Latest news with #PennsylvaniaDepartmentofAgriculture
Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
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State lawmakers, agriculture leaders celebrate National Dairy Month in Harrisburg
(WHTM) — State agriculture and dairy industry leaders met in Harrisburg today to celebrate National Dairy Month. Pennsylvania is home to over 5,000 dairy farms, and the state's dairy industry supports 47,000 jobs and generates over $11 billion in annual state economic revenue. 'Every dairy farmer in each of our 67 counties contributes to our state's leading industry's production and economic success,' said Sen. Elder Vogel Jr. (R-47). 'Our dairy farmers, and all farmers for that matter, are depended upon 24/7, 365 days a year, and serve as the cornerstone of our nation. Their knowledge and expertise allow Pennsylvania families to enjoy the common dairy staples like ice cream, cheese, and yogurt in the comfort of their homes. We thank these farmers not just today but every day for keeping Pennsylvania as well as our nation fed.' Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture Deputy Secretary Lisa Graybeal and Center for Dairy Excellence Executive Director Jayne Sebright joined Sen. Vogel Jr. to detail the industry's positive impacts on Pennsylvania communities, businesses, and residents. 'Pennsylvania dairy farmers are intensely proud of what they do and how well they do it,' Graybeal said. 'During Dairy Month and year-round, the Shapiro Administration is proud to support Pennsylvania dairy farmers in their ongoing pursuit of excellence in breeding, herd management, cow care, and conservation. The Administration is committed to partnering with the General Assembly to invest in a future of ever-increasing innovation and excellence for the industry that feeds our nation and our world quality, nutritious, and delicious products every day, all year, every year.' Lancaster, Franklin, Lebanon, Berks and Blair counties are the top five dairy producing counties in Pennsylvania. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
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Centre County to distribute farmers market vouchers for seniors after delay
Distribution of farmers market vouchers for seniors will start this week in Centre County following some uncertainty about the timeline due to federal funding delays. The vouchers, which are offered annually through the Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program run by the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, were scheduled to be distributed starting Monday. But when the Centre County Office of Aging didn't receive the vouchers last week, they announced that distribution would be delayed until further notice. The program for income-eligible seniors was affected as federal funding continues to undergo reappropriations, county officials said last week. Centre County Office of Aging Director Quentin Burchfield said Tuesday that the vouchers arrived sooner than the Department of Agriculture told him they would, meaning that distribution could start as soon as possible. 'We were informed last week that there was going to be a two-week delay on the vouchers because [the department] had to repackage them, because they were sending out less than what they anticipated. As it turns out though, we did get them this week,' Burchfield said. The county only received 5,315 of the 7,000 vouchers requested, Burchfield said, urging residents to 'not wait until the last minute,' to get the first, come, first served vouchers. Last year, about 100 vouchers were left unused. Centre County residents who will be 60 years or older by Dec. 31, 2025 can receive up to five vouchers worth $5 each, as long as they have a valid drivers license or ID and meet income eligibility requirements. For a one-person household, the minimum income requirement is $28,953; for a two-person household it's $39,128; for a three-person household it's $49,303; and for a four-person household, it's $59,478. Distributions will take place at the following times and places: From 10 a.m. to noon, June 4, at the Madisonburg Senior Center From 9 a.m. to noon, June 5, at the Philipsburg YMCA From 10 a.m. to noon, June 10, at the Snow Shoe Senior Center From 10 a.m. to noon, June 12, at the Centre Hall Senior Center From 9:30-11:30 a.m., June 16, at the Centre Region Senior Center The vouchers will also be distributed from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Willowbank Building on June 4-6, in rooms 144, 116 and 144 again, respectively. Those who have questions about about the voucher program in Centre County can call the Office of Aging at 814-355-6716 or visit the program's website.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Business
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Centre County farmer's market voucher distribution delayed
CENTRE COUNTY, Pa. (WTAJ) — Centre County Commissioners announced that farmers' market vouchers are being delayed as federal funding continues to undergo reappropriations. The vouchers were originally scheduled for Monday, June 2, but have been delayed until further notice due to the funding delays. The annual summer program known as the Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program is run by the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture (PDA). In a memo sent by the PDA, the cause of the delay was detailed. Although it was approved in mid-March of 2025, there was little additional guidance or timelines regarding the release of funds. Two consequences of the funding delays have been identified. First, fewer vouchers will beavailable for distribution through each senior agency. In this case, the Centre County Office ofAging will be receiving only about 74% of the vouchers the County requested. Second, voucher deliveries will be delayed. The Centre County Office of Aging was scheduledto begin distributing farmers' market vouchers beginning on Monday, June 2, though the start date has been delayed. As of now, the start of the Farmers' Market Voucher distribution event has been delayeduntil further notice. Centre County residents can tune into the Board of Commissioners onTuesday, June 3, at 10 am for updates on this program. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- General
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Berks food safety inspections found potentially hazardous prepared items not date marked
Berks County is divided into three jurisdictions: Reading, Muhlenberg Township and the rest of the county. Reading and Muhlenberg Township have their own food safety inspectors and the rest of the county is inspected by Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture inspectors. The results will be posted every other week. All food vendors are inspected at least once a year. Other inspections can be triggered by a change of owner, a follow up if a facility had been out of compliance or by a complaint filed with the PDA. View any vendor's last inspection report online. Click on the PDF version of the inspection report for all details. If a food provider is labeled 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 problem(s) and remains open for business. Complaints can be filed online with the PDA. Below are the results of inspections conducted between May 7 and May 20, 2025, that were filed in the state database as of May 22 at1:30 p.m. Berks Mister Softee #1 (Zly-2888), 1518 Elizabeth Ave., Laureldale , May 20: one violation. Food facility has an employee who held a Certified Food Manager certificate; however, the certificate has expired and is no longer valid. Mister Softee #2 (Zcw-0444), 1518 Elizabeth Ave., Laureldale , May 20: one violation. Food facility has an employee who held a Certified Food Manager certificate; however, the certificate has expired and is no longer valid. Mister Softee #3 (Ytw-2595), 1518 Elizabeth St., Laureldale , May 20: one violation. Food facility has an employee who held a Certified Food Manager certificate; however, the certificate has expired and is no longer valid. Mister Softee #4 (Yve-5542), 1518 Elizabeth St., Laureldale , May 20: one violation. Food facility has an employee who held a Certified Food Manager certificate; however, the certificate has expired and is no longer valid. Plantedhub Catering Kitchen, 75 Church Lane Road, Reading , May 20: no violations. Ihop #5502, 2701 Meridian Blvd., Wyomissing , May 19: four violations. There is a gap along the front and right side of the ice machine between the upper portion and the bottom bin. Floor surface material is deteriorating in some areas of the kitchen, such as the dishwasher area and cookline area. Also, floor tiles in the mop sink are missing. Working container (spray bottle) in the dishwashing area, used for storing chemicals, cleaners taken from bulk supplies, was not marked with the common name of the chemical. Corrected. Observed dirt/debris/grease/ old food debris in the following areas: (1) under the front server counters, (2) along the wall under equipment at the cooking line, (3) on surfaces of the grill at the far left of the cooking line, (4) in the corner near the large mixer, (5) along the wall near the ice machine. There is dried food residue on some surfaces of the milkshake mixer. Corrected. Turkey Hill Minit Market #242, 2901 Papermill Road, Wyomissing , May 19: one violation. Observed two half gallons of fat free milk offered for sale beyond the sell by date of 5/12/25. Corrected immediately. Grateful Coffee And Thrift Bar @ Willow Glenn, 94 Park Ave., Sinking Spring , May 18: one violation. The handwash sink located in the serving area does not have water at a temperature of at least 85°F. Las Cazuelas Mexican Food @ Willow Glenn, 94 Park Ave., Sinking Spring , May 18: no violations. Manuel Class At Willow Glenn, 94 Park Ave., Reading , May 18: two violations. The handwash sink located in the stick stand area does not have water at a temperature of at least 85°F. The food facility does not maintain Food Employee Certification records as required. Maria Cortes/Mondragon At Willow Glenn, 94 Park Ave., Reading , May 18: one violation. Food facility has an employee who held a Certified Food Manager certificate; however, the certificate has expired and is no longer valid. Please provide a current license. Maricely Class @ Willow Glenn, 94 Park Ave., Reading , May 18: two violations. The handwash sink located in the stick stand area does not have water at a temperature of at least 85°F. Food facility has an employee that has taken food safety training program; however, the food safety program was not an ANSI/CFP accredited Certified Food Manager program. Miriam Aviles @ Willow Glenn, 94 Park Ave., Reading , May 18: two violations. The handwash sink located in the stick stand area does not have water at a temperature of at least 85°F. The food facility does not maintain Food Employee Certification records as required. Olucuilta At Willow Glenn, 94 Park Ave., Reading , May 18: no violations. Sigfrido Tapia @ Willow Glenn, 94 Park Ave., Reading , May 18: no violations. Ferrara's Trattoria LLC Mff4/Xpt1614, 5704 Allentown Pike, Reading , May 16: no violations. Kathryn's Katering, 8380 Allentown Pike Blandon, Pa 19510 , May 16: two violations. Shelf below the grill on the cookline was observed with excessive food debris build up. Food facility has an employee who held a Certified Food Manager certificate; however, the certificate has expired and is no longer valid. Laxmi's Indian Grille, 1806 State Hill Road, Wyomissing , May 16: three violations. Food facility does not have available sanitizer test strips to determine appropriate sanitizer concentration at the 3-compartment sink and being used in the kitchen has an accumulation of dust/ located in the kitchen area of the food facility has gaps at the bottom and does not protect against the entry of pests. Starbucks Coffee #79963, 60 Cherry St., Leesport , May 16: no violations. The Bowers Hotel, 298 Bowers Road, Bowers , May 16: two violations. Cup containers without handles were observed being stored in bulk bins of flour and breadcrumbs in the baking prep area. Corrected Salmon was observed thawing at room temperature on the 4 wheeled cart in dry storage, which is not an approved thawing method. Corrected, Salmon was put into the walk-in cooler. Dunkin Donuts, 830 Rt. 100, Bechtelsville , May 15: two violations. The handwash sink in the dish area was blocked by a shelving unit and not accessible at all times for employee use. Corrected. Coving is observed missing tiles in the backroom. This needs to be repaired/replaced. Union House, 1803 S Main St., Bechtelsville , May 15: two violations. Women's restroom does not have a self-closing door. This is a repeat violation and needs to be repaired. Food facility is using an approved non-public water system, but does not have current laboratory testing results for water potability. Out of compliance. Burger King #30004, 8603 Lancaster Ave., Bethel , May 14: no violations. Kitt's Cafe & Gandalf's Garden, 8520 Allentown Pike Suite 13&14, Blandon , May 14: no violations. New Douglassville Cafe, 1554 Ben Franklin Highway Unit D, Douglassville , May 14: two violations. Multiple foods were held at 46°F, in the Bain Marie by the grill, rather than 41°F or below as required. Mops are not being hung to air dry. New Happy Wok, 1139 W Ben Franklin Highway, Douglassville , May 14: four violations. Refrigerated ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared in the food facility and held for more than 24 hours, located in the walk-in cooler, is not being date marked. Corrected. Food facility does not have available sanitizer test strips or test kit to determine appropriate sanitizer concentration. Multiple foods were held at 44°F, in the Bain Marie by the cook line, rather than 41°F or below as required. Uncooked rice observed stored in an non-food grade container in the dry storage area. Perry Restaurant, 11 Bellevue Ave., Shoemakersville , May 14: seven violations. Several containers of food in the refrigerator, reach in freezer, and walk in cooler area are stored open with no covering. Corrected. Food contact surface of table with a wooden top is not smooth, easily cleanable and/or resistant to pitting, warping, cracking or scratching. Please cover with a smooth and easily cleanable surface. Corrected .Shelves on the cookline were observed lined with cardboard. This is not smooth and easily cleanable. Corrected. Floor in the walk-in cooler was observed lined with cardboard. Corrected. Observed several cases of food stored directly on the floor in the outside walk-in cooler and freezer area, rather than 6 inches off of the floor as required. Corrected. Wall in the hallway from the kitchen to the office was observed with 2 holes and the ceiling in the walk-in cooler outside is observed with peeling paint. These areas need to be repaired as they are not smooth and easily cleanable, and the paint can contaminate foods. Refrigerated ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared in the food facility and held for more than 24 hours, located in the refrigerator and walk-in coolers, are not being date marked. Corrected. Wall behind cookline area of the food facility was observed with excessive grease and debris build up, and in need of cleaning. Floor / wall / ceiling, in the mixer area, is made of wood, and is not durable, smooth, non-porous, non-absorbent. Shires Mobile Kitchen Company Mff, 164 Evansville Road, Fleetwood , May 14: no violations. Bethany Children's Home Main Kitchen, 1863 Bethany Road, Womelsdorf , May 13: two violations. 2 knives hanging on the knife rack were observed to have encrusted food residue and were not clean to sight and touch. Corrected. 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. Brobst Cottage, 1863 Bethany Road, Womelsdorf , May 13: no violations. CD's Place Restaurant, 237 N Reading Ave., Boyertown , May 13: no violations. Eck Cottage, 1863 Bethany Road, Womelsdorf , May 13: no violations. Henning Center, 1863 Bethany Road, Womelsdorf , May 13: one violation. Hand sink was observed without running water. Staff was using dump sink-ware washing sink to wash hands. Hand wash sink needs to be repaired. Hess Cottage, 1863 Bethany Road, Womelsdorf , May 13: no violations. Knorr Cottage, 1863 Bethany Road, Womelsdorf , May 13: no violations. Leinbach Cottage, 1863 Bethany Road, Womelsdorf , May 13: no violations. Moyer Cottage, 1863 Bethany Road, Womelsdorf , May 13: no violations. Paparone's Pizza Restaurant, 3803 Penn Ave., Sinking Spring , May 13: no violations. Pine Forge Athletic Assoc, 1068 Douglas Drive , Boyertown , May 13: no violations. Reed Cottage, 1863 Bethany Road, Womelsdorf , May 13: no violations. Terra Pacem Winery, 160 S. Grims Mill Road , Boyertown , May 13: no violations. Boyertown Area Schools Boyertown Elem., 641 E Second St., Boyertown , May 12: no violations. Boyertown Middle School West, 200 S Madison St., Boyertown , May 12: no violations. Crow Wagon Mff4 (Xjb-2466), 142 Cacoosing Lane, Birdsboro , May 12: no violations. Inn At Bally Spring, 90 Airport Road, Barto , May 12: one violation. Observed a large build-up of grease near the fryer, and on the floors, walls and vent hood of the cooking area. Jamdung Jerk Hut Mmf-Xpj2765, 228 W. Walnut Tree Drive, Blandon , May 12: no violations. Juice Pod West Reading, 519 Penn Ave., West Reading , May 12: two violations. Knives are being stored in a holder that cannot be disassembled for cleaning. Working containers in kitchen area, used for storing chemicals, cleaners taken from bulk supplies, were not marked with the common name of the chemical. Corrected. Maidencreek Twp Community Park, 753 Park Road, Blandon , May 12: no violations. Russo Foods And Market, 1150 Bern Road, Wyomissing , May 12: no violations. Scott's Gyro Box-Mmf3 Xjx9161, 151 Home Road, Mertztown , May 12: no violations. Spanish Soul Mff3 (Stick Stand), 40 Middletown Road, Fleetwood , May 12: no violations. Winnie Mochi, 400 Penn Ave., West Reading , May 12: two violations. Raw eggs were stored above ready to eat foods in the refrigerator. Corrected. Scoops being stored in the ice machine with handle touching the ice. Corrected. Winnie's Tea Bar, 725 Penn Ave., West Reading , May 12: no violations. Airport Diner, 15110 Kutztown Road, Kutztown , May 9: two violations. Temperature measuring device for ensuring proper temperature of equipment is not available or readily accessible in two refrigerators. Corrected. Ice machine was observed to have mold build-up on interior kick plate and was not clean to sight and touch. Corrected. Berks Encore @ Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church, 30 Liberty St., Reading , May 9: one violation. Food facility does not have available sanitizer test strips or test kit to determine appropriate sanitizer concentration. Bonehead's Grille, 1380 Rt. 100 @ Jake's Flea Market, Barto , May 9: no violations. Casa W Distillery, 1339 Penn Ave., Wyomissing , May 9: five violations. Soap was not available at the handwash sink in the bar area. Corrected. Food facility does not have available sanitizer test strips to determine appropriate sanitizer concentration. There is an unsealed gap between the flooring in the hallway and the flooring in the restroom. The handwash sink in the bar area does not have single-use towels. Corrected. No sign or poster posted at the handwash sink in the bar area to remind food employees to wash their hands. Corrected. Ciccio's Olives, 500 Penn 12 B , West Reading , May 9: one violation. Food facility does not have available sanitizer test strips to determine appropriate sanitizer concentration. Firehouse Coffee Mff3-Xmv4333, 15877 Kutztown Rd. Road, Maxatawny , May 9: no violations. Hartranft Poultry & Seafood, 10 S. Summit Ave., Shillington , May 9: one violation. Pest activity observed by the cash register. Firm has pest control service in place. Hereford Vol Fire Co, 1153 Gravel Pk Hereford, Pa 18056 , May 9: no violations. Hungarian Sports Club, 1495 Huff Church Road, Barto , May 9: no violations. Leland's Bites & Meemaw's Delights At Kutztown Pool, 171 Industrial Ave., Kutztown , May 9: no violations. Leone's Pizza LLC, 4225 Main St. Suite 109, Elverson , May 9: one violation. Food facility does not have available sanitizer test strips or test kit to determine appropriate sanitizer concentration. Little Oley Tavern, 2068 Farmington Ave., Boyertown , May 9: one violation. Food facility has an employee who held a Certified Food Manager certificate; however, the certificate has expired and is no longer valid. Mama Cho's, 10 S. Summit Ave., Reading , May 9: two violations. Observed a buildup of grease and old food residue on the nonfood contact surfaces of the Bain Marie. Food facility has an employee who held a Certified Food Manager certificate; however, the certificate has expired and is no longer valid. Mr Food, 342 W. Main St., Kutztown , May 9: no violations. Peter Pipers Pickle Palace Mobile Trailer Mff2@ (Xjk-8513), 740 Noble St., Kutztown , May 9: no violations. Pretzel Revolution, 740 Noble St., Kutztown , May 9: no violations. Salino's Stand, 10 S Summit Ave., Reading , May 9: no violations. Vanno Catering, 5043 Weber Road, Mohnton , May 9: no violations. Andre Farms, 2638 W Philadelphia Ave., Oley , May 8: two violations. Food facility is offering for sale foods prepared in an unapproved private home (pepper hash). Product was removed from the sales shelf. One of the light bulbs in the deli display case is not shielded or shatter proof. Boyertown Area Schools Earl Elementary, 22 School House Road, Boyertown , May 8: no violations. Brooks Cafe LLC, 1139 W. Ben Franklin Highway Unit 2, Douglassville , May 8: four violations. Observed multiple foods in the walk-in cooler held more than 24 hours not being date marked. Corrected. Observed multiple foods stored directly on the floor in the walk-in cooler, rather than 6 inches off of the floor as required. Corrected. Mops are not being hung to air dry. Toilet room for employees does not have a self-closing door. Colebrookdale Elementary School, 1001 Montgomery Ave., Boyertown , May 8: no violations. Daniel Boone Middle School, 1845 Weavertown Road, Douglassville , May 8: one violation. Observed three deeply scored cutting boards not resurfaced or discarded as required. Domino's Pizza, 1139 Ben Franklin Highway, Douglassville , May 8: one violation. Observed the spray nozzle at the 3-bay sink to have a buildup of old food debris. Corrected. Happy Bear Coffee Company Tff3, 316 W. Main St., Birdsboro , May 8: no violations. Hillbilly Bbq Xgb-0928, 904 Ben Franklin Highway, Douglassville , May 8: no violations. JD's Steaks, 3998 A Penn Ave., Reading , May 8: no violations. JD's Steaks Mff4(Xpx-3082), 3998 Penn Ave., Reading , May 8: no violations. JD's Steaks Mff4(Xpx-3082), 3998 Penn Ave., Reading , May 8: no violations. Local Leaf Market, 3071 W. Philadelphia Ave., Oley , May 8: no violations. P & J Pizza, 133 W High St., Womelsdorf , May 8: no violations. Starbucks #77917, 4620 Penn Ave., Sinking Spring , May 8: one violation. Observed cases of coconut milk stored directly on the floor in the dry storage area, rather than 6 inches off of the floor as required. Corrected. Washington Elementary School, 1406 Route 100, Barto , May 8: no violations. Edible Arrangements #1269, 3564 Penn Ave., Sinking Spring , May 7: one violation. Spray bottle in dish area, used for storing all-purpose cleaner and was taken from bulk supplies, were not marked with the common name of the chemical. Corrected. Kula Kamala Foundation, 17 Basket Road, Reading , May 7: no violations. Morning Fuel, 3024 Penn Ave., West Lawn , May 7: seven violations. Temperature measuring device for ensuring proper temperature of equipment is not available or readily accessible in two cold hold units on the cookline equipment. Corrected. Non-food contact surfaces of shelving and fan guards in the walk-in cooler are not cleaned at a frequency to preclude accumulation of dirt and soil. Food facility is observed reusing single serve souffle cups to portion out spices and leaving inside the spice containers for multiple uses. Corrected. Frozen chicken that was observed thawing in the walk-in cooler was not date marked with a date it was taken from the freezer to thaw. Corrected. Old food residue was observed in the handwash sink, indicating uses other than handwashing in the bar area. Corrected. Observed clean food equipment and/or utensils in clean dish area, stored wet in a manner that does not allow for draining and/or air drying (wet nesting). Prepared food, a refrigerated, ready to eat time temperature control for safety food in the walk-in cooler area, was date-marked by the facility, but was beyond the 7 day use or sell by date and requires discarding. Corrected. Rollie's Place, 755 Hiesters Lane, Reading , May 7: no violations. Taco's Rene Mffzgw-5945, 1161 Park Road, Blandon , May 7: no violations. Third And Spruce Drafthaus, 238 S. Third Ave., West Reading , May 7: one violation. Door to the outside located in the kitchen area of the food facility is being propped open without any screening. Corrected. Topton Fire Station #21, 600 State St., Mertztown , May 7: no violations. Wilson School District Whitfield Elementary, 2700 Van Reed Road, West Lawn , May 7: no violations. Muhlenberg Township Burger King # 303, 3421 N. Fifth St., May 17: no violations. Sunoco Mini Mart, 4601 N. Fifth Street Highway, May 17: three violations. Self-service pastelitos were held at 125°F, rather than 135°F or above as required. Corrected on inspection with thermostat adjustment to '5'. Milk/creamers for hot beverages were held at 43.6°F, in the self-service area, rather than 41°F or below as required. Corrected on inspection with thermostat adjustment to '2'. Soap was not available at the handwash sink in the self-service handwash station area. Taco Bell # 5752, 402 Madison Ave., May 17: no violations. Vietnamese Delights, 2934 N. Fifth Street Highway, May 17: no violations. Foltz's, 2934 N. Fifth Street Highway, May 16: three violations. Personal beverages and food observed in food prep areas. Corrected on inspection. Food dispensing utensils in bulk food bins observed stored in the food and not with handle above the top of the food. Corrected on inspection. Mop was not hung to air dry. Krystyna's Kitchen Roman's Polish Foods, 2934 N. Fifth Street Highway, May 16: no violations. Matt's Coney Island, 2934 N. Fifth Street Highway, May 16: no violations. Stoltzfus Soft Pretzels, 2934 N. Fifth Street Highway, May 16: three violations. Observed pretzels stored under peeling light/heating fixtures. Fan guards dusty (x 2) with potential of contaminating food during preparation. Conduit dusty above pretzel heating area. Personal beverages observed stored on worktables and not in designated area away from food prep. Observed wet wiping cloths in food prep areas, and in handwashing sink not being stored in sanitizer solution. Bittersweet Confections, 2934 N. Fifth Street Highway, May 10: no violations. Reading D R Deli Grocery 346710, 201 N. 9th St., May 16: six violations. Potentially hazardous ready-to-eat food prepared in the food facility and held for more than 48 hours, located in the cooler, is not being date marked. Packaged meat not properly stored in the freezer cross contamination of meats. Soap was not available at the handwash sink in the prepping area. Packaged food, in freezer area, is an unpackaged food stored or displayed in direct contact with ice. Cleanliness of meat slicer, also cleanliness of the inside of freezers food residue on the shelves. The handwash sink in the prepping area being used as a food preparation sink as evidenced by observed * food in the sink. El Unico Restaurant Inc, 923 Exeter St., May 14: six violations. Potentially hazardous ready-to-eat food prepared in the food facility and held for more than 48 hours, located in the bain marie, is not being date marked. Cooked food for the steam table was not heated to the proper temperature. Temperature was 141 degrees instead of 165 degrees. Temperature measuring device for ensuring proper temperature of equipment is not available or readily accessible in refrigeration equipment. Cooked Food in the refrigeration area stored open with no covering. No sign or poster posted at the handwash sink in the serving area to remind food employees to wash their hands. Paper towel dispenser empty at the handwash sink in the prep/serving area. Soap was not available at the handwash sink in the prep/serving area. Replace soiled ceiling tiles Pizza Italia 4421350, 1528 N. 14th St., May 14: four violations. Frozen food in the freezer area stored open not closing the bags. Handwashing sinks in food prep area water was shut off. In the back kitchen replace soiled ceiling tiles, remove build of grease on storage area. Potentially hazardous ready-to-eat food prepared in the food facility and held for more than 48 hours, located in the refrigerator, is not being date marked. Sunset Mexican Ice Cream Shop, 835-9 Hiester Lane Unit 8, May 14: one violation. Potentially hazardous ready-to-eat food prepared in the food facility and held for more than 48 hours, located in the cooler, is not being date marked. McDonalds 44204000, 400 Lancaster Ave., May 13: no violations. Wawa, 413 Lancaster Ave., May 13: no violations. Wendys 44209300, 920 Lancaster Ave., May 13: two violations. Observed prepping & frying equipment, in prep area, with an accumulation of dust, dirt, food residue, debris on non-food contact surfaces. Floors, walls and surrounding areas in need of degreasing and cleanliness. Dunkin Donuts, 645 Penn St., May 12: two violations. Male's toilet is loose, secure toilet properly. Men's toilet room is not provided with a covered waste receptacle for sanitary napkins. Paradise Island Smoothies, 733 Lancaster Ave., May 12: five violations. Outdated milk held in the cooler in the front and also in the rear cooler. Potentially hazardous ready-to-eat food prepared in the food facility and held for more than 48 hours, located in the cooler, is not being date marked. Old food residue, dishes and utensils observed in the handwash sink, indicating uses other than handwashing. Temperature measuring device for ensuring proper temperature of equipment is not available or readily accessible in front cooler equipment. Soap was not available at the handwash sink in the front area. BK Fuel Inc., 928 N. 13th St., May 8: no violations. PB Fuel Inc., 1800 N. 5th St., May 8: two are not being hung to air dry. Paper towels not available in restroom/or hand dryer. Shri Gasoline LLC, 2101 Centre Ave., May 8: two violations. Potentially hazardous ready-to-eat food prepared in the food facility and held for more than 48 hours, located in the cooler, is not being date marked. Temperature measuring device for ensuring proper temperature of equipment is not available or readily accessible in refrigerated cooler equipment. Diaz Grocery & Restaurant, 924 Franklin St., May 7: six violations. Potentially hazardous ready-to-eat food prepared in the food facility and held for more than 48 hours, located in the cooler, is not being date marked. Prepped Food in the cooler area stored open with no covering. The handwash sink in the prep area being used as a food preparation sink as evidenced by observed residue of food in the sink. Temperature measuring device for ensuring proper temperature of equipment is not available or readily accessible in refrigerated cooler equipment. No sign or poster posted at the handwash sink in the food prep area to remind food employees to wash their hands. Mops are not being hung to air dry. UPDATES The following reports for the period of April 23 to May 6, 2025, were added to the state's database after May 8 and did not appear in the previous Berks food safety report. Muhlenberg Township Holy Guardian Angels Regional School, 3125 Kutztown Road, May 5: no violations. Wegman's Restaurant, 4401 Pottsville Pike, May 2: three violations. Wooden handled utensils with cracks/splits observed; not able to be cleaned adequately. Corrected on inspection/discarded. Cutting boards (multi-colored) stained/soiled. Correcting on inspection (soaking in bleach). Fan guards in walk-in refrigerator soiled. Wire shelving in reach-in refrigerator soiled. Chipping paint on ceiling is not a smooth, cleanable surface., and potentially contaminates food. Multiple areas on the floor / wall / ceiling in the main kitchen area are cracked / roughened / and are not a smooth, easily cleanable surface.
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Former U.S. Rep. Mark Critz selected as JRA's next executive director
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – Former U.S. Rep. Mark Critz will soon begin a new role in his lengthy public service career as executive director of the Johnstown Redevelopment Authority. JRA board members Chairman Mark Pasquerilla, Vice Chairman Richard Truscello, Bruce Haselrig and Sherri Rae approved hiring Critz for the position during a regular monthly meeting Tuesday. Laura Huchel was absent from the meeting and vote as she was busy campaigning in her race for Johnstown mayor on Election Day. 'When I saw this come up, I thought, 'You know, I'm getting up in years, and this is a place where I can finish my career and do something really strong for my hometown,'' said Critz, 63. 'Sometimes things – you want to call it 'providence' or whatever – this happened. And I thought, 'Mark, this is for you. Get in there and do what you can for the city.' ' Critz currently works as the western regional director of the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture and executive director of the state's Rural Development Council. He is scheduled to begin as JRA's director June 30. 'I have a lot of obligations at the state for my bosses that I'm intertwined and entangled in that we have to unwind over the next six weeks or so,' Critz said. Critz was selected to succeed former Executive Director Melissa Komar, who resigned effective April 4 to take a job in the private sector. 'I think he's really qualified,' Pasquerilla said. 'Besides being a congressman himself, he was (the late U.S. Rep. John) Murtha's district director, which is a pretty big deal. His work for the state has been, I think, stellar. He has a lot of contacts in the state, so he kind of has that two lives. "I think he's going to be a good addition. We had a great director with Melissa Komar, but I think he's fit for this job. He's a Moxham resident and he wants to make a difference here in Johnstown. I'm very pleased about it.' Along with Critz's hiring, the board promoted Finance Director Cheryl Labosky to the position of deputy executive director/finance director. 'I look forward to the opportunity to work with Mark Critz in the next chapter of the authority,' said Labosky, who has been with the JRA for 11 years. 'I appreciate the continued support of our partners and stakeholders as we move forward together. I look forward to working with Mark and our dedicated team.' Together, Critz, Labosky and other JRA members will continue ongoing efforts on numerous projects, including the regional sewer system and land bank. A few of the major initiatives were updated during Tuesday's meeting. The board approved awarding a $1,271,070.24 contract to A. Liberoni Co. for the construction of a connector road for the Johnstown Urban Industrial Park that will be located in the Minersville neighborhood. The authority also voted to accept a $200,000 state grant for environmental cleanup at the former Cambria-Rowe Business College building, located at 221 Central Ave. in Moxham.
