The buildup of old food residue under slushie machines is a recurring issue in Berks County restaurant inspections, as highlighted by the latest report from the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture. This problem is not only unsanitary but also poses potential health risks to customers. The report, dated July 8, 2026, details a series of inspections conducted across various food establishments in the county.
One of the most concerning findings was at Taco Fest, where multiple foods were held at temperatures between 100-105°F, well below the required 135°F. This was just one of several violations noted at the establishment, including uncovered food storage and poor hygiene practices. The Person in Charge (PIC) at Taco Fest demonstrated a lack of adequate knowledge of food safety, as evidenced by the non-compliant inspection.
Another issue that emerged was the presence of deeply scored cutting boards that were not resurfaced or discarded as required. This was observed at several establishments, including Spunktown Tavern, Hillbilly Bbq, and Antonio's Trattoria. These cutting boards can harbor bacteria and other contaminants, posing a significant risk to food safety.
The report also highlighted the importance of proper food storage and temperature control. For instance, at Jen & Jessie's Creamery, food was held at 50°F in the front Bain Marie area, which is below the required 41°F. Similarly, at Red Plate Diner, cases of food were stored directly on the floor in the walk-in freezer and cooler area, violating the requirement of being 6 inches off the floor.
In addition to these issues, the report noted a lack of proper sanitizer concentration. At Sheetz #345, the chlorine chemical sanitizer residual in the final rinse cycle of the low-temperature sanitizing dishwasher was 0 ppm, far below the required 50-100 ppm. This indicates a failure to maintain proper sanitization levels, which can lead to foodborne illnesses.
Furthermore, the report emphasized the need for proper handwashing and hygiene practices. At Aj's Family Pizzeria, an employee was observed using the handwash sink to wash a knife, which is a clear violation of food safety guidelines. Similarly, at Taco Fest, there was no sign or poster posted at the handwash sink in the women's restroom area to remind food employees to wash their hands.
The inspections also revealed a need for better equipment maintenance and cleanliness. At Sweet Ride Ice Cream Parlor & Soda Fountain, the cappuccino equipment in the self-serve area was observed with an accumulation of food residue on non-food contact surfaces. At Wawa #0282, the soda gun, a food contact surface, was found to have organic residue and was not clean to sight and touch.
Lastly, the report highlighted the importance of proper documentation and certification. At Hillbilly Bbq, a food employee was not using available sanitizer test strips or test kit to determine sanitizer concentration. At Hawaii Kitchen, the food facility did not have the original certificate for the certified food employee posted in public view.
In conclusion, the Berks County restaurant inspections of July 8, 2026, revealed a range of food safety issues, including improper food storage, temperature control, sanitizer concentration, handwashing practices, equipment cleanliness, and documentation. These findings underscore the need for strict adherence to food safety regulations to protect public health.
