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The following are recent Luzerne County restaurant inspection reports from the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture. According the agency: “any inspection is a ‘snapshot’ of the day and time of the inspection. An inspection conducted on any given day may not be representative of the overall, long-term cleanliness of an establishment. Also, at the time of the inspection violations are recorded but are often corrected on site prior to the inspector leaving the establishment.” The information is taken from the inspection database at www.eatsafepa.com. Postal addresses used here are as listed on the state’s website, and may not correspond to the municipalities in which facilities are physically located.
Rustic Kitchen – Mohegan Sun, 1280 Highway 315, Wilkes-Barre, June 8. Regular inspection; in compliance. Violations: Observed multiple in-use food ingredient containers not labeled with the common name. Containers were labeled. Food utensils in pizza prep area observed stored in a container of water which is not maintained at 135 degrees F. Utensils were removed. Observed a buildup of mold-like residues in the exhaust vents of the mechanical ware-wash machine. A temperature measuring device for measuring the sanitizing temperature on the high temperature war-wash machines was not available. Food employee observed storing clean food equipment while wet, and not allowing time for draining and/or air-drying.
That Bounce Place, 925 Wilkes-Barre Twp. Blvd., Wilkes-Barre, June 8. Follow-up inspection; in compliance. Violation: Food facility has lost its certified food employee over 3 months ago and has not replaced the certified food employee as required. Person in charge to attend ServSafe course on June 27 will provide copy of certificate when received.
Curly Creme LLC, 244 S. River St., Plains Twp., June 9. Regular inspection; in compliance. Violations: food employee was observed touching ice cream cones – a ready-to-eat food – with bare hands. Provided hand out and discussed bare hand contact. Food utensils in prep area observed stored in a container of water which is not maintained at 135 degrees F. Utensils were removed.
Holiday Inn Express, 30 Concorde Dr., Dupont, June 9. Opening inspection; in compliance. Violations: Food employees observed in prep area, not wearing proper hair restraints, such as nets or hats. A food employee was observed touching cookies and pastry, ready-to-eat foods with bare hands. Items were not served to the public. Food facility does not have available sanitizer test strips or test kit to determine appropriate sanitizer concentration. Observed the coating peeling and rust on the shelves in the refrigeration unit in the kitchen. Observed knives stored in a drawer with personal items. Knives were removed. No hot water available at the hand-wash sink in the prep area. Facility to use a temporary hand-wash station until sink is repaired. Equipment observed in the hand-wash sink, indicating uses other than hand washing
Hungry Bear, RR 1, White Haven, June 9. Regular inspection; in compliance.
Original Italian Pizza & Pasta, 609 Heather Highlands Shopping Center, Pittston, June 9. Regular inspection; in compliance. Violations: Observed raw eggs stored above lettuce in the reach in cooler. Eggs were moved. Post can opener blade, a food contact surface, was observed to have food residue and was not clean to sight and touch. Observed a buildup of grease on the non-food contact surface of the mixer. Observed a buildup of syrup on surface behind nozzles on soda machine. Observed a buildup of residues on the handles of the hand-wash sink.
Lake Jean Concessions, 695 Rte. 487, Benton, June 10. Regular inspection; in compliance. Violation: Observed an accumulation of static dust on the fan inside of the reach in Life Water refrigeration unit
Modern Lanes, 1948 Wyoming Ave., Exeter, June 10. Follow-up inspection, in compliance.
Owl’s Nest Store, 309 Moyer’s Grove Rd., Wapwallopen, June 10. Regular inspection; in compliance. Violations: Food facility does not have available sanitizer test strips or test kit to determine appropriate sanitizer concentration The floor surface inside of the 2 door Traulsen refrigerator next to the 3-bay sink at the fish fry area. The floor surface inside freezer portion of the green refrigerator freezer, and the floor of the white general electric freezer located in the back storage area at the fish fry area.
Pizza L’Oven, 1259 Wyoming Ave., Exeter, June 10. Regular inspection; in compliance. Violations: Observed containers with no handles being used as scoops in multiple bulk food ingredients. Containers were removed. Observed a knife handle that was deteriorating and no longer easily cleaned. Knife was discarded. Food facility does not have available sanitizer test strips or test kit to determine appropriate sanitizer concentration. Post can opener blade, a food contact surface, was observed to have food residue and was not clean to sight and touch. Can opener was cleaned.
Powerhouse Eatery, 60 Powerhouse Rd., White Haven, June 10. Regular inspection; in compliance. Violation: No beard restraints worn during food prep. Cutting boards in use have deep cutting grooves on food contact surfaces.
Resuta’s Café, 302 Centre St., Freeland, June 10. Regular inspection; in compliance.
Sandy Valley CG Snack Bar, 199 Valley Rd., White Haven, June 10. Regular inspection; in compliance. Violation: No certified food handler employed in this establishment. Manager is taking course and exam on June 13.
The Susquehanna Tavern, 163-167 Susquehanna Ave., Exeter, June 10. Regular inspection; in compliance. Violations: Observed deeply scored cutting boards not resurfaced or discarded as required. Potato cutter, a food contact surface, was observed to have food residue and was not clean to sight and touch. Cutter cleaned. Observed a buildup of food debris on the edged of the bain marie. Observed a buildup of grease and grime on the sides of the cooking equipment. Toilet rooms do not have a self-closing door. Kitchen area of the food facility is dirty and in need of cleaning. Observed a buildup of grime on the hand-wash sink in the kitchen. Sink was cleaned. Food facility has lost its certified food employee over 3 months ago and has not replaced the certified food employee as required. Food employee will register for ServSafe Managers course and provide a copy of certificate when received.
V.F.W Post No. 5010, 341 Centre St., Freeland, June 10. Regular inspection; in compliance.
White Haven Exxon, 500 Church Street, White Haven, June 10, Regular inspection; in compliance.
Applewood Golf Course Commissary, 1523 Mt. Zion Rd., Harding, June 10. Regular inspection; in compliance.
Carone’s Market, 400 Front St., Freeland, June 10. Regular inspection; in compliance. Violations: No ingredients on or at point of sale for repacked candies offered for retail sale. Surface coating on auger and bore of table top meat grinder in deli is deteriorated/lightly rusted. Discussed use of mineral oil on cleaned parts to reduce, eliminate rusting. Top and front exterior surfaces of deck oven and convection oven in deli have buildup of static dust/grime. Florescent light tubes in produce warehouse area are not shielded. Florescent light tube cover above beef in meat section cooler is broken/missing piece of tube. Fan guards and ceiling by evaporator in produce walk-in cooler have build up static dust/mold.
E F K, 134 Zerby Ave., Edwardsville, June 10. Regular inspection; in compliance.
Gramercy Ballroom & Restaurant, 155 S. Main St., Pittston, June 10. Regular inspection; in compliance. Violations: Observed a buildup of rust on the ceiling in the ice machine. Observed deeply scored and stained cutting board on the bain marie not resurfaced or discarded as required. Observed a buildup of sticky residue on metal shelf at the the bar.
Allied Service, 150 Mundy St., Wilkes-Barre, June 13. Regular inspection; in compliance. Violation: Pre-packaged desserts not labeled properly with the ingredient statement. Pre-packaged desserts not labeled to clearly indicate any “Big 8” allergen ingredients and/or the allergen warning statement.
Frances Slocum State Park/Pool Concession, 565 Mount Olivet Rd., Wyoming, June 13. Regular inspection; in compliance. Violations: Food employees observed in prep area, not wearing proper hair restraints, such as nets, hats, or beard covers. Restroom does not have a self-closing door.
The Garden Mediterranean Café, 540 Luzerne Ave., West Pittston, June 13. Change of owner inspection; in compliance. Violations: Observed in use knifes stored in a wooden scabbard, an area that is not easily cleanable. The scabbard was discarded during this inspection. Knifes were cleaned and sanitized. Florescent lights are missing end caps in the prep area.
The Old House Café, 34 Lake St., Dallas, June 13. Regular inspection; in compliance. Violations: Food employees observed in prep area, not wearing proper hair restraints, such as nets, hats, or beard covers.
Uni-Mart, No. PA0330, Bear Mart Exxon, 3000 Bear Creek Blvd., Wilkes-Barre, June 13. Regular inspection; in compliance. Violations: Grab and Go buns and doughnuts not labeled properly with the ingredient statement clearly indicating any “Big 8” allergen ingredients. Food facility does not have available sanitizer test strips or test kit to determine appropriate sanitizer concentration Observed single-service, single-use articles stored directly on the floor in shed, and not 6 inches above the floor. Employee rest room is not provided with a covered waste receptacle for sanitary napkins. Observed a decaying rodent in the storage shed. Rodent was removed. Observed 200 plus rodent droppings in the storage shed.
Uni-Mart, No. PA0384, Bear Mart Mobile, 3377 Bear Creek Blvd., Wilkes-Barre, June 13. Regular inspection; out of compliance. Violations: The person in charge does not have adequate knowledge of food safety in this food facility as evidenced by this non-compliant inspection. Food employees observed in prep area, not wearing proper hair restraints, such as nets or hats. Commercially processed refrigerated, ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food, located in the deli case, and held more than 24 hours, is not being marked with the date it was opened. Discussed date marking and provided handout. Grab and go sandwiches and doughnuts not labeled properly with the name of product, ingredient statement, and “Big 8” allergen ingredients. Temperature measuring device for ensuring proper temperature of equipment is not available in the under counter refrigeration unit. Thermometers for ensuring proper temperatures of food are not available or readily accessible. Observed a buildup of pink residue on the exterior back of the ice chute. Observed meat slicer alongside hand-wash sink where it is subject to splash. Observed single-service, single-use articles stored in storage area directly on the floor, and not 6 inches above the floor. Women’s toilet room is not provided with a covered waste receptacle for sanitary napkins.
