Merna's Caribbean Kitchen

6722 N Broad St, Philadelphia, PA 19126

Other

Last inspected: Sep 27, 2025

Score

High Risk

With just two inspections in the record, there isn't enough history to establish a clear pattern. On Sep 27, 2025, the health department conducted the most recent visit. Diners may want to take note: high risk reflects issues that a health inspector considered important.

Violation counts have ticked up lately, averaging around eight violations per visit versus roughly six violations earlier in the record.

When inspectors have written things up, “adequate ventilation & lighting” has been the most frequent reason, cited two times.

Merna's Caribbean Kitchen's latest score of 52 falls below the Philadelphia average of 72. Diners may want to weigh the inspection history when deciding to visit.

Inspections

Critical latest

Major latest

Minor latest

Inspection History

Sep 27, 2025

Routine

2 critical violations. 1 major violation. 5 minor violations. 1 corrected on site.

View 8 violations

Adequate handwashing facilities supplied & accessible

Inspector notes: Handsink in rear prep area was observed soiled with food residue New Violation.

46.981(h)

Food in good condition, safe, & unadulterated

Inspector notes: Observed (2) dozen eggs with expiration dates of 8/30/25 and 9/9/2025. Orders: Discard expired eggs immediately. New Violation.

46.201

Certification by accredited program, compliance with Code, or correct responses (corrected on site)

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. City of Philadelphia Food Safety Certificate Application will be emailed with inspection report.

46.103

Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices

Inspector notes: Indirect drain of prep sink observed defective/clogged at time of inspection New Violation.

46.825(b)-(e)

Physical facilities installed, maintained, & clean

Inspector notes: Observed electrical outlets exposed in kitchen area New Violation.

46.921

Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used

Inspector notes: -Missing/ burned out light observed in reach in front refrigeration unit. -Lights were observed out on hood unit -Observed inadequate lighting in general cook/prep areas New Violation.

46.943

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: -Inside surfaces of refrigerator units observed in need of cleaning -Dry storage in rear observed in need of cleaning New Violation.

46.714

Jun 30, 2023

Reinspection

6 minor violations.

View 6 violations

Personal cleanliness

Inspector notes: Food employees observed not wearing or wearing ineffective hair restraints, such as nets, hats, or beard restraints. New Violation.

46.152

Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed, & used

Inspector notes: Exhaust hood is not properly sealed - gaps observed along the top and side of hood.

46.652

Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained, & used; test strips

Inspector notes: Food facility lacks sanitizer test strips to monitor Quat sanitizer concentration.

46.634

Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned

Inspector notes: A separate covered trash receptacle for sanitary napkins observed lacking in toilet room.

46.882(b)

Physical facilities installed, maintained, & clean

Inspector notes: Unfinished ceiling surface observed in prep area over steam table.

46.901

Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used

Inspector notes: Missing/ burned out light observed in reach in refrigeration unit.

46.943

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Merna's Caribbean Kitchen last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at Merna's Caribbean Kitchen on file is from Sep 27, 2025. The public record contains two inspections in total.

What is the most common violation at Merna's Caribbean Kitchen?

Across the inspection record, “adequate ventilation & lighting” has been cited two times, more than any other issue at Merna's Caribbean Kitchen.

Has Merna's Caribbean Kitchen's inspection record improved over time?

No. Recent inspections at Merna's Caribbean Kitchen have averaged around eight violations per visit, up from roughly six earlier in the record.

What does a high risk rating mean?

A high risk rating at Merna's Caribbean Kitchen means the most recent inspection flagged either critical violations or a substantial number of smaller ones. Diners may want to read the violation details before deciding to visit.

Nearby Restaurants

Miri Seafood

7361 N 19Th St

Score: 78 — Low Risk

Ellwood Elementary School Headstart

6701 N 13Th St

Score: 86 — Low Risk

Laurel Square Healthcare & Rehabilitation Center

1020 Oak Lane Ave

Score: 95 — Low Risk

Explore More

→ All locations in Philadelphia → Other restaurants in Philadelphia