Inspection Report

El Mezcal Cantina
1260 Point breeze Ave
PHILADELPHIA, PA 19146
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El Mezcal Cantina
1260 Point breeze Ave
PHILADELPHIA, PA 19146
Inspection Date: 12/03/2024

20 Potentially hazardous food was held at 45.6 degrees F rather than 41 degrees F or below as required. Corrective action: Items stored above the cold line in overfilled containers were placed in other containers.
37 Bulk ingredients observed stored in a closet with a leaking ceiling. Corrective action: Sugar in bulk container located beneath leak was discarded and container and lid washed. Other bulk containers were moved to another location and wiped down with sanitizer solution.
45 Walk-in refrigerator is holding food slightly above 41 degrees F. Temperature was adjusted during the inspection.
47 Dust observed on fan covers in the walk-in cooler.
49 Leak observed at the ceiling in the closet where bulk ingredients are stored. Plumber was called and arrived during the inspection.
51 Toilet room doors on the first floor are not self-closing.
53 Spaces observed between ceiling tiles in the food prep/warewashing area.
El Mezcal Cantina
1260 Point breeze Ave
PHILADELPHIA, PA 19146
Inspection Date: 10/23/2024

2 Food safety certified person could not demonstrate adequate knowledge of the foodborne illnesses deemed reportable. Sample health policy emailed with this report.
6 Hot water was turned off at the handwashing sink in the food prep/warewashing area. Proper handwashing could not be conducted.
8 -Wiping cloth observed in the handwashing sink in the food prep/warewashing area. -Broom and dust pan observed blocking the sink in the food prep/warewashing area. -Handles of sieves observed hanging on the dish storage rack near the food prep sink were blocking the handwashing sink. Note: Handwashing sinks must be accessible at all times for employee use. Corrective action: Items relocated during the inspection.
13 -Raw meat observed stored above cooked food. -Raw chicken observed stored above other food in the cold prep refrigerator and the walk-in cooler. Corrective action: Items were rearranged during the inspection.
36 Visible physical evidence of rodent / insect activity observed in the establishment. The following were observed: -One roach in the food prep area on the wall near the hot holding unit. -Mouse droppings on the floor in the closet on the second floor.
36 An insect control device located in the bar area with potential to contaminate food, equipment, and / or utensils. Stored on rack above bottles of liquor. Corrective action: Device removed.
41 Common bowls or food containers observed without handles in direct contact with bulk food ingredients. Cup in beans.
42 A splash-guard is required between the dish/equipment/utensil storage rack and the handwashing sink in the food prep/warewashing area.
45 -Cold prep refrigerator in the pizza prep area is holding food above 41 degrees F. Do not use the unit until it is repaired and holding food at 41 degrees F or below. -Condensation line in the basement was observed leaking onto the floor.
49 Fast hot water leak was observed at the handwashing sink in the food prep/warewashing area when the valve was opened.
49 Hot water was not available at the handwashing sink in the food prep/warewashing area. Corrective action: Hot water valve was opened at the sink.
51 Toilet room doors on the first floor are not self-closing.
53 -Wall in stairway leading to the office is in disrepair. -Hole observed in the wall in the closet on the second floor.
El Mezcal Cantina
1260 Point breeze Ave
PHILADELPHIA, PA 19146
Inspection Date: 04/25/2024

2 Food safety certified person could not demonstrate adequate knowledge of the foodborne illnesses deemed reportable or the symptoms that would require employee exclusion. Corrective action: Employee was able to demonstrate knowledge at the end of the inspection.
26 Observed insecticides or rodenticides not labeled by the manufacturer for food facility usage, in the basement storage area. Corrective action: Raid discarded.
37 -Food is not stored at least 6 inches above the floor in the closet across from the walk-in cooler. -Some bulk ingredients observed stored in an unfinished basement.(large container of avocado leaves)
41 -Common bowls or food containers observed without handles in direct contact with bulk food ingredients. -Food dispensing utensil in the bulk container of dry beans observed in direct contact with food and not having handle stored above the top of the food.
47 Cleaning issues: -Grease observed in cavity behind the gas controls for the grill. -Some black residue observed on the fan covers in the walk-in cooler.
49 Cold water was not available at the food prep sink to wash produce. Corrective action: Cold water was restored at the sink during the inspection.
51 Toilet room doors are not self-closing.
El Mezcal Cantina
1260 Point breeze Ave
PHILADELPHIA, PA 19146
Inspection Date: 02/14/2024

6 Water temperature at handwashing sinks was observed at 91 to 99 degrees F and fluctuating to cold at some sinks.
13 -Uncovered food was observed in the lower compartment of the cold prep refrigerator. -Uncovered salts and spices observed on the bar counter. -Uncovered ice observed in ice bin in the bar area. Corrective action: Items were covered during the inspection.
26 Chlorine sanitizer solution being used in excess of 200 ppm on food contact surfaces. Corrective action: Sanitizer concentration was corrected.
41 Common bowls or food containers observed without handles in direct contact with bulk food ingredients.
42 Preset tableware is not covered, wrapped inverted or otherwise protected from contamination.
47 -Gaskets observed soiled on reach-in freezer in the basement. -Accumulation of ice observed in reach-in freezer in basement. -Black residue observed on light cord at the ceiling of the walk-in cooler. -Water observed on walk-in cooler floor. -Smoke detector observed soiled in warewashing area. Cleaned during the inspection.
49 Water temperature at handwashing sinks was observed at 91 to 99 degrees F and fluctuating to cold at some sinks.
51 Toilet room doors are not self-closing.
53 -Unapproved ceiling tiles observed in the warewashing/food prep area. -Broken/cracked floor tiles observed in warewashing/prep area. -Cardboard observed on the floor in the warewashing area.
54 Inadequate lighting observed in the walk-in cooler.
El Mezcal Cantina
1260 Point breeze Ave
PHILADELPHIA, PA 19146
Inspection Date: 11/01/2023

2 Food safety certified person could not demonstrate adequate knowledge of the foodborne illnesses deemed reportable. Sample health policy emailed with the report.
13 Uncovered food observed in the lower compartment of the cold prep refrigerator. Corrective action: Food covered.
14 Rust was observed on the ice guard in the bin of the ice machine.
14 Chlorine chemical sanitizer residual detected in the final sanitizer rinse cycle of the low temperature sanitizing dishwasher was 10 to 50 ppm, and not 50-100 ppm as required. Facility's test strips may be inaccurate. Technician called during the inspection. Sanitarian primed the machine and concentration increased.
36 A roach was observed on the wall in the food prep area.
42 Preset tableware is not covered, wrapped inverted or otherwise protected from contamination.
45 -Soap dispenser in the bar area observed malfunctioning. Not dispensing soap when needed. Working disposable soap dispenser provided. -Gaskets in disrepair on walk-in cooler. -Cracked foam observed lining the interior door of the ice machine. *****(Please speak with ice machine company to eliminate the potential for contamination.)******
48 Inadequate water flow observed at handwashing sink in the bar area.
49 Drainage pipe beneath the warewashing sink observed leaking.
51 Toilet room door not self-closing.
53 -Unapproved ceiling tiles observed in the warewashing/food prep area. -Broken/cracked floor tiles observed in warewashing/prep area.
53 Two stained ceiling tile observed in the food prep area.
54 Dimming light observed outside of walk-in cooler.
El Mezcal Cantina
1260 Point breeze Ave
PHILADELPHIA, PA 19146
Inspection Date: 09/18/2023

42 Pots, equipment and utensils observed stored beneath an unfinished ceiling in the basement.
45 -Bare wood shelving observed in bar area. -Shelves beneath tables in the food prep area are not smooth and easy to clean. Note: Surfaces should be smooth, non-absorbent and easy to clean.
45 -Cold prep refrigerator at the pizza prep station cannot hold food at 41 degrees F or below. Observed with an ambient temperature of 42.4 rather than 37 degrees F. The refrigerator cannot be used until it can hold food at 41 degrees F or below. -Handle missing from cold prep refrigerator in pizza prep area. -Gaskets in disrepair on walk-in cooler. -Small bracket for holding containers in the new cold prep refrigerator observed missing on the right side. -Cracked foam observed lining the interior door of the ice machine. *****(Please speak with ice machine company to eliminate the potential for contamination.)******
47 Cleaning: Water and debris observed in chest refrigerator in the second floor bar area.
51 Toilet room doors throughout the establishment are not self-closing.
53 -Unapproved ceiling tiles observed in the warewashing/food prep area. -Broken/cracked floor tiles observed in warewashing/prep area. -Seal holes in floors where needed. -Seal gaps between baseboards and floors and walls and floors where needed. (i.e. customer toilet room on first floor, bar on second floor, etc.) -Holes observed in the floor of the cabinet beneath the sink in the customer toilet room on first floor. -Tiles are in disrepair/missing at the entrance above the mop-sink closet. Note: Surfaces should be smooth, non-absorbent and easy to clean.
53 -Old mouse droppings could be seen through the holes in the floor of the cabinet beneath the sink in the customer toilet room. Cleaning initiated during the inspection. -Stained ceiling tile observed in employee toilet room.
54 Lights in the food prep area and food prep area storage closet are not shielded from breakage.
El Mezcal Cantina
1260 Point breeze Ave
PHILADELPHIA, PA 19146
Inspection Date: 09/15/2023

8 -No sign or poster posted at the handwash sink in the first floor bar area to remind food employees to wash their hands. -Trash receptacles are needed at handwashing sinks without them.
11 Black residue observed on ice in the ice machine bin. Corrective action: Instructed the person in charge to turn off the ice machine, discard ice and to wash, rinse, sanitize and air-dry the machine paying special attention to areas behind the ice guard.
14 -Ice machine observed producing ice that has black residue on it. Please wash, rinse, sanitize and air-dry the ice machine bin and interior components. -Mouse dropping observed in dough mixer. Mixer washed, rinsed and sanitized during the inspection.
14 Chlorine chemical sanitizer residual detected in the final sanitizer rinse cycle of the low temperature sanitizing dishwasher in bar area was 0 to 10 ppm, and not 50-100 ppm as required. Third cycle yielded the correct concentration -The quaternary ammonia concentration in the sanitizing solution of the 3-bay warewash sink was 0 ppm, rather than 200 to 400 ppm as stated on the manufacturer's use directions. Chlorine solution was set up instead.
20 Potentially hazardous food was held at 44.4 to 47.5 degrees F rather than 41 degrees F or below as required. Corrective action: Potentially hazardous food 45 degrees F and above was discarded. Food below 45 degrees F was moved to the freezer.
36 Visible physical evidence of rodent / insect activity observed in the facility. -Mouse droppings were observed in cabinet beneath the handwashing sink in the toilet room and in the fryer cabinet in the food prep area.
36 Outer opening (door to AC unit) in the food facility does not protect against the entry of insects, rodents, and other animals. Door sweep needed.
45 -Cold prep units in rear prep, and walk-in coolers (2), under-the-counter refrigerator in the bar area are not holding food at 41 degrees F or below and should not be used until they are fixed. -Handle missing from cold prep refrigerator in pizza prep area. -Gaskets in disrepair on walk-in cooler. -Cracked foam observed lining the interior door of the ice machine. (Please monitor due to potential for contamination.) -Paper towel and soap dispensers malfunctioning in the bar area. Fixed during the inspection.
45 -Bare wood shelving observed in bar area. -Crates observed used to elevate items. Note: Surfaces should be smooth, non-absorbent and easy to clean.
46 Food facility lacks sanitizer test strips to monitor sanitizer concentration. Chlorine test strips are need for the dishwashers.
47 Cleaning -Heavy accumulation of ice observed in reach-in freezer in the basement. -Mouse feces observed in the fryer cabinet.
49 Drainage pipe beneath the newly installed handwashing sink in the food prep area observed leaking.
53 -Unapproved ceiling tiles observed in the warewashing/food prep area. -Broken/cracked floor tiles observed in warewashing/prep area. -Seal holes in floor where needed. Note: Surfaces should be smooth, non-absorbent and easy to clean.
54 Lighting intensity i in reach-in refrigerator across from the pizza prep area.
El Mezcal Cantina
1260 Point breeze Ave
PHILADELPHIA, PA 19146
Inspection Date: 09/12/2023

2 Food safety certified person could not demonstrate adequate knowledge of the foodborne illnesses deemed reportable. Sample health policies mailed with this report.
6 Hand sanitizer was provided at a handwashing sink rather than soap. Note: Hand sanitizer may only be used after hands are washed with warm water and soap.
8 The food facility does not have a handwash sink conveniently located in the rear food prep area.
8 -Soap was not available at the handwash sink in the food prep area with cooking equipment. COS -Soap and paper towels were not available at the handwash sink in the food prep area adjacent to the bar. COS -Paper towels were not available in two toilet rooms.
8 Handwashing sink and soap dispenser in the food prep area adjacent to the bar was blocked by a table holding spices.
11 -Condensation/water spilled from lid into food below when a food container was moved from the top shelf in the walk-in cooler. -Rotting peppers were observed in the walk-in cooler. Corrective action: Food discarded.
13 Food employee observed using tongs to pack a customer's leftovers. Tongs were placed back in the container of in-use utensils at the pizza station rather than in the warewashings sinks for washing and sanitizing. Corrective action: Sanitarian instructed the chef and PIC to take corrective action. Chef instructed staff to allow customers to package their own leftovers and moved all in-use utensils in the pizza prep area and the container to the warewashing area.
14 Chlorine chemical sanitizer residual detected in the final sanitizer rinse cycle of the low temperature sanitizing dishwasher was 0 to 10 ppm, and not 50-100 ppm as required (bar dishwasher and the main dishwasher). Corrective action: Sanitarian showed food employee how to prime the dishwasher in the bar, and instructed the chef and person in charge (PIC) to set up the 3-bay sink until the dishwasher is fixed. Sinks were not set up.
14 -Roach egg sac and roach observed on slicer. -Flies observed landing on prep tables. -Rust observed on ice guard in interior bin of ice machine. All food contact surfaces must be washed, rinsed, sanitized and air-dried.
20 Potentially hazardous food was held at 46 to 80 degrees F rather than 41 degrees F or below as required. Corrective action: Food in walk-in and cold prep unit discarded.
26 Poison applied from a tube was observed applied to the wall beneath shelving holding spices. Shelves and poison were above a food prep table observed in use.
33 Potentially hazardous food being thawed using an unapproved method. Food observed thawing at room temperature on the food prep table. Food observed thawing in standing water.
36 Visible physical evidence of rodent / insect activity observed in the facility. -Mouse droppings observed in storage closets in prep areas, floor in bar areas, floor in HVAC closet, floor in toilet room, basement stairs, hole in wall along basement stairs, etc. -Flies were observed in the food prep area. -Roaches and roach egg sac observed in the food prep areas.
37 Open spices in prep area adjacent to bar are too close to the handwashing sink.
42 Stacks of plates not inverted on 1st and 2nd floors.
43 Preset tableware observed not inverted. (glasses and small plates)
45 -Pizza cold prep, cold prep unit in rear and walk-in cooler are not holding food at 41 degrees F or below and should not be used until they are fixed. -Unused equipment in basement. -Handle missing from cold prep refrigerator in pizza prep area. -Gaskets in disrepair on walk-in cooler. -Cracked foam observed lining the interior door of the ice machine. (Please monitor due to potential for contamination.) -Floor in walk-in box # 1 in disrepair.
45 Microwave oven is not NSF approved.
46 Drainboards, cart or table large enough to hold soiled and/or clean dishes and utensils must be provided.
46 Food facility lacks sanitizer test strips to monitor sanitizer concentration. Chlorine test strips are need for the dishwasher, and quaternary ammonia test strips are needed for the sanitizer solution made with tablets.
47 Cleaning -Debris was observed in compartment beneath the grill. -Black residue observed on caulk on warewashing sinks. -Black residue observed on fan guards and light cover in the walk-in cooler. -Heavy accumulation of ice observed in reach-in freezer in the basement.
49 -Multiple leaks were observed at the drainage pipe beneath the warewashing sinks. -Portions of the drainage pipe at the food prep sink were disconnected and inside of the catch basin.
53 -Unapproved ceiling tiles observed in the warewashing/food prep area. -Broken/cracked floor tiles observed in warewashing/prep area. -Cardboard observed on the floor beneath rubber mats in the warewashing area. Note: Surfaces should be smooth, non-absorbent and easy to clean.
53 Cleaning -Remove all mouse feces and any other evidence of pests from the facility. -Clean up any debris on floors. -Clutter observed in basement. -Water observed on basement floor. -Unused equipment observed in basement. -Clean poison from wall above food prep table.
53 Brooms and dust pans observed stored directly on the floor rather than elevated.
53 Mops observed stored directly on the floor rather than elevated.
54 Lights in the prep/warewashing area are not shielded from breakage.
54 -Light out in storage closet in prep area. -No light in reach-in refrigerator across from the pizza prep area.
65 Food establishments producing grindable garbage waste must install a garbage grinder to properly dispose of such waste or recycle the garbage by other approved means. Note: A garbage grinder must be installed on a NSF approved sink with 4 legs and a deep basin. Drainage pipe must be directly connected. ********A garbage grinder must be 1/2 hp. DO NOT connect a garbage grinder to a food prep sink or a warewashing sink.**********
El Mezcal Cantina
1260 Point breeze Ave
PHILADELPHIA, PA 19146
Inspection Date: 05/06/2022

8 The handwash sink in the employee toilet room and salad prep area does not have single use towels, continuous towels, or air drying device. Corrective action: Towels were provided.
13 Raw meat was observed above cooked and ready to eat food. Uncovered food observed in the walk-in cooler. Corrective action: Items were relocated and food covered.
18 Potentially hazardous food (soup), was 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. Corrective action: Soup discard and discussed using cooling wands and shallow containers for proper cooling.
20 Potentially hazardous food was held at 46 degrees F rather than 41 degrees F or below as required. Corrective action: Salsa was discarded and temperature of the walk-in cooler and cold prep unit was reduced.
34 -Temperature measuring devices for ensuring proper temperatures of equipment are not available or readily accessible in cold prep unit holding tortilla shells. -Temperature measuring devices for ensuring proper temperatures of food are not available or readily accessible. A probe thermometer is needed.
36 An insect control device located in doorway between prep area and warewashing area with potential to contaminate food, equipment, and / or utensils. Corrective action: Device relocated.
37 Food is not stored at least 6 inches above the floor in walk-in cooler and storage closet.
45 -Cold prep unit holding tortillas is holding food above 41 degrees F. Do not store any potentially hazardous items in this unit. -Walk-in freezer is not operational. -Unused equipment observed in basement (ice machines, freezers, fryer). -Stove with grill used to heat tortillas is slightly outside of hood.
47 -Debris was observed in control compartment below the grill. -Debris observed on the table beneath the flat grill.
52 Multiple cardboard boxes observed stored in yard.
53 -Unapproved ceiling tiles observed in the warewashing/food prep area. Note: Ceiling should be smooth, non-absorbent and easy to clean. -Broken floor tiles observed in warewashing/prep area.
53 Debris observed on the floor in the storage closet.
54 Light out in storage closet.
Matter Family Pizza
1260 Point breeze Ave
PHILADELPHIA, PA 19146
Inspection Date:  

 
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