The Philadelphia Department of Health conducted an inspection of Amari’s Restaurant on July 23, 2023, revealing several health code violations that have raised concerns about food safety at the establishment. Located at 5037 Baltimore Ave, Philadelphia, PA, the restaurant was found to have multiple issues, particularly regarding cleanliness and pest activity.
During the routine inspection, health officials noted that the restaurant failed to present the required City of Philadelphia Manager’s Food Safety Certificate. Instead, inspectors were only shown a class manager certificate, which does not meet the regulatory standards. This oversight is critical, as the certified food handler must obtain the city-issued certificate to ensure compliance with local health regulations.
Among the violations observed was the packaging of a sweet potato pie that lacked an expiration date. Additionally, temperature monitoring devices in the cold preparation refrigerator were not functioning correctly, raising concerns about food storage practices. Inspectors also found that temperature measuring devices were not easily accessible within the refrigeration units, which is essential for maintaining food safety.
The inspection report highlighted several other significant issues. A bulk storage container of flour was unlabelled, food employees were seen working without appropriate hair restraints, and a non-NSF/ANSI-approved microwave was present in the food preparation area. Furthermore, excessive ice build-up was noted in a reach-in freezer, and debris was found under kitchen equipment and near the three-bay sink, indicating poor sanitation practices.
The presence of mouse droppings under the sink and an accumulation of static dust and grease on the hood filters further exacerbated the concerns identified during the inspection.
Requirements for Compliance
Following the inspection, the Philadelphia Department of Health mandated that Amari’s Restaurant must correct all identified violations to maintain its operating license. The restaurant is required to apply for a valid City of Philadelphia Department of Public Health Food Establishment Personnel Food Safety Certificate within 30 days from the inspection date. Failure to do so will result in an intent to cease operations.
Additionally, the restaurant must ensure that its food license is current. If the license has expired, the establishment is encouraged to contact the Department of Licenses and Inspections (L+I) for assistance with renewal. Upon verification, the health department can issue a License Eligibility Report (LER), enabling the restaurant to continue operations legally.
The health department has made it clear that if the violations remain unresolved, it will have no choice but to revoke the health permit or pursue legal action against the establishment. The complete health inspection report is available for public review, providing transparency regarding the issues faced by the restaurant.
As Amari’s Restaurant works to address these violations, its future compliance with health regulations will be closely monitored by the Philadelphia Department of Health. Ensuring food safety is essential not only for the establishment’s reputation but also for the health and well-being of its patrons.
