Inspection Report

Caribou Cafe
1126 Walnut St
Philadelphia, PA 19107
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Caribou Cafe
1126 Walnut St
Philadelphia, PA 19107
Inspection Date: 01/14/2025

43 Glasses observed not properly inverted on the table.
45 - Non-NSF chest freezers were observed in the basement storage area. - Splash guard needed between the handwash sink, prep sink and three basin sink - Broken cold prep lid observed in Kitchen prep. - Dishwasher behind the bar observed not to be working properly
47 Oil and debris observed behind the cooking equipment in the Kitchen area.
49 Sink in restroom observed being slow draining.
51 Dusty vent observed in the restroom.
53 Debris observed on the floor and under the counters behand the bar.
53 - The floor and walls around the mop sink area was not smooth and easily cleanable. -Floors in the walk ins were not smooth and easily cleanable. -Openings in walls observed needing to be sealed. -Damaged floor observed behind the bar. -Damaged base coving observed in the kitchen prep area.
54 Hood light observed one not properly sealed to the hood and one not properly working.
Caribou Cafe
1126 Walnut St
Philadelphia, PA 19107
Inspection Date: 04/01/2024

19 Water in the container holding the serving utensils temped at 65 degrees instead of 135 degrees. Person in charge placed the proper heated water in the containers.
39 Moist wiping cloths observed lying on the counter and not stored in sanitizing solution.
43 Dishes were not properly inverted with the food surface faced down.
45 Cutting boards observed with deep scratches and scoring not allowing for effective cleaning and sanitizing.
45 - Non-NSF chest freezers were observed in the basement storage area. - Prep sink observed being used as a utility sink. - Broken cold prep lid observed in Kitchen prep. - No garbage disposal observed on the hand washing sink.
46 Food facility lacks sanitizer test strips to monitor sanitizer concentration.
53 - The floor and walls around the mop sink area was not smooth and easily cleanable. -Floors in the walk ins were not smooth and easily cleanable. -Openings in walls observed needing to be sealed.
53 Mop observed in the bucket and not properly hanging to dry when not in use.
Caribou Cafe
1126 Walnut St
Philadelphia, PA 19107
Inspection Date: 01/30/2024

1 The person observed with a ServSafe Certificate and not with a valid Food Establishment Personnel Food Safety Certificate issued by the Department. *Food safety certificate application was sent via email.
6 A food employee was observed washing their hands at the 3 basin sink rather than the designated handwash sink.
8 The food facility does not have a handwash sink conveniently located behind the bar.
8 Food and food residue, observed in the handwash sink.
14 Slicer has an accumulation of food residue on the food contact surfaces and is not being washed, rinsed and sanitized at least every 4 hours.
33 Food being thawed using an unapproved method. Food observed thawing at room temperature on the counter.
35 Containers in cold prep and and under counter refrigerators observed not properly labeled with the name of its contents.
36 Visible physical evidence of a dead rodent observed in the kitchen by the walk in cooler.
36 Visible physical evidence of rodent activity observed on the dishwasher area, perimeters of the kitchen floor and shelving.
39 Moist wiping cloths observed lying on the counter and not stored in sanitizing solution.
45 - The lower door of the prep refrigerator across from the grill would not fully close/seal. - Plastic crates were observed being used for elevation in the basement walk-in cooler. - Non-NSF chest freezers were observed in the basement storage area. - The floors of the upstairs walk-in cooler and downstairs walk-in cooler; were in poor repair. - Lower shelving on the prep table observed to be rusty. - Rusted 5 tier shelving observed in the kitchen. - Prep sink observed being used as a utility sink. - Broken cold prep lid observed. - No garbage disposal observed on the hand washing sink.
45 Cutting boards observed with deep scratches and scoring not allowing for effective cleaning and sanitizing.
46 Food facility lacks sanitizer test strips to monitor sanitizer concentration.
47 - The floor of the basement walk-in cooler was soiled. - Observed grease accumulations on the outside surfaces of cooking equipment. - Static dust and grease accumulations observed on pipes and fire-suppression lines by cooking equipment. - Fan shield in the walk-in cooler was soiled. -Old food debris, dust and dirt observed under the shelves, cooking equipment, ware wash machine, reach in refrigerators and three basin sink.
48 Water not under pressure during inspection in the female ladies room.
49 A leak was observed coming from the 3-compartment sink faucet.
51 Static dust accumulations observed on the vents in the public/employee toilet rooms.
53 - The floor and walls around the mop sink area was not smooth and easily cleanable. - Floor next to the 3-compartment sink at the bar was in poor repair. - Coved base tile by the kitchen walk-in cooler was in poor repair.
54 -A light was observed burnt out in the ventilation hood. -Inadequate lighting observed in the kitchen. -Many light shied protectors observed broken. -Lights observed blown in the kitchen.
54 Hood filters have an accumulation of static dust and grease.
Caribou Cafe
1126 Walnut St
Philadelphia, PA 19107
Inspection Date: 11/14/2023

41 Food utensils were observed being stored in stagnant water between uses.
45 Raw wood surfaces were observed in the basement area.
45 - The lower door of the prep refrigerator across from the grill would not fully close/seal. - Plastic crates were observed being used for elevation in the basement walk-in cooler. - Non-NSF chest freezers were observed in the basement storage area. - The floors of the upstairs walk-in cooler and downstairs walk-in cooler; were in poor repair.
47 - The floor of the basement walk-in cooler was soiled. - Observed grease accumulations on the outside surfaces of cooking equipment. - Static dust and grease accumulations observed on pipes and fire-suppression lines by cooking equipment. - Fan shield in the walk-in cooler was soiled.
49 A leak was observed coming from the 3-compartment sink faucet.
51 Static dust accumulations observed on the vents in the public/employee toilet rooms.
53 - The floor and walls around the mop sink area was not smooth and easily cleanable. - Floor next to the 3-compartment sink at the bar was in poor repair. - Coved base tile by the kitchen walk-in cooler was in poor repair.
53 - Floor edges in the kitchen and downstairs storage area were observed with debris and mouse droppings. - Heavy grease accumulations were observed under cooking equipment. - The wall behind the 3-compartment sink and dishmachine was soiled. - Accumulations of dust and grease observed on the walls around the ventilation hood. - Heavy accumulations of food debris observed in the server/bread slicing area. - Unnecessary items/clutter in the basement area observed in the basement area.
53 Brooms and dustpan was observed being stored on the floor between uses; not hung on a utility rack as required.
54 A light was observed burnt out in the ventilation hood.
Caribou Cafe
1126 Walnut St
Philadelphia, PA 19107
Inspection Date: 10/13/2023

1 The Person in Charge did not demonstrate adequate knowledge of the Philadelphia Food Code. Knowledge of reheating and proper cooling was not demonstrated.
2 Food facility does not have a Health Awareness Reporting Procedure for food employees. Copy of employee management policy was emailed with the report.
8 No sign or poster posted at the handwash sink in the bar area to remind food employees to wash their hands.
11 A container of seafood crepes were observed with mold growths on them. Crepes were discarded at the time of inspection.
14 Black residue observed on the interior of the soda gun nozzle at the bar. Soda gun nozzle was removed and properly washed, rinsed and sanitized during the inspection.
18 5 gallon buckets of tomato soup and onion soup, were not cooled from 135 degrees F to 70 degrees F in 2 hours and/or from 135 degrees F to 41 degrees F within 6 hours, after preparation. Soups prepared on 10/12 were observed at 49 and 57 degrees F in the walk-in cooler. Soups were discarded during the inspection.
33 Ground beef observed being thawed using an unapproved method. Food observed thawing at room temperature on the chest freezer in the basement area.
34 Food temperature measuring devices for ensuring proper food temperatures are not calibrated and/or functioning properly.
36 Visible physical evidence of rodent activity (droppings) observed in the kitchen and basement storage areas.
37 Food is not stored at least 6 inches above the floor in the walk-in cooler.
39 Moist wiping cloths observed lying on prep surfaces and not stored in sanitizing solution.
41 Food utensils were observed being stored in stagnant water between uses.
43 Facility observed reusing 5-gallon buckets to store facility made soups and prepped vegetables.
45 Raw wood surfaces were observed in the basement area.
45 - Plastic crates were observed being used for elevation in the basement walk-in cooler. - Non-NSF chest freezers were observed in the basement storage area. - The floors of the upstairs walk-in cooler and downstairs walk-in cooler; were in poor repair.
45 Cutting boards observed with deep scratches and scoring not allowing for effective cleaning and sanitizing.
47 - Mouse droppings were observed on the lower shelves of the prep tables in the kitchen area and storage shelves in the basement area. - The floor of the basement walk-in cooler was soiled. - Observed grease accumulations on the outside surfaces of cooking equipment. - Static dust and grease accumulations observed on pipes and fire-suppression lines by cooking equipment. - Fan shield in the walk-in cooler was soiled.
49 A leak was observed coming from the 3-compartment sink faucet.
53 - The floor and walls around the mop sink area was not smooth and easily cleanable. - Floor next to the 3-compartment sink at the bar was in poor repair.
53 - Floor edges in the kitchen and downstairs storage area were observed with debris and mouse droppings. - Heavy grease accumulations were observed under cooking equipment. - The wall behind the 3-compartment sink and dishmachine was soiled. - Accumulations of dust and grease observed on the walls around the ventilation hood. - Heavy accumulations of food debris observed in the server/bread slicing area. - Unnecessary items/clutter in the basement area observed in the basement area.
53 Brooms and dustpan was observed being stored on the floor between uses; not hung on a utility rack as required.
54 An accumulation of static dust and grease were observed on the ventilation hood surfaces.
54 A light was observed burnt out in the ventilation hood.
Caribou Cafe
1126 Walnut St
Philadelphia, PA 19107
Inspection Date: 09/18/2023

8 No sign or poster posted at the handwash sink in the bar area to remind food employees to wash their hands. Handwashing reminder sign was provided during the inspection.
33 Ground beef observed being thawed using an unapproved method. Food observed thawing at room temperature on the chest freezer in the basement area.
36 - Visible physical evidence of rodent activity (droppings) observed in the kitchen and basement storage areas. - Dead mice observed in the basement storage area.
37 Food is not stored at least 6 inches above the floor in the walk-in cooler.
39 Moist wiping cloths observed lying on prep surfaces and not stored in sanitizing solution.
45 - Plastic crates were observed being used for elevation in the basement walk-in cooler. - Non-NSF chest freezers were observed in the basement storage area. - The floors of the upstairs walk-in cooler and downstairs walk-in cooler; were in poor repair.
45 Raw wood surfaces were observed in the basement area.
47 - Mouse droppings were observed on the lower shelves of the prep tables in the kitchen area and storage shelves in the basement area. - The floor of the basement walk-in cooler was soiled. - Observed grease accumulations on the outside surfaces of cooking equipment. - Static dust and grease accumulations observed on pipes and fire-suppression lines by cooking equipment. - Fan shield in the walk-in cooler was soiled.
49 A leak was observed coming from the 3-compartment sink faucet.
53 - Floor edges in the kitchen and downstairs storage area were observed with debris and mouse droppings. - Heavy grease accumulations were observed under cooking equipment. - The wall behind the 3-compartment sink and dishmachine was soiled. - Accumulations of dust and grease observed on the walls around the ventilation hood. - Unnecessary items/clutter in the basement area observed in the basement area.
53 - Broom and dustpan was observed being stored on the floor between uses; not hung on a utility rack as required.
53 - The floor and walls around the mop sink area was not smooth and easily cleanable. - Floor next to the 3-compartment sink at the bar was in poor repair.
54 An accumulation of static dust and grease were observed on the ventilation hood surfaces.
Caribou Cafe
1126 Walnut St
Philadelphia, PA 19107
Inspection Date: 06/12/2023

33 Ground beef observed being thawed using an unapproved method. Food observed thawing at room temperature on the chest freezer in the basement area.
41 Utensils were observed being stored in a stainless steel container of stagnant water.
45 - Plastic crates were observed being used for elevation in the basement walk-in cooler. - Non-NSF chest freezers were observed in the basement storage area. - The floors of the upstairs walk-in cooler and downstairs walk-in cooler; were in poor repair.
45 Raw wood surfaces were observed in the basement area.
47 - The floor of the basement walk-in cooler was soiled. - Observed grease accumulations on the outside surfaces of cooking equipment. - Static dust and grease accumulations observed on pipes and fire-suppression lines by cooking equipment.
49 - A leak was observed coming from the 3-compartment sink faucet. - A leak was observed at the handwashing sink faucet in the bar area.
53 The floor and walls around the mop sink area was not smooth and easily cleanable.
53 - Heavy grease accumulations were observed under cooking equipment. - The wall behind the 3-compartment sink and dishmachine was soiled. - Accumulations of dust and grease observed on the walls around the ventilation hood. - Floor edges in the kitchen and downstairs storage area were observed with debris.
54 Lights in the ventilation hood and walk-in cooler are not shielded from breakage.
54 - A light was observed burnt out in the ventilation hood. - Lighting intensity in the rear of the kitchen was poor.
54 An accumulation of static dust and grease were observed on the ventilation hood surfaces.
Caribou Cafe
1126 Walnut St
Philadelphia, PA 19107
Inspection Date: 05/09/2023

8 - No sign or poster posted at the handwash sink in the kitchen area to remind food employees to wash their hands. - An employee was observed using the handsink to fill containers of water. Facility was reminded that the handsink is to only be used for handwashing,
14 Black residue, pink slime observed on the interior of the ice machine on the white panel. Cleaning procedures were initiated during the inspection.
20 Soups (47 degrees F), salad (47 degrees F), pastries (47 degrees F), tomatoes (47 degrees F), beans (50 degrees F), was held between 47-50 degrees F rather than 41 degrees F or below as required in the kitchen walk-in cooler. The ambient temperature of the walk-in cooler was 48 degrees F. Food items were discarded during the inspection. Items prepped that afternoon were relocated to the basement walk-in cooler to rapidly cool. Temperature log indicated that the walk-in cooler was 39 degrees F earlier in the day. Walk-in temperature was adjusted during the inspection. Use of the walk-in cooler was discontinued until the temperature was 41 degrees F or below.
26 Working containers in the bar area, used for storing chemicals taken from bulk supplies, were not marked with the common name of the chemical. The spray bottle was labeled during the inspection.
37 Food is not stored at least 6 inches above the floor in the walk-in coolers.
41 Utensils were observed being stored in a stainless steel container of stagnant water.
42 Clean food equipment being stored wet, and not in a manner to allow air drying... wet nesting.
45 - Plastic crates were observed being used for elevation in the basement walk-in cooler. - Non-NSF chest freezers were observed in the basement storage area. - The floors of the upstairs walk-in cooler and downstairs walk-in cooler; were in poor repair.
47 - The floor of the basement walk-in cooler was soiled. - Observed grease accumulations on the outside surfaces of cooking equipment. - Static dust and grease accumulations observed on pipes and fire-suppression lines by cooking equipment.
49 - A leak was observed coming from the 3-compartment sink faucet. - The prep sink was in poor repair at the time of inspection.
53 - Heavy grease accumulations were observed under cooking equipment. - Accumulations of dust and grease observed on the walls around the ventilation hood. - Floor edges in the kitchen and downstairs storage area were observed with debris.
53 The floor around the mop sink was not smooth and easily cleanable.
53 Brooms and dustpans were observed stored on the floor between uses; not hung on a utility rack as required.
54 An accumulation of static dust and grease were observed on the ventilation hood surfaces.
54 - A light was observed burnt out in the ventilation hood. - Lighting intensity in the rear of the kitchen was poor.
54 Lights in the ventilation hood and walk-in cooler are not shielded from breakage.
Caribou Cafe
1126 Walnut St
Philadelphia, PA 19107
Inspection Date: 11/01/2022

14 Chlorine chemical sanitizer residual detected in the final sanitizer rinse cycle of the low temperature sanitizing dishwasher was 10 ppm, and not 50-100 ppm as required. Facility was instructed to discontinue use of the dishmachine for sanitizing and use the 3-compartment sink to sanitize until the dishmachine is repaired.
14 Black residue, pink slime observed on the white panel in the ice machine in the basement. Cleaning procedures were initiated during the inspection.
37 Food is not stored at least 6 inches above the floor in the walk-in coolers.
41 Utensils were observed being stored in a stainless steel container of stagnant water.
43 Observed plastic 5-gallon buckets being reused to store food items.
45 - Plastic crates were observed being used for elevation in the basement walk-in cooler. - Non-NSF chest freezers were observed in the basement storage area. - The floors of the upstairs walk-in cooler and downstairs walk-in cooler; were in poor repair.
47 - The floor of the basement walk-in cooler was soiled. - Observed grease accumulations on the outside surfaces of cooking equipment. - Old mouse droppings were observed on the lower shelf of the prep table by the salad prep-refrigerator. - Static dust and grease accumulations observed on pipes and fire-suppression lines by cooking equipment.
51 Static dust observed on the vent cover in the employee/public toilet room.
53 The floor around the mop sink was not smooth and easily cleanable.
53 - Heavy grease accumulations were observed under cooking equipment. - Floor edges in the kitchen and downstairs storage area were observed with debris.
53 Brooms and dustpans were observed stored on the floor between uses; not hung on a utility rack as required.
Caribou Cafe
1126 Walnut St
Philadelphia, PA 19107
Inspection Date:  

 
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