Lehigh Valley food safety inspections: Mouse ‘debris’ on food packages, unlicensed prep facility, chemicals stored with food

Here are the food safety inspection reports from Lehigh and Northampton counties, conducted the week of June 2.

Each week, we highlight the inspection reports provided through the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture. The department performs the inspections in many areas, while some municipalities such as Allentown and Bethlehem conduct their own inspections.

All establishments are inspected once per year, and inspectors may return several more times if the initial inspection is not passed or complaints are received. (For more information on how food safety inspections are conducted in Pennsylvania, view a list of FAQs.)

As noted by the Department of Agriculture, the reports are merely a “snapshot” in time, and they may not be representative of the restaurant’s long-term condition. Many of the violations are corrected on the spot prior to the inspector leaving the establishment.

If a food provider is considered “out of compliance”, that means it has one or more violations that require a return visit by an inspector. The establishment is given time to fix the violations and remains open for business.

You can view the complete inspection reports for any establishment in the Department of Agriculture’s food safety inspection database . To report an illness after eating or drinking at an establishment, use the department’s complaint form . (Please don’t contact us: we do not inspect restaurants.)

7-Eleven Store #23337

102 N 7th St., Allentown

Latest inspection: 6/7/2024

Inspection type: Regular by Allentown City

Compliance: In

Violations: 1

• Cappuccino machine spout observed to have debris. Ensure to increase cleaning to prevent debris build up.

Above & Beyond at the Knights

1545 Greenleaf St., Allentown

Latest inspection: 6/3/2024

Inspection type: Regular by Allentown City

Compliance: In

Violations: 1

• Buildup of ice was observed on the wall and floor in the walk-in cooler. Contact a professional company to fix issue. –Stained ceiling tiles were observed in the dining area from a previous leak. Replace ceiling tiles and address the leak.

Adams Salads LLC

1825 W Chew St., Allentown

Latest inspection: 6/6/2024

Inspection type: Regular by Allentown City

Compliance: In

Violations: 6

• Food employees observed not wearing proper hair restraints, such as nets, hats, or beard covers. Ensure hair restraints are worn when handling food.
• Salads and lasagna in the front refrigerator stored open with no covering. Ensure food is covered when stored.
• Observed broccoli and packaged pasta stored directly on the floor in storage area, rather than 6 inches off of the floor as required. Operator corrected issue. Do not store food products directly on the floor.
• Observed macaroni cooling at room temperature on the front prep table, which is not a proper cooling method. Food was not out more than 2 hours, and operator placed food into walk-in cooler. Do not cool foods at room temperature.
• In front cold-holding unit, barbeque was held at 50° F and coleslaw was held at 54° F rather than 41° F or below as required. Food was held in cooler less than 4 hours and corrective action was taken. Equipment was functional as evidenced by eggs at 41° F in same unit.
• Food facility does not have available sanitizer test strips or test kit to determine appropriate sanitizer concentration. Ensure sanitizer testing strips are always available.

Alvarez Garcia Home Daycare

1914 Hamilton St., Allentown

Latest inspection: 6/7/2024

Inspection type: Regular by Allentown City

Compliance: In

Violations: None

Apollo Grill

85 W Broad St., Bethlehem

Latest inspection: 6/4/2024

Inspection type: Regular by Bethlehem City

Compliance: In

Violations: 2

• Food facility has a reminder statement on the menu for foods that are, or could be served raw or undercooked to the consumer; however, does not clearly disclose which foods the reminder statement applies to (such as oysters on the half shell and filet mignon) *Facility person in charge stated disclosure will be clearly applied on new menus.
• Grease build up on Ansul-system piping above cooking equipment.

B & M Provision Company

1040 N Graham St., Allentown

Latest inspection: 6/4/2024

Inspection type: Regular by Allentown City

Compliance: In

Violations: None

Bang Bang Hibachi

6900 Hamilton Blvd., Ste 225 Trexlertown

Latest inspection: 6/6/2024

Inspection type: Opening by Pa. Dept. of Agriculture

Compliance: Out

Violations: 2

• Chlorine chemical sanitizer residual detected in the final sanitizer rinse cycle of the low temperature sanitizing dishwasher was 0 ppm, and not 50-100 ppm as required.
• Food facility hot water heater is not producing enough hot water to supply to hand wash and three compartment sinks at the time of this inspection.

B’nai B’rith Senior Center

1616 W Liberty St., Allentown

Latest inspection: 6/4/2024

Inspection type: Regular by Allentown City

Compliance: In

Violations: 2

• PIC described warewashing procedure that does not include a sanitizing step. Ensure warewashing procedure follows the required wash, rinse, and sanitize steps.
• Observed single-service, single-use articles stored under counter directly on the floor, and not 6 inches above the floor. Store single-service articles at least 6 inches off the floor.

Burger King #482

1958 S 4th St., Allentown

Latest inspection: 6/3/2024

Inspection type: Follow-up by Allentown City

Compliance: In

Violations: None

Buxmont Academy & Community Service Foundation

544 Main St., Bethlehem

Latest inspection: 6/4/2024

Inspection type: Regular by Bethlehem City

Compliance: In

Violations: None

College Hill Presbyterian Church

501 Brodhead St., Easton

Latest inspection: 6/6/2024

Inspection type: Regular by City of Easton Bureau of Health

Compliance: In

Violations: None

Cracker Barrel #291

7720 Main St., Ste 19, Fogelsville

Latest inspection: 6/3/2024

Inspection type: Regular by Pa. Dept. of Agriculture

Compliance: In

Violations: None

Crispy Spice

514 N 7th St., Allentown

Latest inspection: 6/6/2024

Inspection type: Regular by Allentown City

Compliance: In

Violations: 2

• Potentially hazardous ready-to-eat food prepared in the food facility and held for more than 24 hours, located in the dining area refrigerator, is not being date marked. Ensure to date mark all food and discard 7 days after preparation.
• Old food residue, dishes and utensils observed in the handwash sink in the kitchen indicating uses other than handwashing. Ensure to only use for handwashing.

Culinary Experts #2

1825 W Chew St., Allentown

Latest inspection: 6/6/2024

Inspection type: Regular by Allentown City

Compliance: In

Violations: 5

• Food employees observed not wearing proper hair restraints, such as nets, hats, or beard covers. Food employees must wear hair restraints when handling food.
• Observed a soup container inside the walk-in cooler with a build-up of debris. Clean and sanitize this item or dispose of the container.
• Observed a leak from the condenser unit inside the walk in cooler. Repair or replace this unit.
• Old unused equipment in rear storage room should be removed from food facility. Do not store unnecessary product and items.
• Potential rodent harborage area in rear storage space as evidenced by mouse debris on food items. Clean area and remove unnecessary items. Also increase pest control measures.

Custom Cookies

501 Brodhead St., Easton

Latest inspection: 6/6/2024

Inspection type: Regular by City of Easton Bureau of Health

Compliance: In

Violations: None

Delicioso Coco Helado #2

630 N 7th St., Allentown

Latest inspection: 6/6/2024

Inspection type: Regular by Allentown City

Compliance: In

Violations: 1

• Food dispensing utensil in the ice cream cart was observed stored in the food and not with handle above the top of the food and the container. Ensure to store the scoop with the handle not touching ready to eat food.

Don Juan Mex Grill

300 N 3rd St., Easton

Latest inspection: 6/6/2024

Inspection type: Regular by City of Easton Bureau of Health

Compliance: In

Violations: 2

• The fire suppression system in the exhaust system over the cooking equipment and all fire extinguishers, require service. Contact your service company and have them service the fire suppression system and fire extinguishers.
• A fan in the walk-in cooler, in the basement, is not spinning. Repair the fan so that the refrigeration system works efficiently in this cooler

D’Yoshis Food LLC

300 Hamilton St., Allentown

Latest inspection: 6/7/2024

Inspection type: Regular by Allentown City

Compliance: In

Violations: 1

• Observed cold-hold unit, in food truck, with an accumulation food residue and debris on the door and handle non-food contact surfaces. Clean and maintain this unit.

Exxon

136 E Lawn Rd., Nazareth

Latest inspection: 6/5/2024

Inspection type: Complaint by Pa. Dept. of Agriculture

Compliance: In

Violations: None

Fairfield Inn

2140 Motel Dr., Bethlehem

Latest inspection: 6/3/2024

Inspection type: Regular by Bethlehem City

Compliance: In

Violations: None

Grill N Chill Spot

1931 Union Blvd., Allentown

Latest inspection: 6/8/2024

Inspection type: Regular by Allentown City

Compliance: In

Violations: None

Johnny’s Artswalk Diner

27 N 7th St., Ste 140 Allentown

Latest inspection: 6/7/2024

Inspection type: Regular by Allentown City

Compliance: In

Violations: 6

• Bagels were stored in an open metal basket without any covering. Ensure food items are stored and protected from contamination.
• Food dispensing utensil in sugar observed stored in the food and not with handle above the top of the food and the container. Ensure the handle of the food utensil is stored above the top of the food.
• Raw chicken was observed thawing in standing water in the 3-bay-sink, which is not an approved thawing method. Ensure to follow proper thawing methods.
• Pastries for sale did not have proper date marking. Date mark bakery items. –Tomato sauce stored in the refrigerator was not date marked. Do not keep these foods beyond 7 days, including the date the food was prepared/opened from original container.
• Testing strips to check the quaternary ammonium sanitizer are not available. Continue using chlorine sanitizer and the available testing strips until you obtain the right testing strips to measure quaternary ammonium concentration.
• Surfaces underneath coffee machines and above 3-bay sink exhibit accumulation of food debris. Increase cleaning frequency to prevent debris accumulation.

Josie’s New York Deli

14 Centre Sq., Easton

Latest inspection: 6/4/2024

Inspection type: Regular by City of Easton Bureau of Health

Compliance: In

Violations: None

La Perla Tapatia

308A Old Mill Rd., Easton

Latest inspection: 6/4/2024

Inspection type: Regular by Pa. Dept. of Agriculture

Compliance: In

Violations: None

Mediterranean Grill LLC

22 W Broad St., Bethlehem

Latest inspection: 6/4/2024

Inspection type: Regular by Bethlehem City

Compliance: In

Violations: 2

• Chlorine chemical sanitizer residual detected in the final sanitizer rinse cycle of the low temperature sanitizing dishwasher was <10 ppm, and not 50-100 ppm as required. *Facility set up three compartment sink to sanitize dishes, equipment and utensils at time of inspection.
• License to Operate a Food Facility and Food Employee Certification must be posted on site for public view.

Mendez Valerio Family Childcare

2013 E Columbia St., Allentown

Latest inspection: 6/7/2024

Inspection type: Regular by Allentown City

Compliance: In

Violations: None

MMG Concessions

259 Illicks Mill Rd., Bethlehem

Latest inspection: 6/6/2024

Inspection type: Regular by Bethlehem City

Compliance: In

Violations: None

North 7th Market

407 N 7th St., Allentown

Latest inspection: 6/3/2024

Inspection type: Regular by Allentown City

Compliance: In

Violations: 5

• Cheeses and deli meat were held at 50° F in the cold hold unit. These were discarded. Ensure to store food at 41° F or below.
• In-use cold hold unit was holding temperature at 50° F. Fix cold hold unit.
• The food facility does not maintain Food Employee Certification records as required. Obtain certification.
• Spoons and a kitchen sponge were observed in the handwash sink in the kitchen area. Utilize handwash sink to only wash hands.
• Floor tiles in the hallway leading to the storage area are broken. Repair.

Northampton Grocery

600 Northampton St., Easton

Latest inspection: 6/5/2024

Inspection type: Regular by City of Easton Bureau of Health

Compliance: In

Violations: None

Porter’s Pub

700 Northampton St., Easton

Latest inspection: 6/5/2024

Inspection type: Regular by City of Easton Bureau of Health

Compliance: In

Violations: 1

• The fan covers and shelving in the walk-in cooler require cleaning. Clean the fan covers and shelving.

Rita’s Italian Ice #181

405 S Best Ave., Walnutport

Latest inspection: 6/3/2024

Inspection type: Regular by Pa. Dept. of Agriculture

Compliance: In

Violations: None

Rivera Family Childcare Corp

324 N 9th St., Allentown

Latest inspection: 6/4/2024

Inspection type: Regular by Allentown City

Compliance: In

Violations: None

Riverside Restaurant

123 Hamilton St., Allentown

Latest inspection: 6/5/2024

Inspection type: Complaint by Allentown City

Compliance: Out

Violations: 11

• The person in charge/business owner failed to consult the City of Allentown (COA) prior to creating a prep space on the exterior of the main facility. This room was not existing at the time of the opening inspection. Use of this area must cease immediately. Contact the COA department of building standards for further instruction.
• Raw meat was above ready to eat food items. Organize refrigerators and ensure to follow proper food storage hierarchy.
• Evidence of food preparation was occurring in an unapproved space in the room next to the restaurant. This space was not approved for food preparation. Food preparation must cease in this area.
• The wastewater container for the ice machine was dirty and the water was overflowing to the floor. Ensure wastewater container is routinely cleaned.
• Eating utensils and gloves were stored next to the mop and mop bucket. Ensure eating utensils and gloves are stored separated and protected from any source of contamination.
• Food facility installed a hand wash and prep sink in a kitchen space that was not approved by a local building code official. Discontinue use of these pieces of equipment. Only the permitted/approved prep sink and handwash sinks on the first floor may be used at this time.
• The coving on the wall by the grill is damaged. Replace coving on the wall.
• Soap was not available at the handwash sinks the kitchen and bathroom. All handwashing sinks must be fully supplied with handwashing soap.
• Hand drying provision was not available at the handwashing sink in the kitchen and restrooms. Handwashing sinks must be supplied with paper towels or a hand dryer.
• The floor drain in the kitchen exhibited buildup of food residue. Increase cleaning frequency. –The hood above the cooking line was extremely dirty. Increase cleaning frequency to prevent buildup.
• Floor throughout the kitchen was not kept in a clean condition. Increase cleaning frequency to prevent build up.

Ross Dress for Less #0506

2180 MacArthur Rd., Whitehall

Latest inspection: 6/3/2024

Inspection type: Regular by Pa. Dept. of Agriculture

Compliance: In

Violations: None

Sakura Teriyaki

1601 Liberty St., Allentown

Latest inspection: 6/4/2024

Inspection type: Regular by Allentown City

Compliance: Out

Violations: 13

• An open employee’s beverage container was observed at front of food preparation area. Employees’ beverage containers must be closed with a straw if kept in food preparation areas otherwise they must be kept separate.
• Cut vegetables, raw shrimp, and raw chicken in the walk-in cooler were stored open with no covering. Ensure food products are always stored covered. –Raw chicken was stored above raw carrots in the walk-in freezer. Raw chicken must always be stored above raw carrots in the walk-in freezer. Raw chicken must always be stored below RTE vegetables.
• Food facility is using a plastic container as a scoop. Ensure to use food dispensing utensils with a handle and maintain the handle above the top of the food.
• Observed buckets of sauces and drums of flour and sugar stored directly on the floor in the rear of the kitchen, in the walk-in cooler, and in the walk-in freezer rather than 6 inches off of the floor as required. Ensure all food products are stored at least 6 inches off the ground.
• Cardboard was being used to absorb grease. Remove cardboard.
• Iced tea is not labeled properly with the name of the product, ingredient statement, net weight, distributed by statement or nutritional facts. Ensure to label food and drinks in retail space with the above referenced information.
• Hood system was observed with an excessive amount of grease. Clean the hood system.
• Food facility does not have available sanitizer test strips or test kit to determine appropriate sanitizer concentration. Acquire chlorine testing strips for the bleach sanitizer being used.
• Facility operator described procedure for manual warewashing at a 3-bay sink as having detergent and sanitizer in the same bay. Ensure wash, rinse, and sanitizer steps for manual warewashing are followed with each step in a separate bay.
• The handwash sink at the rear of the hot line was blocked by flour and sauce drums. Ensure the handwash sink is accessible at all times for employee use.
• Rear door located in the kitchen area of the food facility has a gap and does not protect against the entry of insects, rodents, and other animals. Ensure to have a door in place that does not have gaps.
• Soap dispenser was empty at the handwash sink at the rear of the hot line. Ensure handwashing sinks are always stocked with soap.
• Paper towel dispenser was empty at the handwash sink at the rear of the hot line. Ensure handwashing sinks are always stocked with paper towels.

Sonesta ES Suites Allentown Bethlehem Airport

2180 Motel Dr., Bethlehem

Latest inspection: 6/3/2024

Inspection type: Regular by Bethlehem City

Compliance: In

Violations: None

Sonesta Select Allentown Bethlehem Airport

2160 Motel Dr., Bethlehem

Latest inspection: 6/3/2024

Inspection type: Regular by Bethlehem City

Compliance: In

Violations: None

Starbucks

645 W Hamilton St., Allentown

Latest inspection: 6/4/2024

Inspection type: Regular by Allentown City

Compliance: In

Violations: 2

• During inspection an employee set up 3-bay-sink for a cleaning and did not include a rinse step. the 3-bay-sink should always be set up in the following order: wash, rinse, sanitize and air dry.
• The handwash sink behind the counter is being used as a food preparation sink as evidenced by observed drink residue in the sink. Hand sinks shall only be used for hand washing.

Sunay Days

2301 Liberty St., Allentown

Latest inspection: 6/5/2024

Inspection type: Opening by Allentown City

Compliance: In

Violations: None

The Allentown Learning Achievement School

1633 Hanover Ave., Allentown

Latest inspection: 6/6/2024

Inspection type: Regular by Allentown City

Compliance: In

Violations: None

Tijuana Tacos Mexican Restaurant

620 State Rd., Emmaus

Latest inspection: 6/7/2024

Inspection type: Regular by Emmaus Borough

Compliance: Out

Violations: 5

• A food employee was observed touching ready-to-eat food with bare hands. Use disposable gloves or utensils to handle RTE foods.
• Frozen commercially packaged beef was on the floor of the walk-in freezer. Store all food at least 6 inches off floor.
• Cheese and other foods in the refrigerated prep unit were 45-47° F. Maintain all cold TCS foods at 41° F or below.
• Grease accumulation on fryers and flat grill. Clean thoroughly.
• The hand wash sinks in the employee restroom and on the cooking line do not have single use disposable paper towels for hand drying.

Two Rivers Brewing Company

542 Northampton St., Easton

Latest inspection: 6/4/2024

Inspection type: Regular by City of Easton Bureau of Health

Compliance: In

Violations: 2

• A torn rubber door gasket was observed on the two door refrigerator adjacent to the walk-in cooler. Replace the torn gasket.
• The fan covers and shelving in the walk-in cooler require cleaning. Clean the fan covers and shelving units. –The fryer, grill, range and convection oven require cleaning. Clean this equipment.

Venny’s Pizza

840 Hamilton St., Allentown

Latest inspection: 6/5/2024

Inspection type: Regular by Allentown City

Compliance: Out

Violations: 10

• Person in charge failed to acknowledge the steps in food safety. Ensure to follow the procedures in regards to food safety.
• Boiled eggs observed in refrigerator in the deli area stored open with no covering. Ensure to cover all food in storage.
• Observed wet wiping cloths in kitchen area not being stored in sanitizer solution. Ensure to store all wiping cloths in a sanitizing solution.
• Potentially hazardous ready-to-eat food prepared in the food facility and held for more than 24 hours, located in the refrigerator in dining room area, is not being date marked. Ensure to date mark all food items.
• Time in lieu of temperature is being used in the food facility to control ready to eat potentially hazardous foods without written procedures or documentation to verify disposition of food. Ensure to keep a log for all food that is kept at room temperature and discard food after four hours.
• Prepackaged pastries are not labeled to clearly indicate any of the “Big 9” allergens, ingredients or an allergen warning statement. Ensure to label food with ingredients and allergen statements.
• Soda dispenser nozzles, a food contact surface, was observed to have food residue and was not clean to sight and touch. Ensure to wash, rinse, and sanitize food contact surfaces.
• Observed cooling fan on top of 3-compartment-sink with excessive amount of dust. Ensure to clean fan and where fan is located.
• Observed drain pipe being held up with metal container. Remove container and repair pipe.
• A working container of glass cleaner and bleach were stored above and on the same shelf with food, equipment, and single service articles in the kitchen area. Ensure to properly store chemicals away from food, equipment and single service articles.

Zest Bar & Grille

306 S New St., Bethlehem

Latest inspection: 6/5/2024

Inspection type: Regular by Bethlehem City

Compliance: In

Violations: 4

• A food employee was observed touching mint leaves for beverages – a ready to eat food – with bare hands. *Corrected
• Food facility has a reminder statement on the menu for foods that are / or could be served raw or undercooked to the consumer; however, does not clearly disclose which foods the reminder statement applies to.
• Chlorine chemical sanitizer residual detected in the final sanitizer rinse cycle of the low temperature sanitizing dishwasher at the bar was 0 ppm, and not 50-100 ppm as required. *Corrected at time of inspection
• Observed deeply scored cutting boards not resurfaced or discarded as required in kitchen. *One cutting board was replaced at time of inspection.