[Editor’s note: The report mentioned here is from an inspection conducted on November 21 and may not represent the future health inspection status of the food establishment.]
On November 21, Mr. Platano underwent a routine health inspection by the Philadelphia Health Department. The restaurant was reported for several health violations, including uncovered food, severe grease and dust accumulation in the facility.
Mr. Platano
- When: November 21, 2025
- Where: 4315 N 5th St, Philadelphia, PA 19140
According to the health inspection report, Mr. Platano was cited for several violations. They are as follows:
- The report said no person shall operate a food establishment handling non-prepackaged potentially hazardous food without having at least one certified food safety employee on-site at all times.
- The report noted that a food employee was observed wearing single-use gloves without washing their hands beforehand.
- Eggs were stored above raw beef. It also mentioned uncovered broths and sauces in the refrigerators.
- The report indicated that a personal drink and an ice scoop were found in direct contact with ice inside the ice machine. A personal phone was placed on a cutting board in the prep area.
- Shrimp, lettuce, and plantains were held at 45°F instead of the required 41°F or below.
- An unlabeled chemical bottle was seen in the warewashing area.
- The report said working bulk food ingredient containers were not labeled with the common name of the food.
- Common bowls without handles were found stored inside bulk food ingredients such as rice.
- The report said the facility had several inoperable or unapproved pieces of equipment, including an inoperable walk-in cooler used as storage, an inoperable steam table used as storage, a non-NSF-approved reach-in freezer and chest freezers, and an inoperable garbage disposal on a handwashing sink.
- Raw wood pallets and milk crates were used as elevation in the basement.
- The facility was missing the sanitizer test strips needed to verify sanitizer concentration.
- The report said there was severe grease and dust accumulation on the hood exhaust in the food prep area.
- A garbage disposal was installed in a shallow basin sink, which is not allowed. Garbage disposals must be connected to a deeper, free-standing sink.
- Dust accumulation was observed on a restroom vent.
- Cracked floor tiles were found throughout the facility.
- The report said a broom and dustpan were stored on the floor in the basement instead of being elevated when not in use.
A detailed report is available online…