Berks County Food Safety Inspections: 10-16 August 2026 (2026)

Berks County Food Safety Inspections: A Deep Dive into the Week of August 10-16

The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture conducts regular inspections of food establishments across the state, focusing on priority areas such as handwashing, food handling, and temperature control. These inspections are crucial for ensuring public health and safety in the food industry.

This week, several establishments in Berks County faced scrutiny, with varying degrees of violations noted. Here's a breakdown of the findings, along with my personal commentary and analysis.

Anthony's Trattoria

Location: 900 Byram St., Reading, PA 19606

Violation: Moderate priority - Accumulation of food debris on non-food contact surfaces of the slicer.

My Take: This is a common issue in food establishments, and it highlights the importance of proper cleaning and maintenance. It's crucial to ensure that all surfaces, especially those that come into contact with food, are kept clean to prevent contamination.

Arby's #7601

Location: 700 Crossings Blvd., Elverson, PA 19520

Violations:

High Priority: Multiple foods held at 46-56 °F in the cold hold unit, rather than 41°F or below.
Moderate Priority: Temperature measuring device not available or accessible.
Low Priority: Employee personal items stored on top of clean food equipment.
Low Priority: Mops not hung to air dry.
Other: No original certificate for the certified food employee posted.

My Take: Temperature control is critical in food safety. This violation underscores the need for proper temperature monitoring and storage to prevent foodborne illnesses.

Burger King #7166

Location: 1197 Berkshire Blvd., Wyomissing, PA 19610

Violations:

Moderate Priority: Accumulation of dirt and trash under the soda unit.
Moderate Priority: Residue on ice chutes at customer soda units.
Moderate Priority: Thermometer not available or accessible.
Low Priority: Non-food contact surfaces not cleaned properly.
Low Priority: Accumulation of water under the soda unit.
Low Priority: Floor drain buildup.

My Take: Proper cleaning and maintenance of equipment and surfaces are essential to prevent cross-contamination and ensure food safety.

Courtyard by Marriott

Location: 150 N. Park Rd., Wyomissing, PA 19610

Violation: Moderate priority - Empty paper towel dispenser at the handwash sink.

My Take: Simple issues like an empty paper towel dispenser can lead to unhygienic practices. Ensuring that all necessary supplies are readily available is crucial for maintaining a clean and safe environment.

Deep Roots Cafe

Location: 20 N. 6th Ave., West Reading, PA 19611

Violations:

Moderate Priority: Prepackaged food items not properly labeled.
Low Priority: Tableware not displayed correctly.

My Take: Proper labeling and display of food items are essential for consumer safety and information. It's important to ensure that all food products are clearly identified and accessible.

Folino Estate Vineyard & Winery

Location: 340 Old Route 22, Kutztown, PA 19530

Violations:

High Priority: Food items held at 60 °F in the cookline area.
Moderate Priority: Interior ice chute with organic buildup.
Low Priority: Label residue on clean insert pans.
Low Priority: Excessive dust buildup on ceiling tiles.

My Take: Temperature control and proper cleaning are critical in food preparation. These violations highlight the need for strict adherence to food safety standards.

Kenhorst Volunteer Fire Co.

Location: 411 Kenhorst Blvd., Reading, PA 19607

Violations:

Moderate Priority: No sanitizer test strips or test kit available.
Moderate Priority: Refrigerated food not date-marked.
Moderate Priority: Commercially processed food not date-marked.
Moderate Priority: Fan grates with buildup of dirt/dust.
Low Priority: Deeply scored cutting boards not resurfaced or discarded.

My Take: Sanitation and proper food storage are fundamental aspects of food safety. These violations emphasize the need for regular monitoring and maintenance.

Kpot Korean Bbq & Hot Pot

Location: 1665 State Hill Rd. Unit 295, Wyomissing, PA 19610

Violations:

High Priority: Spring rolls and chicken nuggets held at 126-116 °F.
High Priority: Chlorine chemical sanitizer residual detected at 0 ppm.
Moderate Priority: No sanitizer test strips available.
Moderate Priority: Person in Charge did not demonstrate adequate food safety control.
Low Priority: Open employee beverage containers.

My Take: Temperature control and sanitation are critical in food preparation. These violations highlight the need for strict adherence to food safety standards and regular monitoring.

McDonalds #5155

Location: 6176 Morgantown Rd., Morgantown, PA 19543

Violations:

Moderate Priority: Non-food contact surfaces with buildup of slime and old food residue.
Low Priority: Clean dish racks stored on the floor.
Low Priority: Food employees not wearing proper hair restraints.

My Take: Proper cleaning and personal hygiene are essential in food preparation. These violations emphasize the need for regular monitoring and adherence to food safety standards.

Meraki Manor

Location: 1405 Old River Rd., Birdsboro, PA 19508

Violations:

Moderate Priority: Accumulation of grease and old food debris on the floor.
Low Priority: Scoop stored in a dirty container.
Low Priority: Open employee beverage container.
Other: No original certificate for the certified food employee posted.

My Take: Proper cleaning and maintenance of equipment and surfaces are crucial for food safety. These violations highlight the need for regular monitoring and adherence to food safety standards.

Morgantown Coffee House

Location: 4997 Twin Valley Rd. Ste 2, Elverson, PA 19520

Violations:

High Priority: Multiple foods held at 48 °F.
Moderate Priority: Excessive food on the floor on the cook line.
Moderate Priority: Person in Charge did not demonstrate adequate food safety knowledge.
Moderate Priority: Refrigerated food not date-marked.
Moderate Priority: Interior ice machine with food residue.
Moderate Priority: Old food residue in the handwash sink.
Moderate Priority: Grates and baskets with mold buildup.
Low Priority: Food ingredient storage containers not labeled.
Low Priority: Mops not hung to air dry.
Low Priority: Food employees using towels for utensils and equipment.

My Take: Temperature control, proper cleaning, and knowledge of food safety are critical in food preparation. These violations emphasize the need for regular monitoring and adherence to food safety standards.

Pizza Hut #37146

Location: 204 Lancaster Ave., Reading, PA 19607

Violations:

Moderate Priority: Exterior of the dishwash machine with buildup of dirt, grease, and old food residue.
Low Priority: Single-use items not stored inverted.
Low Priority: Non-food contact surfaces not cleaned properly.
Low Priority: Mops not hung to air dry.

My Take: Proper cleaning and maintenance of equipment and surfaces are essential to prevent cross-contamination and ensure food safety.

Reading Country Club

Location: 5311 Perkiomen Ave., Reading, PA 19606

Violations:

Moderate Priority: No sanitizer test strips available.
Moderate Priority: Accumulation of debris on the floor.
Low Priority: Walk-in freezer with significant frost buildup.
Low Priority: Outer door gap allowing pest entry.

My Take: Sanitation and proper equipment maintenance are crucial for food safety. These violations highlight the need for regular monitoring and adherence to food safety standards.

Redner's Market #50

Location: 801 Carsonia Ave., Reading, PA 19606

Violations:

Moderate Priority: Working containers not marked with chemical names.
Moderate Priority: Empty paper towel dispenser.

My Take: Proper labeling and availability of necessary supplies are essential for maintaining a clean and safe environment.

Sandstone Acres

Location: 67 Bowmansville Rd., Mohnton, PA 19540

Violation: Moderate priority - Cut cantaloupe in the handwash sink.

My Take: Proper handling and storage of food items are crucial for preventing contamination.

Shillington Social Quarters

Location: 38 S. Sterly St., Shillington, PA 19607

Violations:

High Priority: Raw chicken stored above potatoes.
High Priority: Raw chicken in the refrigerator area without a cover.
Moderate Priority: No sanitizer test strips or test kit available.
Other: No original certificate for the certified food employee posted.

My Take: Proper storage and handling of raw meat are essential for preventing foodborne illnesses.

Simply Bold

Location: 550 Penn Ave., West Reading, PA 19611

Violation: Moderate priority - No sanitizer test strips available.

My Take: Sanitation and proper food safety practices are crucial in food preparation.

Sleepy Hollow Athletic Club - Bar

Location: 482 Westley Rd., Mohnton, PA 19540

Violations:

Moderate Priority: Soap not available at the handwash sink.
Moderate Priority: Empty paper towel dispenser.
Low Priority: Boxes of soda syrup stored on the floor.
Low Priority: Clean food utensils stored uncovered.
Low Priority: No handwashing sign or poster.

My Take: Proper hygiene and availability of necessary supplies are essential for maintaining a clean and safe environment.

Subway/Auntie Anne's

Location: 1800 Tilden Ridge Dr., Hamburg, PA 19526

Violation: Low priority - Food employees not wearing proper hair restraints.

My Take: Proper personal hygiene is crucial in food preparation.

Facilities with No Violations

Several establishments, including Ambu-Bar LLC, Candy's Homemade Ice Cream, CVS #01769, and others, were inspected without any violations noted. This highlights the importance of consistent adherence to food safety standards.

In conclusion, these inspections highlight the critical importance of food safety in the food industry. By addressing the violations noted, establishments can ensure a safe and healthy environment for their customers. Regular monitoring, proper cleaning, and adherence to food safety standards are essential to prevent foodborne illnesses and maintain public trust.