The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture has posted an updated list of recent Retail Food Inspection Reports for restaurants and food handlers in Berks County. Inspections are a “snapshot” of the day and time of the inspection. Violations are recorded but are often corrected on the spot prior to the inspector leaving the facility. For more information on retail food inspection reports, visit: agriculture.pa.gov
On November 16, 2023, an inspection was conducted at The Henry P. Robeson House Beef & Ale located at 124 E Penn Ave, Robesonia, PA 19551. The inspection revealed several violations that require attention. Firstly, the mechanical warewashing equipment exhibited a grease buildup, necessitating more frequent cleaning. Additionally, in the clean dish rack area, clean food equipment and utensils were observed stored wet, posing a risk of wet nesting. The cutting board on the bain marie was also identified as being placed back wet with old water underneath. Moreover, tableware intended for customer use was found unwrapped, thereby failing to prevent direct contact by consumers. The food facility’s warewashing sink was noted to have a direct connection to the floor drain, posing a potential backflow of sewage hazard, and an air gap is required to address this issue. Furthermore, the rear door in the kitchen area was found to have a gap, failing to provide adequate protection against the entry of insects, rodents, and other animals. Lastly, in the bar/kitchen area, working containers used for storing chemicals and cleaners lacked proper labeling with the common name of the chemical; this issue has been corrected.
On November 16, 2023, an inspection was conducted at Wingstop #2460 located at 532 E Lancaster Ave, Shillington, PA 19607. The inspection identified two violations that require attention. Firstly, the second unisex toilet room lacks a covered waste receptacle for sanitary napkins, a requirement under code 5-501.17. Secondly, in the kitchen doorway area and the walk-in cooler wall at the freezer door, the floor/wall juncture was observed to be inadequately coved and closed to 1/32 inch, as specified in code 6-201.13.
On November 15, 2023, a thorough inspection was carried out at Lilli’s Ranch House situated at 2738 Penn Ave, Reading, PA 19609, revealing several violations that necessitate attention. Firstly, an open employee’s beverage container was found in the cook line area, a designated food preparation zone, a contravention of code 2-401.11, and has been promptly corrected. Additionally, deeply scored cutting boards were noted, which require resurfacing or replacement in accordance with code 4-501.12. Furthermore, non-food contact surfaces, particularly the bain marie drawer unit on the prep side of the cook line, exhibited spilled liquids and food debris, indicating a need for more frequent cleaning as outlined in code 4-602.13. Clean food equipment was observed stored either uncovered or not inverted, such as the ice bucket at the ice machine, allowing for standing water in the bottom, a violation of code 4-903.11 (A-B)(D). At the cook line hand sink, hot water was not under pressure during the inspection, necessitating faucet repair as per code 5-103.12. Lastly, the trash receptacle/waste handling unit outside lacked a tight-fitting lid or cover, and the lid was observed open when not in use, contravening code 5-501.15.
On November 14, 2023, an inspection was conducted at Flanagan’s Pub located at 41 W Lancaster Ave, Shillington, PA 19607, revealing several violations that require attention. Firstly, a temperature measuring device for ensuring the proper temperature of equipment was not initially available or readily accessible in the walk-in cooler in the kitchen, as noted in code 4-204.112. The issue was promptly corrected. Additionally, non-food contact surfaces were observed with a buildup of dirt, debris, and food under the cook line, violating code 4-602.13. This area requires thorough cleaning to prevent the accumulation of dirt and soil. Furthermore, clean food utensils in the kitchen area were observed to be stored uncovered or not inverted, a violation of code 4-903.11 (A-B)(D). The matter was promptly addressed and corrected. Lastly, mops were not being hung to air dry, as indicated by code 6-501.16.
On November 14, 2023, an inspection was conducted at Julie’s Restaurant located at 4850 Penn Ave, Sinking Spring, PA 19608, revealing two violations that require attention. Firstly, food in the freezer next to the fryers was found stored open with no covering, violating code 3-302.11. The issue was promptly corrected. Additionally, a food dispensing utensil in the onion rings in the freezer was observed stored in the food and not with the handle above the top of the food and the container, as required by code 3-304.12. This violation was promptly addressed and corrected.
On November 14, 2023, an inspection was conducted at McDonald’s #02385 located at 3710 Penn Ave, Sinking Spring, PA 19608, revealing several violations that require attention. Firstly, a temperature measuring device for ensuring the proper temperature of equipment was not initially available or readily accessible in the refrigerator near the back hand wash sink, as indicated by code 4-204.112. The issue was promptly corrected. Additionally, self-serve soda machines in the customer dining area were observed to have an accumulation of food residue on non-food contact surfaces, a violation of code 4-601.11(B-C). The matter was addressed and corrected. Furthermore, the plumbing system was not maintained in good repair, with a faucet for the 3-bay sink leaking at the top connection, violating code 5-205.15.
On November 14, 2023, a comprehensive inspection was conducted at Salsa Burrito, located at 4900 Shillington Pl, Reading, PA 19607, revealing several violations that necessitate prompt attention. Firstly, overwrap tape on equipment bottom shelves must be removed, and labels left on pans on the rack need to be addressed, as indicated by code 4-101.19. Furthermore, the food facility lacks the original certificate for the certified food employee posted in public view, a requirement under code 46.1201 (c). Additionally, the mop sink was found to have a hose attachment hanging below the flood rim, not providing an appropriate air gap, as outlined in code 5-202.13. Lastly, the kitchen ceiling vent area was observed to be dusty and in need of cleaning, according to code 6-501.12.
On November 13, 2023, an inspection was conducted at Subway #12701 located at 5479 Pottsville Pike, Leesport, PA 19533, revealing two violations that require attention. Firstly, the ice chute at the soda dispensing unit, identified as a food contact surface, was found to have residue and was not clean to sight and touch, violating code 4-601.11(A). The issue was promptly corrected. Additionally, the women’s toilet room lacked a covered waste receptacle, a requirement under code 5-501.17.
Restaurant inspections provide a momentary glimpse into the operational and sanitary practices of food establishments, acting as a crucial mechanism to ensure public safety. It’s important to recognize that these inspections capture a specific snapshot of the day and time they occur. This snapshot may not comprehensively reflect the long-term cleanliness of an establishment. Inspections are conducted by health departments, covering various aspects from food handling to facility hygiene. While violations are documented during the inspection, it’s common for corrective actions to be taken on-site before the inspector departs. This acknowledgment underscores the dynamic nature of the inspection process, emphasizing the commitment of establishments to promptly address and rectify any identified issues, contributing to the ongoing maintenance of a safe and sanitary environment.
