A routine health inspection on November 21, 2025, revealed multiple health violations at the Latin American restaurant, Mr. Platano, located at 4315 N 5th St, Philadelphia, PA 19140. Conducted by the Philadelphia Health Department, the inspection identified serious concerns regarding food safety practices.
The health inspection report outlined numerous violations that require immediate attention. Among the most significant issues noted was the absence of a certified food safety employee on-site, which is a critical requirement for establishments handling non-prepackaged potentially hazardous food. The report also highlighted improper food handling practices, such as a food employee wearing single-use gloves without washing their hands beforehand.
Several food storage violations were present, including raw eggs stored above raw beef, uncovered broths and sauces in refrigerators, and shrimp, lettuce, and plantains held at a temperature of 45°F, exceeding the maximum safe limit of 41°F. Additionally, a personal drink and an ice scoop were found in direct contact with ice in the ice machine, and a personal phone was placed on a cutting board in the preparation area.
The report further mentioned that an unlabeled chemical bottle was discovered in the warewashing area, and bulk food ingredient containers lacked proper labeling with their common names. Common bowls without handles were improperly stored in bulk food ingredients like rice, which poses a contamination risk.
Inoperable Equipment and Facility Concerns
In terms of facility maintenance, the inspection uncovered several inoperable or unapproved pieces of equipment. These included an inoperable walk-in cooler and an unapproved reach-in freezer, both of which were being used for storage. A garbage disposal was incorrectly installed in a shallow basin sink, which is against regulations, as garbage disposals must connect to deeper sinks.
Other alarming findings included severe grease and dust accumulation on the hood exhaust in the food preparation area, cracked floor tiles throughout the facility, and a broom and dustpan stored improperly on the basement floor. The absence of sanitizer test strips to verify sanitizer concentration also raised concerns about the establishment’s compliance with health regulations.
According to the health report, Mr. Platano is expected to rectify these violations prior to a follow-up inspection. Failure to address these issues could result in the revocation of its health license, significantly impacting its ability to operate.
A detailed account of the violations can be accessed through the Philadelphia Health Department inspection portal, providing transparency and accountability for patrons and the community.
