Food safety inspections conducted across Berks County between November 12 and November 25, 2025, have highlighted several establishments with significant violations. Inspections reveal concerns regarding food safety compliance, including instances of inadequate temperature control and unsatisfactory sanitation practices.
Berks County is divided into three jurisdictions: Reading, Muhlenberg Township, and the remainder of the county. Each jurisdiction has its own food safety inspectors, with Reading and Muhlenberg Township conducting local inspections, while the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture (PDA) oversees inspections for the rest of the county. The results of these inspections are made available to the public every other week, ensuring transparency and accountability for food vendors.
All food vendors in Berks County are required to undergo inspections at least once a year. Additional inspections may occur due to changes in ownership, complaints filed with the PDA, or follow-up visits if a facility has previously failed to comply with health and safety regulations.
According to the state database, several establishments have been flagged for various violations. For example, on November 24, the well-known fast food chain, Wendy’s #19303, recorded two violations. The establishment was found to have a chlorine chemical sanitizer residual of 0 parts per million (ppm) during the final rinse cycle of its low-temperature sanitizing dishwasher, failing to meet the required range of 50-100 ppm. Additionally, a buildup of food debris was observed in the drive-thru and food preparation areas.
Another notable case was Subway #48393, also inspected on November 24. The facility was cited for five violations, including multiple food items stored at 47°F, exceeding the safe limit of 41°F or below. The inspection report indicated that the facility did not have the original certificate for the certified food employee publicly displayed, which is mandatory.
In contrast, several establishments passed their inspections without any recorded violations. These included Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church and Adelphia Seafood, both rated as compliant on November 24.
Food safety violations can vary significantly. On November 18, Laxmi’s Indian Grille faced six violations during its inspection. These included a lack of proper hair restraints for food employees, insufficient hot water production for washing dishes, and a failure to use appropriate sanitizer test strips. The inspection report also noted evidence of insect activity in the kitchen area, prompting recommendations for an enhanced pest control program.
Another establishment, Olivares Supermarket, was flagged for eight violations during a recent inspection. Concerns included improper food storage practices, such as raw chicken stored above raw beef in the refrigerator, which poses a risk for cross-contamination.
The PDA emphasizes that establishments labeled as “out of compliance” have the opportunity to rectify their violations while remaining open for business. They are typically granted a specific timeframe to address the issues before a follow-up inspection is scheduled. The public can access the last inspection reports for any food vendor online, providing consumers with valuable information about food safety practices in their area.
These inspections highlight the importance of maintaining rigorous food safety standards to protect public health. The PDA encourages anyone to report concerns or complaints regarding food safety practices to ensure compliance and safeguard the community.
