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Apr. 14—Berks County is divided into three jurisdictions: Reading, Muhlenberg Township and the rest of the county. Reading and Muhlenberg Township have their own food safety inspectors and the rest of the county is inspected by Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture inspectors.

The results will be posted every other week. All food vendors are inspected at least once a year. Other inspections can be triggered by a change of owner, a follow up if a facility had been out of compliance or by a complaint filed with the PDA.

View any vendor's last inspection report online. Click on the PDF version of the inspection report for all details.

If a food provider is labeled out of compliance, that means it has one or more violations that require a return visit by an inspector. The establishment is given time to fix the problem(s) and remains open for business.

Complaints can be filed online with the PDA.

Below are the results of inspections conducted between March 29 and April 11, 2023, that were filed in the state database as of April 13 at 4 p.m.

Berks

Main Street Pub & Restaurant, 505 Main St. Po Box 628, Bally, April 11: nine violations. 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. Various food in the walk-in cooler/freezer area stored open with no covering. REPEAT VIOLATION. Observed deeply scored portable and bain marie cutting boards not resurfaced or discarded as required. Food facility is reusing plastic containers without handles as scoop utensils, which is intended to be a single-service or single-use article. Scoops needed for bread crumbs etc. Wall-mounted french fry cutter blade, a food contact surface, was observed to have old food residue and was not clean to sight and touch. REPEAT VIOLATION. Observed hood vent/grill equipment, in kitchen area, with an accumulation of dirt/dust. Also spilled food debris on kitchen floor yet in french fry cutting area under equipment and tables. Observed clean food equipment and/or utensils in kitchen area, stored wet in a manner that does not allow for draining and/or air drying (wet nesting). Bain marie cutting board replaced wet with stagnant food/water particles underneath. Paper towel dispenser empty at the handwash sink in the kitchen area. REPEAT VIOLATION. A working container of —cleaner / sanitizer— was stored above or on the same shelf with food, equipment, and/or single service articles in the kitchen area. Corrected. Out of compliance.

Washington Grille & Pub, 1063 Route 100, Bechtelsville, April 11: 15 violations. Raw chicken was stored above raw clams/mussels in the kitchen drawer unit. Corrected. Vaccuum packaged fish observed thawing in refrigerator in vacuum packing which is not an approved thawing method. Corrected. Not enough drainboards, utensil racks, or tables to allow for storage of soiled and/or cleaned items before and after cleaning. Wash compartment of the manual warewash equipment contained dirty wash water. Corrected. Interior of bar blender mixing container a food contact surface, was observed to have old food residue and was not clean to sight and touch. Corrected. Observed pizza oven mesh conveyor belt area, with encrusted grease and soil accumulation. Also grease food debris buildup under grill area. Knives are not being cleaned between use with raw foods and ready-to-eat foods. All knives in kitchen block were dirty with old food residue. Knife box has old food residue and must be cleaned. Corrected. Observed no chemical sanitizer being used on equipment and utensils after washing and rinsing them, and prior to use. Dirty dish water observed being used in warewashing sinks and no observable sanitizer was detected in sanitizer sink. Corrected. Food employee observed storing clean food equipment while wet, and not allowing time for draining and/or air-drying. All pans and bowls stacked without any air drying. Observed clean food equipment and/or utensils in clean dish area, stored uncovered or not inverted. Bowls and pots had water laying in bottoms and also cutting board on bain marie placed back wet with old water underneath. The floor / wall juncture in kitchen area is not coved and closed to 1/32 inch. large gaps behind refrigerator units that could allow for possible rodent entry. Kitchen window, in the pizza oven area, is open, unscreened, and does not protect against the entry of insects, rodents, and other animals. Window closed. Food debris and dirt around cook line drawers and spilled food debris in cook line bain marie. A working container of —cleaner / sanitizer— was stored above or on the same shelf with food, equipment, and/or single service articles in the kitchen area. chemicals found on 2 shelves in kitchen.

Out of compliance.

Dominos Pizza #4720, 8537 Allentown Pike, Blandon, April 6: two violations. Observed oven hood vents with encrusted grease, dust soil accumulation. The food facility does not maintain Food Employee Certification records as required. A food employee certification is displayed, but the individual is no longer employed by the retail food facility. Corrected.

Nice Garden, 850 Golden Drive Suite #8, Blandon, April 6: three violations. Various containers of food in the walk in cooler area stored open with no covering. Corrected. Raw shell eggs observed stored above ready to eat foods in walk in cooler. Corrected. Walk-in cooler ceiling at fan box area of the food facility is extremely dirty, dusty, and in need of cleaning.

Pulse Cafe, 506 Barlow Ave., Reading, April 6: two violations. Food facility person in charge not able to provide documentation that hot cocoa bombs being sold are from an approved source. Corrected by removing from sale. Observed wet wiping cloths in counter area, not being stored in sanitizer solution. Corrected.

Subway #53230, 850 Golden Drive Suite 7, Blandon, April 6: two violations. Non-food contact surfaces not cleaned at a frequency to preclude accumulation of dirt and soil. Splash guard behind soda fountain nozzles have a build up of splash residue/dust. Ceiling lights and fan behind sign area above counter of the food facility is dusty and in need of cleaning.

Bobby Flay BBQ At Mountain Springs, 3450 Mountain Road, Hamburg, April 5: one violation. Food facility has an employee who held a Certified Food Manager certificate; however, the certificate has expired and is no longer valid.

Hecky's Sub Shop, 313 State St., Hamburg, April 5: no violations.

Hissho Sushi @ Giant #50, 2641 Shillington Road, Reading, April 5: no violations.

Starbucks Coffee #50235, 5 Dave's Way Hamburg, April 5: two violations. Non-food contact surfaces not cleaned at a frequency to preclude accumulation of dirt and soil. walls, counters and floor had splash residues build up. The food facility does not have the original certificate for the certified food employee posted in public view. Corrected.

VFW Post #0216, 1 S. Fourth St., Hamburg, April 5: no violations.

A Plus 40241h, 1547 Lancaster Ave., Reading, April 4: two violations. Bakery products display is not labeled for the big allergens. Fan in the walk-in cooler dirty, dusty, and in need of cleaning.

Giant Food #6273, 600 E. Lancaster Ave., Reading, April 4: seven violations. Mechanical warewashing equipment had a dirt/grease and food residue buildup observed inside and around door frame area. Observed prep tables, in bakery area, with an accumulation of dirt, food residue, debris on non-food contact surfaces. Lower shelves of prep tables had spilled food build up. The handwash sink located in women's restroom does not have a self-closing, slow-closing or metering faucet to provide water for 15 seconds without reactivation. cold faucet. The handwash sink located in the produce washing area does not have water at a temperature of at least 100°F. Work order placed for repair. Sanitizer dispenser in the produce department was leaking at dispenser knob. Floor drains in chicken prep area and bakery were clogged. Waste receptacle for disposable paper towels not provided at the handwashing sink in bakery area.

Hissho Sushi @ Giant 6273, 600 E. Lancaster Ave., Reading, April 4: no violations.

Wendy's # 19305, 4820 Penn Ave., Sinking Spring, April 4: 10 violations. The person in charge does not have adequate knowledge of food safety in this food facility as evidenced by this non-compliant inspection. Food employees observed in cook line area, not wearing proper hair restraints. A box of salad lettuce refrigerated, ready to eat time temperature control for safety food in the walk in cooler, was date-marked by the facility, but was beyond the 7 day use or sell by date and requires discarding. The water temperature of the wash compartment of the manual warewashing equipment was 106°F, rather than not less than 110°F, as required. Observed floor under the fryer area with encrusted grease and soil accumulation. Observed single-service, single-use articles stored on cook line area which were not in the original protective package or inverted. Corrected. Observed clean food equipment, bucket used for ice in kitchen, not inverted. Corrected. Observed clean food equipment and/or utensils in clean dish rack area, stored wet in a manner that does not allow for draining and/or air drying (wet nesting). corrected. The food facility does not have the original certificate for the certified food employee posted in public view. Flooring in the warewashing mop sink area is made of tiles are cracked. Flooring has stagnant water ponding in mop sink and warewashing area. A working container of cleaner / sanitizer was stored above or on the same shelf with equipment, and/or single service articles in the kitchen area. Out of compliance.

Gulf Station Oley, 1141 Memorial Highway, Oley, April 3: nine violations. The person in charge does not have adequate control of food safety in this food facility as evidenced by this non-compliant inspection. Observed multiple containers (2 half gallons, 6 quarts, 2 pints) of milk offered for sale beyond the sell-by dates, which ranged from March 16-March 30. All containers were removed from the sales shelves. Observed bags of ice stored in the loose ice in the ice machine. Bags of ice and loose ice need to be removed and the interior of the machine need to be cleaned. Observed consumer self-service display of hot dogs without sneeze guards or other effective protection. Ice bagged in facility does not have the facility information on bag. Food facility does not have available sanitizer test strips to determine appropriate sanitizer concentration. The interior of the ice machine was observed to have pink and black residue. No chemical sanitizer being used on equipment and utensils after washing and rinsing them, and prior to use. Employee stated that they are not using the 3-compartment sink to wash or sanitize any food equipment. A food employee certification is displayed, but the individual is no longer employed by the retail food facility. Out of compliance.

Redner's Quick Shoppe #12, 24 E. Main St., Bally, April 3: four violations. Shelving equipment, in the walk-in cooler, has food contact surfaces exposed to splash, spillage, or other food soiling, lined with cardboard, an absorbent and rough material. The food facility does not maintain food employee certification records as required. Class is scheduled. Waste receptacle for disposable paper towels not provided at the handwashing sink in kitchen area. Wall by slicer at deli has peeling paint and in need of repair.

Aunt Nannie's Bake Shop, 913 Route 100, Bechtelsville, March 31: two violations. Raw Shell eggs stored above foods in rear kitchen reach in refrigerator. Food facility has an original certificate posted, but the location is not conspicuous for public viewing.

Papa Johns #3074, 828b Route 100, Bechtelsville, March 31: four violations. Observed hand sink at pizza prep area with an accumulation of dirt, food residue, debris on non-food contact surfaces. The food facility does not have the original certificate for the certified food employee posted in public view. The floor / wall juncture in rear storage area is not coved and closed to 1/32 inch. Coving tiles are missing around mop sink and corner areas near rear door. Also wall covering is loose and corner covers missing at rear door and near hand sink. Working containers in prep area, used for storing —chemicals, cleaners— taken from bulk supplies, were not marked with the common name of the chemical. Corrected.

Rise & Grind Nutrition Shillington, 606 Kenhorst Place, Reading, March 31: one violation. Handwash sink in employee restroom did not have hot water at the time of this inspection and must be repaired. Plumber scheduled for repair.

Waterman Meat Market, 97 Springhill Road, Hereford, March 31: three violations. Food employees observed in food area, not wearing proper hair restraints, such as nets, hats, or beard covers. Corrected. A food employee was observed touching Deli meat — a ready to eat food — with bare hands. Corrected. Toilet rooms do not have a self-closing door. Door closer broken and must be repaired.

501 Market (Sunoco), 7632 Lancaster Ave., Mount Aetna, March 30: three violations Pot of chili, a commercially processed food, was only heated to 100°F before being placed in the steam table and not to 135°F for hot holding as required. Corrected. Prepackaged sandwiches/deli salads are not labeled to clearly indicate any "Big 8" allergen ingredients and / or the allergen warning statement posted. Temperature measuring device for ensuring proper temperature of equipment is not available or readily accessible in deli salad refrigerator equipment.

Hartranft Poultry & Seafood, 10 S. Summit Ave., Shillington, March 30: two violations. Observed wet wiping cloths in counter area, not being stored in sanitizer solution. Corrected. The food facility does not have the original certificate for the certified food employee posted in public view.

The Gathering Place Cafe, 8490 Lancaster Ave., Bethel, March 30: no violations.

Tulpehocken School District Bernville Elementary, 24 Shartlesville Road, Bernville, March 30: no violations.

Dietrich's Country Meats, 660 Old Route 22, Lenhartsville, March 29: one violation. Some prepackaged food items are not labeled properly with an ingredient statement.

Friendly Restaurant #7676, 3024a Penn Ave., West Lawn, March 29: two violations. Floor under shelves in walk-in cooler have old spilled food underneath. Non-food contact surfaces not cleaned at a frequency to preclude accumulation of dirt and soil. Condensate lines from wall to fan box above food shelves have a build up of dust and dirt. Observed clean food equipment and/or utensils in salad area, stored wet in a manner that does not allow for draining and/or air drying (wet nesting). Cutting board on salad bain marie had water underneath.

Galen Hall, 645 N. Galen Hall Road, Wernersville, March 29: one violation. The handwash sink in the bar area was blocked by ice funnel and not accessible at all times for employee use. Corrected.

Huie's Gray Fox Inn, 2142 S. Galen Hall Road, Reinholds, March 29: no violations.

Paolo's Pizza & Restaurant, 2480 Lancaster Pike, Reading, March 29: seven violations. Observed in-use knives and /or cleavers stored between table edges or between tables, an area not easily cleanable & sanitized. Corrected. Various open pots and containers of food were stored under open seafood products and peeling/flaking wire shelving in reach in cooler at cook line. Covered food containers. Metal wire shelving racks in the stand up reach in refrigerator area on cook line, are rusted and no longer smooth, cleanable, non-absorbent, corrosion resistant. Mechanical warewashing equipment in rear bar has a visible lime/detergent buildup observed alongside of unit. Interior bins of ice machine in rear have a pink slime residue/mold build up along top and chute areas. Also wall mounted french fry cutter has old dried food residue. Observed refrigeration equipment, in cook line/pizza area, with an accumulation of mold/dirt, food residue, debris on non-food contact surfaces. Refrigerated drawer unit and front sandwich prep unit have old food/mold on bottom/top and rear ledges of units. The handwash sink located in the women's room in dining area does not have a self-closing, slow-closing or metering faucet to provide water for 15 seconds without reactivation.

Wilson School District Cornwall Terrace Elementary, 3100 Iroquois Ave., Sinking Spring, March 29: no violations.

Wilson School District Southern Junior High, 3100 Iroquois Ave., Sinking Spring, March 29: no violations.

Muhlenberg Township

Dunkin', 5334 Allentown Pike,, April 1: four violations. Ice scoop observed on a chair seat and not in an ice scoop holder. Observed bain marie plastic storage containers stacked on storage shelf while wet. The handwashing sink in the beverage prep area being used as a food preparation sink as evidenced by observed beverage residue and beverage cups in the sink. Observed unlabeled spray bottle on prep table shelf. Reportedly the bottle holds water for baking area.

Rittenhouse Village At Muhlenberg, 2900 Lawn Terrace,, April 1: six violations. Cutting board is not removable on steam table shelf. It cannot be easily disassembled using common handheld tools, for cleaning and inspection. ServSafe certificate not displayed in a conspicuous place. The floor / wall juncture in rear store room is not coved and closed to 1/32 inch. The coving is breaking away from the wall. This is not effective for pest control. Wall in the desk/work area, has a hole and in need of repair. Ceiling tile missing in the rear store room and needs replacement. Ceiling vents are soiled/dusty. Tracking between ceiling tiles and ceiling light covers are dusty. Dust from the ceiling surfaces can potentially contaminate food/equipment. Mops are not being hung to air dry. Mop holders/hooks are not effectively able to hold mop handles.

Reading

Little Caesars Pizza 373402, 1920 Kutztown Road, April 4, nine violations. The Person in Charge does not have adequate knowledge of food safety in this food facility as evidenced by this non-compliant inspection. Observed food, located in the bain marie, is not being marked with the date it was opened. Food contact surfaces, were observed to have food residue and were not clean to sight and touch. Non-food contact surfaces not cleaned at a frequency to preclude accumulation of dirt and soil. Door located in the rear area of the food facility has a gap and does not protect against the entry of insects, rodents, and other animals. Paper towel dispensers empty at the handwash sink in all areas of the facility. No handwash sign in the restroom. Food facility inspection indicates evidence of rodents activity. Mops are not being hung to air dry.

UPDATES

The following reports for the period of March 15 to March 28, 2023, were added to the state's database after March 30 and did not appear in the previous Berks food safety report.

Berks

Governor Mifflin School District Cumru Elementary, Philadelphia Ave., Shillington, March 28: no violations.

Governor Mifflin School District Intermediate, 600 Governor Drive, Shillington, March 28: no violations.

Governor Mifflin School District Mifflin Park Elem, 600 Governor Drive, Shillington, March 28: no violations.

Rita's Italian Ice of Morgantown, 3080 W. Main St., Morgantown, March 28: three violations. Top caps missing on single use cup holders mounted at registers. The food facility does not have the original certificate for the certified food employee posted in public view. Toilet rooms do not have a self-closing door.

Mecca Caribbean And Soul Food, 166 Franklin St., West Reading, March 25: no violations.

Tulpehocken School District Bethel Elementary, 8390 Lancaster Ave., Bethel, March 22: no violations.

Taco Bell #36257, 1136 Ben Franklin Highway, Douglassville, March 17: no violations.

Muhlenberg Township

Legends Inc., 2545 N. Fifth St., March 27: one violation. Ceiling tile missing in the storage room area during roof repair.