Berks food safety inspections found cooking equipment, hood filters, floor, walls with encrusted grease and soil accumulation at one place

by susan miers smith

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 Dec. 6 and Dec. 19, 2023, that were filed in the state database as of Dec. 21 at 1 p.m.

Berks

Chick-Fil-A #01384, 2707 N. Meridian Blvd., Wyomissing, Dec. 18: no violations.

Wawa Food Market #147, 2709 N. Meridian Blvd., Wyomissing, Dec. 18: no violations.

Wendy’s, 950 Crossing Blvd., Elverson, Dec. 18: one violation. Observed clean food equipment and/or utensils in the ware washing area, stored wet in a manner that does not allow for draining and/or air drying (wet nesting). Corrected.

Burger King #0282, 4890 Perkiomen Ave., Reading, Dec. 15: three violations. Food employees observed in cook area, not wearing proper hair restraints, such as beard covers. Trash receptacle / waste handling unit outside does not have a tight-fitting lid or cover. Floor areas beneath equipment with build-up of dirt, and in need of cleaning.

Hive Cafe, 236 Sacony Alley, Kutztown, Dec. 15: no violations.

Mertztown Great Valu Market, 953 State St., Mertztown, Dec. 15: three violations. Some of the condenser fan covers in the deli/bakery walk-in cooler have an accumulation of dust. Double door located in the back produce area of the food facility has a gap at the bottom due to a deteriorated seal and does not protect against the entry of pests. Working container (spray bottle) in bakery area, used for storing chemicals, cleaners taken from bulk supplies, was not marked with the common name of the chemical. Corrected.

Pott’s Top Dog, 330 W. Weis St., Topton, Dec. 15: no violations.

Vincenzos Ristorante Italiano & Pizzeria, 1333 Old Swede Road, Douglassville, Dec. 15: six violations. Observed bulk flour bags stored directly on the floor in basement area, rather than 6 inches off of the floor as required. Corrected. Temperature measuring device for ensuring proper temperature of equipment is not available or readily accessible in the Bain Marie by the bar. Observed deeply scored cutting boards not resurfaced or discarded as required. The interior of the ice machine, a food contact surface, was observed to have a residue and was not clean to sight and touch. Observed clean food equipment and/or utensils in the dishwashing area, stored wet in a manner that does not allow for draining and/or air drying (wet nesting). Plumbing system not maintained in good repair – observed leaking from handwash sink in the takeout area.

Wawa Food Market #166, 5060 Perkiomen Ave., Reading, Dec. 15: no violations.

Weis Markets #189, 2759 Paper Mill Road, Wyomissing, Dec. 15: no violations.

West Reading Tavern, 606 Penn Ave., West Reading, Dec. 15: no violations.

Berks County Yr Club, Parkside & Thrush Road, Wyomissing, Dec. 14: two violations. Food facility does not have available sanitizer test strips to determine appropriate sanitizer concentration at the dishwasher. Interior surface of one of the bain marie lids at the cooking line is loose and is repaired with materials unapproved for food equipment (tape).

Berkshire Express, 1665 State Hill Road, Wyomissing, Dec. 14: one violation. Paper towel dispensers empty at the handwash sinks. Corrected.

Broken Chair Brewery, 424 Penn Ave., West Reading, Dec. 14: no violations.

China Max, 1665 State Hill Road, Wyomissing, Dec. 14: three violations. Thermometer for ensuring proper temperature of equipment is not available or readily accessible in the bain marie at the cooking area. Food facility has an employee who held a Certified Food Manager certificate; however, the certificate has expired and is no longer valid. Food facility inspection indicates evidence of rodent/insect activity in some areas. Mall and individual business owners are continuing pest control services.

Clover Hill Meats, 845 B Woodland Road, Wyomissing, Dec. 14: four violations. Facility is repackaging sauerkraut from bulk container into smaller retail packages without labeling the containers. Observed scored cutting boards not resurfaced or discarded as required. Soap was not available at the handwash sinks in the prep area. No sign or poster posted at the handwash sinks in the prep area to remind food employees to wash their hands.

Coffee Corner, 1665 State Hill Road, Wyomissing, Dec. 14: two violations. New food facility in operation more than 90 days and has not employed a certified food employee as required. Owner plans to take the test in January. Plumbing system not maintained in good repair – hot water not working properly at the handwash sink in the front area.

Deli Station, 845 B Woodland Road, Wyomissing, Dec. 14: four 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. Observed food items stored directly on the floor in walk-in cooler, rather than 6 inches off of the floor as required. Refrigerated ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared in the food facility [flavored cream cheese], located in the refrigeration units, is not being date marked. Food facility does not employ a certified employee, with a food protection manager certification, as required. Out of compliance.

Dunkin Donuts #352111, 2458 Perkiomen Ave., Reading, Dec. 14: one violation. The handwash sink in the food preparation area does not have single use towels, continuous towels, or air drying device.

Great Wall Chinese Restaurant, 532 Penn Ave., West Reading, Dec. 14: one violation. Observed an accumulation of dirt/debris on some of the shelving units in the walk-in cooler and some of the hood surfaces.

Moe’s Southwest Grill, 4725 Perkiomen Ave., Reading, Dec. 14: one violation. Toilet rooms do not have a self-closing door.

Noodl, 428 Penn Ave., West Reading, Dec. 14: no violations.

Stokesay Castle, 141 Stokesay Castle Lane, Reading, Dec. 14: three violations. One set of lights is not shielded or shatter proof in the dishwashing area. Ceiling tile missing in the corner of the kitchen needs to be replaced. Mops are not being hung to air dry.

Telia Greek, 400 N. Park Road, Wyomissing, Dec. 14: no violations.

Tony’s Al Taglio, 449 Penn Ave Rear, West Reading, Dec. 14: no violations.

Willoughby’s On Park, 305 N. Park Road, Wyomissing, Dec. 14: one violation. Observed water leaking from the faucet at the handwash sink near the cooking area.

7-Eleven Store 40241h, 1547 Lancaster Ave., Reading, Dec. 13: one violation. Food facility has an original certificate posted, but the location is not conspicuous for public viewing.

Chuck E Cheese #539, 2721 Meridian Blvd., Wyomissing, Dec. 13: no violations.

Kimberton Whole Foods, 810 Knitting Mills Way, Wyomissing, Dec. 13: no violations.

Kwik Shoppe, 555 Shoemaker Ave., Shoemakersville, Dec. 13: five violations. Prepackaged frozen dessert items in the customer area are not labeled to clearly indicate the ingredients and any “Big 9” allergen ingredients. Thermometer for ensuring proper temperature of equipment is not available or readily accessible in the refrigerator in the front area. Corrected. Food facility does not have available sanitizer test strips to determine appropriate sanitizer concentration. The interior of the ice machine, a food contact surface, was observed to have residue and was not clean to sight and touch. Corrected. One of the light shields in the front area is damaged.

Red Lobster #218, 945 Woodland Road, Wyomissing, Dec. 13: three violations. Observed cooking equipment, on the prep line, with encrusted grease and soil accumulation. Observed interior of microwave ovens with an accumulation of food residue. Dishes/ utensils observed in the hand wash sink in the bar area, indicating uses other than handwashing. Debris and residue observed along floor perimeters, under equipment in the bar area, dish wash area, and prep area. -Grease accumulation observed along prep line. -Food residue observed along floor of walk-in freezer.

Rite Aid #0290, 500 E. Lancaster Ave., Shillington, Dec. 13: no violations.

Rosey’s, Leesport Farmers Market, Leesport, Dec. 13: one violation. Thermometer for ensuring proper temperature of equipment is not available or readily accessible in the white refrigerator.

Sushi Avenue @ Kimberton Whole Foods, 810 Knitting Mills Way, Wyomissing, Dec. 13: no violations.

The Heritage Restaurant, 6016 Morgantown Road, Morgantown, Dec. 13: two violations. Temperature measuring device for ensuring proper temperature of equipment is not available or readily accessible in the four refrigerators in the kitchen and walk in cooler in the basement. Observed a build-up of dirt and debris on the dry storage racks in the basement. Observed a build-up of food residue on the non-food contact surfaces on the soda machine. Corrected.

Third And Spruce Drafthaus, 238 S. Third Ave., West Reading, Dec. 13: three violations. Sink stoppers on the 3-bay ware washing sink are not functional in the “rinse” and “sanitize” basins. Observed cooking equipment, hood filters, floor/walls along the prep line, with encrusted grease and soil accumulation. Residue observed in the soda gun holster in the bar area. Soap was not available at the handwash sink in the prep area. *PIC replenished soap during inspection.

Van’s Cafe, 506 Penn Ave., West Reading, Dec. 13: four violations. Thermometer for ensuring proper temperature of equipment is not available or readily accessible the Centaur bain marie in the cooking area. There is an accumulation of old food debris on some interior surfaces of the bain marie units in the cooking area. The handwash sink in the back area was blocked by spray bottles and was not accessible at all times for employee use. Corrected. One set of lights in the middle food preparation area is missing the plastic shield and one set of lights in the back area has a damaged plastic shield.

Arby’s #7601, 700 Crossings Blvd., Elverson, Dec. 12: one violation. Food facility inspection indicates evidence of rodents/insect activity under the cook line areas. Facility has a pest control service in place. No live rodents/insects observed during this inspection.

Giovanni’s Pizzeria, 1306 Reading Ave., Boyertown, Dec. 12: 11 violations. The Person in Charge did not demonstrate adequate knowledge of food safety in this food facility as evidenced by this non-compliant inspection. 3 Male Food employees observed in the kitchen, not wearing proper hair restraints, such as nets, hats, or beard covers. A male food employee was observed touching cheese – a ready-to-eat food – with bare hands. Deli meats in the baine marie, stored open with no covering. Observed food [bag of onions] under a staircase in the rear prep area, which is a prohibited area for food storage. Food facility does not have available sanitizer test strips or test kit to determine appropriate sanitizer concentration. Interior surface of both chest freezers are cracked and repaired with duct tape, a material unapproved for food equipment. The food facility does not have the original certificate for the certified food employee posted in public view. Old food residue, and ice observed in the handwash sink, indicating uses other than handwashing. Floor / ceiling in the prep area is not durable, smooth, non-porous, non-absorbent, and easily cleaned. Prep area of the food facility along the exhaust hood, observed with an accumulation of grease and residue along floor perimeters. Out of compliance.

Go Fish Seafood, 301 S. Hull St., Reading, Dec. 12: no violations.

Hollywood Casino Morgantown -Grab-And-Go/Tony Luke’s,, 6021 Morgantown Road , Dec. 12: one violation. Observed clean food equipment and/or utensils in the storage/cocktail service area, stored wet in a manner that does not allow for draining and/or air drying (wet nesting).

Subway #10484, 2677 Shillington Road, Sinking Spring, Dec. 12: no violations.

Toss Of The Town, 110 E. Philadelphia Ave., Boyertown, Dec. 12: no violations.

Domino’s Pizza, 909 Heritage Drive, Elverson, Dec. 11: no violations.

Iezzi’s On 3rd, 61 S. Reading Ave., Boyertown, Dec. 11: four violations. Old food residue observed in the handwash sink in the kitchen, indicating uses other than handwashing. Sink is clogged and not draining properly. Corrected. Also Bar hand sink is blocked by bag on top. Plumbing system not maintained in good repair – observed leaking at the bar sink. Rear door located in the kitchen area of the food facility has a gap and does not protect against the entry of insects, rodents, and other animals. All kitchen/bar floors of the facility have been attempted to be cleaned however there are still areas in corners with a build up of old grease/dirt and food residue to be cleaned.

Best China Chef, 5506 Perkiomen Ave., Reading, Dec. 7: two violations. The handwash sink in the kitchen area was blocked by dishes and was not accessible at all times for employee use. Corrected. Wall around the back door of the facility is damaged and is in need of repair.

China Penn #1, 4203 Perkiomen Ave., Reading, Dec. 7: three violations. The interior of the ice machine, a food contact surface, was observed to have residue and was not clean to sight and touch. Corrected. Some areas of the floor in the kitchen and storage area are deteriorated and are no longer smooth, easily cleanable. The handwash sink in the sushi bar area does not have single use towels. Corrected.

Cyber Cafe @ Psu Berks (Gaige Bldg), 2080 Tulpehocken Road, Wyomissing, Dec. 7: no violations.

Lafaver Family Farm, 1241 Hex Highway, Hamburg, Dec. 7: no violations.

Starbucks Coffee, 4541 Perkiomen Ave., Reading, Dec. 7: no violations.

Tully’s @ Psu Berks (Perkins Bldg), 2080 Tulpehocken Road, Wyomissing, Dec. 7: one violation. Entry door located in the receiving/loading dock area of the food facility has a gap at the bottom, due to deterioration of the door, and does not protect against the entry of insects, rodents, and other pests.

Bake Shop At Skyline Drive Orchard, 118 Skyline Drive, Reading, Dec. 6: no violations.

Basin Street Hotel, 42 E. Main St., Kutztown, Dec. 6: one violation. Lights at the cooking line have the plastic tubes, but are missing end caps.

Betty’s Wraps, 129 W. Main St., Kutztown, Dec. 6: one violation. One set of lights is not shielded or shatterproof over the kitchen area.

Muhlenberg Township

Redners Quick Stop, 1137 Tuckerton Road, Reading, Dec. 15: two violations. Staff unable to state major 9 food allergens and the symptoms that a major food allergen could cause in a sensitive individual who has an allergic reaction. Wooden double-handled knife is not smooth, easily cleanable and/or resistant to pitting, cracking or scratching.

Temple Fire Co #1, 4963 Kutztown Road PO Box 217, Temple, Dec. 15: three violations. Food employees observed in food prep area, not wearing proper hair restraints, such as nets, hats, or beard covers. Raw bacon stored above ready-to-eat foods in the reach-in refrigerator. Corrected on inspection. Commercially processed ready-to-eat food, located in the reach-in refrigerator and held more than 48 hours, is not being marked with the date it was opened.

C.E. Cole Intermediate School, Kutztown Road, Laureldale, Dec. 12: no violations.

Muhlenberg Elementary Center, Kutztown Road & Sharp Avenue, Laureldale, Dec. 12: no violations.

Muhlenberg High School, Sharp Avenue & Frances Street, Laureldale, Dec. 12: no violations.

Jersey Mike’s Sub Shop, 3225 N. Fifth Street Highway, Reading, Dec. 9: one violation. Food dispensing utensil in bulk sugar and bulk cornmeal food observed stored in the food and not with handle above the top of the food and the container.

Reading

Saint Peters, 225 S. Fifth St., Reading, Dec. 11, no violations.

UPDATES

The following reports for the period of Nov. 22 to Dec. 5, 2023, were added to the state’s database after Dec. 7 and did not appear in the previous Berks food safety report.