towels at the handwash sink in the rear prep/storage area. The sink had food residue and was unclean.
- The inspection report stated multiple raw and ready-to-eat (RTE) food items were improperly stored with no covers in cold-prep tables and the walk-in cooler.
- Raw chicken was stored above raw shrimp, vegetables, and near RTE foods. Personal food items were also seen stored above consumer food.
- Large stock pots and pans were observed to be too large for proper sanitization using available warewashing equipment.
- According to the report potentially hazardous, ready-to-eat foods (curry and chicken) had been kept for longer than 48 hours, and they were not date-marked.
- There was evidence of rodent activity, including mouse droppings. They were seen in the seating area, food prep area, rear prep/storage, and basement storage areas.
- The report noted that the sauces and cooking oil were kept directly on the floor in the rear prep/storage area instead of at least six inches above the floor.
- Moist wiping cloths were seen lying on the equipment rather than stored in a sanitizing solution.
- Cutting boards had deep scratches and scoring, which would prevent proper cleaning and sanitizing, as per the report. Cardboard was also used to line shelving in the basement storage area.
- The report said shelving surfaces have rust, dust, and food residue, including gaskets and interior shelving of cold-holding units. Mouse droppings, grime, and food debris were observed along the floor and beneath equipment in several areas.
- Dustpans and brooms were observed stored directly on the floor instead of being properly hung when not in use.
- Hood filters had accumulated dust and grease. The walk-in cooler had dim lighting.
A more detailed report is available online.
Scramble Club
- When: December 16, 2025
- Where: 5201 Market St, Philadelphia, PA 19139
Scramble Club is a go-to breakfast and lunch spot in Philadelphia, offering pancakes, Belgian Waffles, and French Toast. As per the inspection report, the health officials documented multiple violations, including:
- The report said Ndlath Badarou is ServSafe certified; however, no individual certified by the Philadelphia Health Department was present at the time of inspection.
- The soap dispenser kept at the handwash sink in the employee restroom was empty.
- The can opener’s food-contact surfaces had food accumulation.
- According to the inspection report food items in the three-door prep refrigerator were held at 45°F, and food and beverages in the smoothie prep refrigerator were held at 46°F, both of which were above the required 41°F or below.
- Deli items in use for more than two days were not labeled with the date they were opened.
- Moist wiping cloths were seen lying on tables instead of being stored in a sanitizing solution.
- The report mentioned knives and cleavers were stored between table edges, which are not easily cleanable or sanitary.
- Cutting boards had deep scratches and scoring, along with loose rubber door gaskets on prep refrigeration units.
- The facility did not have Quaternary Ammonia sanitizer test strips to monitor sanitizer concentration.
- Grease and dust had built up inside the mechanical exhaust hood and filters. Grease and food residue were also present on the stove surfaces.
- The report noted a leaking faucet at the three-basin sink.
- General cleaning was needed throughout food prep areas, including floors, walls, and ceilings, the report pointed out. Additional deep cleaning was needed under the flat grill and around the deep fryer.
The detailed inspection report is available online.
Follow-up Inspections
According to both inspection reports, both establishments were found to be out of compliance and need corrective action to eliminate the violations. The restaurants need to fix all the violations listed ahead of the reinspection, and the failure to do so would result in the revocation of their health license.
