Amari’s Restaurant, located at 5037 Baltimore Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19143, has been cited for multiple health code violations following an inspection by the Philadelphia Department of Health on July 23, 2023. The routine check aimed to assess compliance with food safety standards but uncovered significant issues related to cleanliness and pest activity.
During the inspection, health officials found that the restaurant failed to produce the required City of Philadelphia Manager Food Safety Certificate. Instead, only a class manager certificate was presented, which does not meet the city’s food safety regulations. This oversight is critical, as food facilities must obtain the city-issued certificate to operate legally.
Several specific violations were noted. A packaged sweet potato pie lacked an expiration date, and temperature measuring devices in the cold preparation area were not functioning optimally. Inspectors also reported that devices used to monitor temperatures were inaccessible in refrigeration units, and a bulk storage container filled with flour was unlabelled.
Additionally, food employees were observed working without appropriate hair restraints, and the presence of a non-NSF/ANSI-approved microwave in the food preparation area raised further concerns. Excessive ice accumulation was found in a reach-in freezer, alongside debris under kitchen equipment and near the three-bay sink. The inspection revealed mouse droppings under the sink, along with static dust and grease on the hood filters.
Health Compliance and Required Actions
The Philadelphia Department of Health mandates that all food facilities rectify identified violations to maintain compliance. Following the inspection, Amari’s Restaurant must address all issues documented in the report. Failure to comply may result in the revocation of the restaurant’s health permit or legal actions pursued by the department.
Facilities are required to apply for a valid City of Philadelphia Department of Public Health Food Establishment Personnel Food Safety Certificate within 30 days of an inspection. If not submitted, an order to cease operations will be issued. In cases of expired food licenses, the restaurant should contact the Department of Licenses and Inspections (L+I) for assistance with renewal.
As the situation develops, the health department will issue a License Eligibility Report (LER) upon verification of compliance. The complete inspection report is available for public viewing, ensuring transparency in health and safety standards for food establishments in the city.
Amari’s Restaurant now faces the challenge of rectifying these violations to regain compliance and continue serving the community. The city’s health department emphasizes the importance of food safety to protect public health, and ongoing inspections are a crucial part of maintaining these standards.
