Uncovering Restaurant Safety Issues with the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture

Fabio & Joe’s Pizza - Palmyra

Located at 19 N. Railroad St. in Palmyra, Fabio & Joe’s Pizza faced some inspection issues on December 4. Raw beef patties and raw unpasteurized eggs were stored above cooked chicken steak and sauce bottles in the sandwich station cooler. The footer of the food slicer needed replacing as the teeth were worn down and broken off. Additionally, the Bain Marie at the pizza station had a lid repaired with duct tape, which is an unapproved material for repair. In the stand-up one door freezer, raw wooden shelves were being used, which is not an approved material. The food slicer, a food contact surface, had food residue and was not clean to sight and touch. However, these issues were all corrected in a timely manner.

These violations highlight the importance of proper food storage and equipment maintenance in a restaurant. It is essential for food handlers to follow strict guidelines to prevent the spread of foodborne illnesses and ensure the safety of customers.

CC’s Pizza - Lebanon

At 75 W. Main St. in Lebanon, CC’s Pizza had its own set of inspection concerns on December 3. An open employee’s beverage container was observed in the dishwashing area above clean dishes, a food preparation area. Food employees were seen in the pizza making and grill area without proper hair restraints such as nets or hats. Time in lieu of temperature was being used in the food facility to control ready-to-eat potentially hazardous foods (cooked pizza) without written procedures or documentation to verify the disposition of the food. This was a repeat violation. Door gaskets on the three-door reach-in cooler were severely damaged and in need of replacement. The fan guard cover was missing on the two-door upright reach-in in the storage area. The ice chute at the self-service fountain area had pink slim-like matter accumulation and was not clean to sight and touch. The flooring throughout the facility had chipping epoxy and needed repair. The wall beside the food slicer table had paneling breaking and chipping away and needed to be repaired. The exterior door in the storage shed had a gap and did not protect against the entry of insects, rodents, and other animals and needed to be replaced or repaired. All these issues were corrected promptly.

This case emphasizes the need for strict adherence to hygiene and safety protocols in a food establishment. Even small details like proper hair restraints and door gaskets can have a significant impact on food safety.

Healing Foodz @ Fat Puppy Roaster - Myerstown

Healing Foodz @ Fat Puppy Roaster, located at 113 E. Main St. in Myerstown, underwent a change of owner on December 3. There were no violations reported during the inspection, which is a positive sign for the new ownership.

This shows that with proper management and attention to detail, restaurants can maintain high food safety standards. It also serves as an example for other restaurants to follow.

Wendy’s #19218 - Lebanon

Wendy’s #19218 at 1490 E. Lehman St. in Lebanon had a complaint on December 3. A food employee was observed wearing a bracelet on the drive-thru line (sandwiches) area and touching burgers (sandwiches) - a ready-to-eat food - with bare hands. These actions pose a potential risk to food safety. However, the issue was corrected immediately.

This incident highlights the need for strict personal hygiene practices among food employees. Even a simple act like wearing a bracelet can lead to contamination if not properly managed.