The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture's Food Safety Inspections for Retail Facilities in Berks County for the week of August 10-16, 2026, reveal a mixed bag of results. While some establishments passed with flying colors, others faced significant violations that could pose health risks to customers. Here's a breakdown of the inspections, along with my personal commentary and analysis.
Anthony's Trattoria
Anthony's Trattoria in Reading received a moderate priority violation for an accumulation of food debris on the slicer, which was promptly corrected during the inspection. This is a minor issue, but it highlights the importance of regular cleaning to prevent cross-contamination and foodborne illnesses.
Arby's #7601
Arby's #7601 in Elverson faced multiple violations, including high priority issues with food temperatures and a lack of proper temperature control. This is a serious concern, as it directly impacts food safety. The restaurant needs to ensure that food is stored and served at the correct temperatures to prevent bacterial growth and food poisoning.
Burger King #7166
Burger King #7166 in Wyomissing had several moderate and low priority violations, including dirty floors, residue on food contact surfaces, and a lack of proper temperature control. These issues could lead to food contamination and potential health risks for customers.
Courtyard by Marriott
Courtyard by Marriott in Wyomissing received a moderate priority violation for an empty paper towel dispenser at the handwash sink. This is a minor issue, but it underscores the importance of maintaining proper hygiene in food establishments.
Deep Roots Cafe
Deep Roots Cafe in Reading faced a moderate priority violation for improper labeling of prepackaged food items. Proper labeling is essential to ensure that customers know what they are consuming and to comply with food safety regulations.
Folino Estate Vineyard & Winery
Folino Estate Vineyard & Winery in Kutztown had multiple violations, including high priority issues with food temperatures and a lack of proper temperature control. This is a serious concern, as it directly impacts food safety. The winery needs to ensure that food is stored and served at the correct temperatures to prevent bacterial growth and food poisoning.
Kenhorst Volunteer Fire Co.
Kenhorst Volunteer Fire Co. in Reading faced multiple moderate priority violations, including a lack of available sanitizer test strips and improper temperature control. These issues could lead to food contamination and potential health risks for customers.
Kpot Korean Bbq & Hot Pot
Kpot Korean Bbq & Hot Pot in Wyomissing had multiple high priority violations, including improper food temperatures and a lack of proper temperature control. This is a serious concern, as it directly impacts food safety. The restaurant needs to ensure that food is stored and served at the correct temperatures to prevent bacterial growth and food poisoning.
McDonalds #5155
McDonalds #5155 in Morgantown faced a moderate priority violation for non-food contact surfaces with a buildup of apparent slime and old food residue. This is a minor issue, but it highlights the importance of regular cleaning to prevent cross-contamination and foodborne illnesses.
Meraki Manor
Meraki Manor in Birdsboro faced multiple low priority violations, including an accumulation of grease and old food debris on the floor. This is a minor issue, but it underscores the importance of maintaining proper hygiene in food establishments.
Morgantown Coffee House
Morgantown Coffee House in Elverson faced multiple moderate priority violations, including improper food temperatures and a lack of proper temperature control. This is a serious concern, as it directly impacts food safety. The coffee house needs to ensure that food is stored and served at the correct temperatures to prevent bacterial growth and food poisoning.
Pizza Hut #37146
Pizza Hut #37146 in Reading faced multiple low priority violations, including a buildup of dirt, grease, and old food residue on non-food contact surfaces. This is a minor issue, but it highlights the importance of regular cleaning to prevent cross-contamination and foodborne illnesses.
Reading Country Club
Reading Country Club in Reading faced multiple moderate priority violations, including a lack of available sanitizer test strips and improper temperature control. These issues could lead to food contamination and potential health risks for customers.
Redner's Market #50
Redner's Market #50 in Reading faced multiple moderate priority violations, including improper labeling of chemicals and an empty paper towel dispenser. These issues could lead to food contamination and potential health risks for customers.
Sandstone Acres
Sandstone Acres in Mohnton faced a moderate priority violation for containers of cut cantaloupe in the handwash sink. This is a minor issue, but it underscores the importance of maintaining proper hygiene in food establishments.
Shillington Social Quarters
Shillington Social Quarters in Shillington faced multiple high priority violations, including raw chicken stored above potatoes and open raw chicken with no covering. This is a serious concern, as it directly impacts food safety. The restaurant needs to ensure that food is stored and served in a way that prevents cross-contamination and potential health risks.
Simply Bold
Simply Bold in West Reading faced a moderate priority violation for a lack of available sanitizer test strips. This is a minor issue, but it highlights the importance of maintaining proper hygiene in food establishments.
Sleepy Hollow Athletic Club - Bar
Sleepy Hollow Athletic Club - Bar in Mohnton faced multiple moderate priority violations, including an empty paper towel dispenser and a lack of proper handwashing signage. These issues could lead to food contamination and potential health risks for customers.
Subway/Auntie Anne's
Subway/Auntie Anne's in Hamburg faced a low priority violation for food employees not wearing proper hair restraints. This is a minor issue, but it underscores the importance of maintaining proper hygiene in food establishments.
Facilities with No Violations
Several facilities, including Ambu-Bar LLC, Candy's Homemade Ice Cream, and CVS #01769, passed their inspections with no violations. This is a positive sign, but it's important to note that inspections are just one aspect of food safety, and ongoing vigilance is crucial.
In my opinion, these inspections highlight the importance of regular cleaning, proper temperature control, and proper labeling in food establishments. While some violations were minor, they still pose potential health risks to customers. It's crucial for food establishments to take these issues seriously and make the necessary corrections to ensure the safety of their customers.
