In a recent inspection report, the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture revealed a concerning issue in Berks County's food service industry. The report, dated July 8, 2026, highlights a significant problem with the buildup of old food residue under slushie machines in various restaurants. This issue is particularly troubling as it directly impacts food safety and hygiene standards.
Among the inspected establishments, several were found to have violations related to food storage, sanitation, and equipment maintenance. For instance, at Fiesta Charra, raw chicken was stored above raw beef in the deli display case, which is a serious breach of food safety regulations. Similarly, at Rita's Italian Ice, mops were not hung to air dry, posing a risk of cross-contamination.
The report also mentions issues with food dispensing utensils, cutting boards, and the storage of food items. For example, at Scrimager Meats Too, deeply scored cutting boards were not resurfaced or discarded as required, and at Sammy's Steaks & Fries, a screen door was missing some of its screening.
One of the most concerning findings was at Taco Fest, where multiple foods were held at temperatures below the required 135°F, posing a risk of foodborne illnesses. The Person in Charge at Taco Fest did not demonstrate adequate knowledge of food safety, as evidenced by the non-compliant inspection.
The inspection report also highlights issues with the storage of raw eggs, the cleanliness of non-food contact surfaces, and the proper use of sanitizers. For instance, at Uncle Paul's Pretzels, raw shelled eggs were stored above ready-to-drink drinks in the reach-in cooler, which is a potential contamination risk.
Furthermore, the report mentions issues with the maintenance of food facilities, such as the lack of available sanitizer test strips and the improper storage of single-use containers. At Hillbilly Bbq, food employees were not using available sanitizer test strips or test kits to determine sanitizer concentration, and at Jen & Jessie's Creamery, food was held at 50°F in the front Bain Marie area, rather than the required 41°F or below.
The inspection also revealed issues with the cleanliness of food contact surfaces, such as the buildup of old food residue under slushie machines, which was corrected at Sheetz #345. Additionally, at Aj's Family Pizzeria, cheese was beyond its use or sell-by date and required discarding.
Overall, the inspection report highlights a need for improved food safety practices and a deeper understanding of food safety regulations among food service establishments in Berks County. The findings emphasize the importance of proper food storage, sanitation, and equipment maintenance to ensure the health and safety of customers.
