Al Sham Food
Last inspected: Jun 9, 2025
82
Score
Going back to 2023, Al Sham Food has 11 inspections in the public record. The most recent report on file is from Jun 9, 2025. Diners can read the low risk label as a sign that recent inspections have gone well.
Things have been moving in the right direction, with the rolling count dropping from around eight violations to closer to four violations per visit.
Looking across the full record, “non-food contact surfaces clean” is the recurring theme, flagged seven times.
That puts the facility ahead of the local pack: the average Philadelphia restaurant scores 72. Overall, the inspection record reads well.
11
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
4
Minor latest
Inspection History
Jun 9, 2025
Reinspection
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed, & used
Inspector notes: - Observed a loose/defective sliding door on the reach-in refrigerator in the front prep area. New Violation.
46.671
Non-food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: - Observed food debris and grease on the shelving surfaces underneath the cooking equipment in the kitchen. - Observed debris on lower shelving surfaces at the front prep, rear prep, and hallway storage areas. - Observed rust on the racks inside of the walk-in cooler. - Observed slight debris on the floor perimeters of the walk-in cooler. New Violation.
46.714
Physical facilities installed, maintained, & clean
Inspector notes: - Observed slight dust and debris on the floor perimeters in the hallway storage area. - Observed grease and debris on the floor perimeters underneath the cooking equipment in the kitchen. - Observed slight debris, water, and stains on the floor perimeters in the rear prep/ware washing area.
46.981(a)(b)(c)(g)(n)
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: - Observed one light out under the hood in the kitchen.
46.943
82
Apr 24, 2025
Reinspection
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed, & used
Inspector notes: - Cardboard observed being used to line the reach-in refrigerator shelves in the rear prep area.
46.522
Physical facilities installed, maintained, & clean
Inspector notes: - Observed debris and stains on the floor perimeters underneath the storage shelves in the rear hallway storage area. - Observed slight debris and stains on floor perimeters in the rear ware washing area and the hallway next to the grease trap/walk-in cooler. - Observed a puddle of water on the floor in the hallway next to the grease trap/walk-in cooler.
46.981(a)(b)(c)(g)(n)
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: - Observed one light out under the hood in the kitchen. New Violation.
46.943
86
Apr 22, 2025
Reinspection
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Insects, rodents & animals not present; no unauthorized persons
Inspector notes: - Observed a swarm of small flies underneath the 3-bay sink in the rear prep area. - Observed a swarm of small flies in the rear dry storage hallway area. - Observed mouse droppings on the lower shelving surfaces of a rolling cart in the rear prep area. - Observed an accumulation of mouse droppings on the floor perimeter corner underneath the reach-in freezer in the front prep area. - Observed mouse droppings on the floor perimeters in the rear prep area next to the dry storage rack. New Violation.
46.981(k)(l)
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: Food is not stored at least 6 inches above the floor in the walk-in cooler. New Violation.
46.321
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed, & used
Inspector notes: -Cardboard observed being used to line the reach-in freezer shelves.
46.522
Non-food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: - Observed mouse droppings on the lower shelving surfaces of a rolling cart in the rear prep area. - Observed food debris and grease on shelving surfaces underneath the cooking equipment in the front prep area. - Observed dust on the ceiling above the entrance door inside of the walk-in cooler.
46.714
Physical facilities installed, maintained, & clean
Inspector notes: - Observed the mop inside of the mop bucket rather than hung to allow for proper air drying.
46.981(f)
78
Mar 24, 2025
Reinspection
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Physical facilities installed, maintained, & clean
Inspector notes: - Observed the mop inside of the mop bucket rather than hung to allow for proper air drying. New Violation.
46.981(f)
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: - Observed a dim lightbulb underneath the hood in the kitchen area.
46.943
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed, & used
Inspector notes: -Observed defective sliding door on reach in refrigeration unit.
46.671
Non-food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: - Observed slight debris and stains on the interior surfaces of the chest freezer in the kitchen prep area.
46.714
82
Mar 20, 2025
Reinspection
1 critical violation. 8 minor violations.
View 9 violations
Hands clean & properly washed
Inspector notes: Food employees observed donning single use gloves without a prior hand wash.
46.132
Insects, rodents & animals not present; no unauthorized persons
Inspector notes: - Observed a swarm of small flies underneath the 3-bay ware washing sink and near the grease trap. - Observed small flies in the front kitchen/prep and hallway storage areas.
46.981(k)(l)
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: - Observed food items (cooking oil) not stored at least 6 inches above the floor in the hallway storage area.
46.321
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
Inspector notes: Moist wiping cloths observed lying on the prep counter and not stored in sanitizing solution.
46.304
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed, & used
Inspector notes: Cutting boards observed with deep scratches and scoring not allowing for effective cleaning and sanitizing.
46.672
Non-food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: - Observed stains and debris on the shelving surfaces of the reach-in freezer in the prep area. - Observed slight debris and stains on floor surfaces of walk-in cooler.
46.714
Sewage & waste water properly disposed
Inspector notes: The grease trap was observed emitting an odor during the inspection. Grease traps shall be thoroughly flushed and drained during the servicing operations.
46.862
Physical facilities installed, maintained, & clean
Inspector notes: - Observed slight debris and stains on floor perimeters in the rear prep and ware washing areas.
46.981(a)(b)(c)(g)(n)
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: - Observed a dim lightbulb underneath the hood in the kitchen area.
46.943
58
Feb 19, 2025
Reinspection
2 critical violations. 9 minor violations.
View 11 violations
Adequate handwashing facilities supplied & accessible
Inspector notes: - Observed food residue in the handwashing sink in the front prep area.
46.825(a)
Food in good condition, safe, & unadulterated
Inspector notes: Observed several food items in the chest freezer and in the walk-in cooler stored in non-food grade plastic shopping bags. PIC placed the food items in food-grade bags/containers during the inspection.
46.201
Insects, rodents & animals not present; no unauthorized persons
Inspector notes: - Observed mouse droppings on shelving surfaces underneath the cooking equipment in the kitchen area. - Observed mouse droppings along the floor perimeters in the hallway dry storage area and underneath the to-go/coffee storage racks in the prep area. - Observed small flies in the rear prep area.
46.981(k)(l)
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: - Observed food items (cooking oil) not stored at least 6 inches above the floor in the hallway storage area. New Violation.
46.321
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
Inspector notes: Moist wiping cloths observed lying on the prep counter and not stored in sanitizing solution.
46.304
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed, & used
Inspector notes: -Observed defective sliding door on reach in refrigeration unit.
46.671
Non-food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: - Observed mouse droppings on shelving surfaces underneath the cooking equipment in the kitchen area. - Observed stains and debris on exterior and interior surfaces of the chest freezer and prep table in the kitchen area. - Observed debris and stains on floor surfaces of walk-in cooler. - Observed rust on racks of walk-in cooler.
46.714
Sewage & waste water properly disposed
Inspector notes: The grease trap was observed emitting an odor during the inspection. Grease traps shall be thoroughly flushed and drained during the servicing operations. New Violation.
46.862
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: - Observed grimes, stains, and debris on the floor perimeters of the employee restrooms. - Observed the ceiling fans loose/detached from the ceiling in both employee restrooms. New Violation.
46.981(b)(i)
Physical facilities installed, maintained, & clean
Inspector notes: - Observed the mop inside of the mop bucket rather than hung to allow for proper air drying. New Violation.
46.981(f)
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: - Observed a dim lightbulb underneath the hood in the kitchen area. New Violation.
46.943
47
Jan 15, 2025
Reinspection
4 critical violations. 1 major violation. 6 minor violations. 2 corrected on site.
View 11 violations
Adequate handwashing facilities supplied & accessible
Inspector notes: - Observed food residue in the handwashing sink in the front prep area. New Violation.
46.825(a)
Food in good condition, safe, & unadulterated
Inspector notes: Observed several food items in the chest freezer and in the reach-in refrigerators stored in non-food grade plastic shopping bags. New Violation.
46.201
Food separated & protected
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Lettuce stored in the handwashing sink in the rear prep area was not protected from contamination. Corrective action; Person in charge removed the lettuce from the handwashing sink during the inspection.
46.301
Hands clean & properly washed
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Food employees observed donning single use gloves without a prior hand wash. Corrective action; Sanitarian explained to food employees the importance of washing hands in between tasks and before donning single use gloves.
46.132
Certification by accredited program, compliance with Code, or correct responses
Inspector notes: No person shall operate a food establishment that handles, prepares or serves non-prepackaged potentially hazardous food who does not have present and in the employ of the food establishment at all hours of operation at least one (1) person with a valid Food Establishment Personnel Food Safety Certificate issued by the Department. *PIC has ServSafe only. Sanitarian emailed the instructions to obtain a Philadelphia Food Safety Certificate again.
46.103
Insects, rodents & animals not present; no unauthorized persons
Inspector notes: - Observed mouse droppings in the front service area on shelving surfaces where to-go containers are kept. - Observed mouse droppings along the floor perimeters in the front prep area, in the rear prep area, and in the hallway with dry storage. - Observed mouse droppings on the shelving surfaces in the rear dry storage/prep areas. - Observed mouse droppings on the rolling cart in the front cashier/prep area. - Observed mouse droppings on the prep counter behind the smoothie machines in the rear prep area.
46.981(k)(l)
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
Inspector notes: Moist wiping cloths observed lying on the prep counter and not stored in sanitizing solution.
46.304
Single-use & single-service articles: properly stored & used
Inspector notes: - Observed mouse droppings in the front service area on shelving surfaces where open to-go containers and single-use articles are kept, which does not prevent from contamination. New Violation.
46.774
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed, & used
Inspector notes: Cutting boards observed with deep scratches and scoring not allowing for effective cleaning and sanitizing. New Violation.
46.672
Non-food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: Grease accumulations observed on exterior surfaces of cooking equipment. New Violation.
46.711(b)(c)
Physical facilities installed, maintained, & clean
Inspector notes: - Observed mouse droppings along the floor perimeters in the front prep area, in the rear prep area, and in the hallway with dry storage. - Observed debris and stains on floor surfaces and perimeters in the front prep area, behind cooking equipment, and in the rear prep area. - Observed a pool of water on the floor next to the walk-in cooler.
46.981(a)(b)(c)(g)(n)
37
Nov 6, 2024
Reinspection
1 major violation. 7 minor violations.
View 8 violations
Certification by accredited program, compliance with Code, or correct responses
Inspector notes: No person shall operate a food establishment that handles, prepares or serves non-prepackaged potentially hazardous food who does not have present and in the employ of the food establishment at all hours of operation at least one (1) person with a valid Food Establishment Personnel Food Safety Certificate issued by the Department. *PIC has ServSafe only. Sanitarian emailed instructions on how to obtain city certificate* New Violation.
46.103
Thermometer provided & accurate
Inspector notes: Temperature measuring devices for ensuring proper temperatures of equipment are not available or readily accessible in reach in refrigeration equipment. New Violation.
46.59
Insects, rodents & animals not present; no unauthorized persons
Inspector notes: Visible physical evidence of rodent activity observed: -mouse droppings observed in the front service area on shelving where to-go containers are kept mouse droppings observed along the floor perimeters in the front prep areea and underneath/ behind food equipment in the front prep area. -mouse droppings observed along floor perimeters in rear warewashing area -mouse droppings observed on lower prep shelving in rear dry storage/ prep areas
46.981(k)(l)
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
Inspector notes: Moist wiping cloths observed lying on the prep counter and not stored in sanitizing solution.
46.304
In-use utensils: properly stored
Inspector notes: Food dispensing utensil in the bulk ingredients observed in direct contact with food and not having handle stored above the top of the food.
46.302
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed, & used
Inspector notes: -Cardboard observed being used to line the reach-in freezer shelves New Violation.
46.522
Non-food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: General cleaning of non-food contact surfaces: -mouse droppings observed on shelving where to-go containers are stored. -mouse droppings observed on lower shelving in rear prep area -food residue on shelving underneath cooking equipment
46.714
Physical facilities installed, maintained, & clean
Inspector notes: General premises cleaning: -mouse droppings observed on floor perimeters in the front prep, warewashing, and rear prep areas. -food residue on floor perimeters underneath kitchen equipment
46.981(a)(b)(c)(g)(n)
64
Aug 27, 2024
Routine
3 critical violations. 1 major violation. 7 minor violations. 2 corrected on site.
View 11 violations
Food separated & protected
Inspector notes: Several raw animal foods (chicken, beef, lamb) were stored together, uncovered, in refrigeration units. New Violation.
46.281
Proper date marking & disposition
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Multiple potentially hazardous ready to eat food, prepared in the food facility and held for more than 48 hours, located in the refrigeration units, were not date marked. *PIC corrected on site*
46.385(b)
Toxic substances properly identified, stored & used
Inspector notes: Rodent bait was thrown on floor underneath shelving units, cooking equipment, and in the dry storage/ warewashing areas. Rodent bait should be in covered, tamper-resistant bait station. New Violation.
46.1026
Certification by accredited program, compliance with Code, or correct responses
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: The food facility operator shall be the Person in Charge or shall designate a Person in Charge and shall ensure that a Person in Charge is present at the food facility during all hours of operation. *Food safety certified person arrived before the end of the inspection*
46.101
Insects, rodents & animals not present; no unauthorized persons
Inspector notes: Front entry door was propped open at the start of the inspection. This outer opening in the food facility does not protect against the entry of insects, rodents, and other animals. New Violation.
46.922(e)(f)
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
Inspector notes: Moist wiping cloths observed lying on the prep counter and not stored in sanitizing solution. New Violation.
46.304
In-use utensils: properly stored
Inspector notes: Food dispensing utensil in the bulk ingredients observed in direct contact with food and not having handle stored above the top of the food. New Violation.
46.302
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed, & used
Inspector notes: Cutting boards observed with deep scratches and scoring not allowing for effective cleaning and sanitizing. New Violation.
46.672
Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained, & used; test strips
Inspector notes: sanitizing sink lacked a stopper to keep sanitizer solution/ water inside and PIC was using a large bucket to make sanitizer inside of the sink. New Violation.
46.676(a)-(c)
Non-food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: General cleaning of non-food contact surfaces: -mouse droppings observed on shelving where to-go bags are stored. -heavy food residue on shelving underneath cooking equipment New Violation.
46.714
Physical facilities installed, maintained, & clean
Inspector notes: General premises cleaning: -heavy food residue observed underneath cooking equipment -heavy food residue observed underneath refrigeration units in the prep area -walk-in cooler has debris on the flooring -mouse droppings observed along the floor perimeters in the front prep area New Violation.
46.981(a)(b)(c)(g)(n)
41
Jun 27, 2023
Reinspection
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed, & used
Inspector notes: Observed cold prep/display unit with a leak underneath. New Violation.
46.671
95
May 17, 2023
Routine
1 critical violation. 5 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Food separated & protected
Inspector notes: Observed handwashing sink and the wash compartment of the 3-bay sink next to prep sink without a splash guard. New Violation.
46.281
Thermometer provided & accurate
Inspector notes: Temperature measuring device for ensuring proper temperatures of equipment are not available or readily accessible in the kabob under-counter fridge and the soda reach-in coolers. New Violation.
46.59
In-use utensils: properly stored
Inspector notes: Observed handles in direct contact with bulk food ingredients (lentils, sugar, and salt).
46.302
Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained, & used; test strips
Inspector notes: Food facility lacks QAC sanitizer test strips to monitor sanitizer concentration.
46.634
Physical facilities installed, maintained, & clean
Inspector notes: Observed food debris on the floor under the dry storage shelf, refrigeration units and the cooking equipment.
46.981(a)(b)(c)(g)(n)
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: Observed both restrooms without a ventilation system.
46.944
67
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Al Sham Food last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Al Sham Food on file is from Jun 9, 2025. The public record contains 11 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Al Sham Food?
Across the inspection record, “non-food contact surfaces clean” has been cited seven times, more than any other issue at Al Sham Food.
Has Al Sham Food's inspection record improved over time?
Yes. Recent inspections at Al Sham Food have averaged around four violations per visit, down from roughly eight earlier in the record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Al Sham Food means inspectors found minimal or no significant issues at the most recent visit. Most facilities at this tier have a clean recent inspection report.
How often is Al Sham Food inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Al Sham Food is inspected around five times per year on average.
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