Tired of ads? Subscribers enjoy a distraction-free reading experience.
Click here to subscribe today or Login.

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.

Wycallis Elementary School, Conyngham Ave., Dallas, Feb. 6, regular inspection; in compliance.

Wesley Village Cafe, 209 Roberts Road, Pittston, Feb. 6, regular inspection; in compliance. Violations: Blade on post can opener, a food contact surface, was observed to have food residue and was not clean to sight and touch. Blade was cleaned.

Harvest Buffet, 26 East End Center, Wilkes Barre, Feb. 6, opening inspection; in compliance.

Dunkin Donuts, 801 Wyoming Ave., West Pittston, Feb. 6, regular inspection; in compliance. Violations: Temperature measuring device for ensuring proper temperature of equipment is not available in the Bain Marie, deteriorating rubber door gasket on milk/cream dispensing unit, observed deeply scored cutting boards not resurfaced or discarded as required, observed a build up of food residue on the shelves in the dairy refrigerator. Shelves were cleaned. Observed a build up of food residue along the edges of the Bain Marie, observed a build up of residue on the surface above nozzle on Espresso machine, observed date marking sticker residue on the exterior of food containers.

Dallas Senior High School, 2030 Conyngham Ave., Dallas, Feb. 6, regular inspection; in compliance. Violations: Water filter for ice machine is not dated as to last change or when filter is due to be changed. Food Service Manager stated that it was just changed in August 2016. He Looked up date in paperwork and dated the filter during this inspection.

Dallas Elementary School, 2000 Cummingham Ave., Dallas, Feb. 6, regular inspection; in compliance.

Andy’s Service Station, 7779 Blue Ridge Trail, Mountain Top, Feb. 6, regular inspection; in compliance. Violations: 3 basin sink has build up of grime in basins. Cleaned during inspection.

Amber Lantern, 430 Market St., Kingston, Feb. 6, regular inspection; in compliance. Violations: Observed a build up of dry tan yeast like residue on the walls and ceiling surface of the walk-in Keg cooler located in the basement.

AFC Sushi at Price Chopper #222, 245 Wilkes-Barre Township Blvd., Wilkes-Barre, Feb. 6, follow-up inspection; in compliance. Violations: The food facility does not have the original certificate for the certified food employee posted in public view, temperature measuring device for ensuring proper temperature of equipment is not available in 2 refrigeration units.

Wyoming Valley West High School, 150 Wadham St., Plymouth, Feb. 7, regular inspection; in compliance. Violations: There is an area of floor inside of the walk-in cooler (just outside of the walk-in freezer) has been dug out to to assess the floor which is slated to be replaced this summer, ceiling tiles inside of the beverage storage room are out of the tracking, exposing the area above the drop ceiling, dried food spillage on the floor of the dry storage room. The floor was cleaned and sanitized during this inspection. Dried food spillage on the floor of the walk-in freezer. The floor was cleaned and sanitized during this inspection.

Teasers/Game Time Sports Bar and Grill, 205 Mundy St., Wilkes-Barre, Feb. 7, regular inspection; in compliance. Violations: Food facility has an employee who held a Certified Food Manager certificate; however, the certificate has expired and is no longer valid. PIC stated that a copy of a valid Serv Safe certificate will be emailed to inspector when received, 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. Facility to use single service articles for food service until unit is serviced, women’s toilet room is not provided with a covered waste receptacle for sanitary napkins, observed 10 old rodent like droppings under sales counter.

Stirna’s, 120 W. Market St., Scranton, Feb. 7, regular inspection; in compliance.

Stephanie’s Tavern, 80 S. Main St., Pittston, Feb. 7, Type 2 follow-up inspection, in compliance. Violations: Food Facility does not have a certified food employee. PIC is scheduled to attend Serv Safe course March 14.

Sheetz #463, 551 State Route 93, Sugarloaf, Feb. 7, regular inspection; in compliance.

Sally Pursell’s Country Inn, 891 W. County Road, Sugarloaf, Feb. 7, regular inspection; in compliance. Violations: Food employees observed in food prep area, not wearing proper hair restraints, such as nets, hats, or beard covers, floor area by fryers have build up of grease / spilled food residuals.

Pittston Senior Center, 441 N. Main St., Pittston, Feb. 7, regular inspection; in compliance.

Ocoa Grocery, 568 Alter St., Hazleton, Feb. 7, regular inspection; in compliance. Violations: Thermometers for ensuring proper temperatures of food are not available or readily accessible, right side basin of 3 compartment sink has rust spot on basin bottom surface.

Mayme’s Cafe & Catering, 647 State Route 93, Conyngham, Feb. 7, regular inspection; in compliance. Violations: Observed deeply scored cutting boards not resurfaced or discarded as required.

Lynderella’s Deli, 1111 Main St., Swoyersville, Feb. 7, regular inspection; in compliance.

Kentucky Fried Chicken K-273015, 650 E. Broad St., Hazleton, Feb. 7, regular inspection; in compliance. Violations: The food facility does not have the original certificate for the certified food employee posted in public view, no backflow preventer installed between hose and hose bib in food prep area, fan guards in walk in cooler have build up of static dust / mold.

Jacie’s Midway Bar Inc., 319 Hazle St., Nuremberg, Feb. 7, regular inspection; in compliance.

Dallas Middle School, Conyngham Ave., Dallas, Feb. 7, regular inspection; in compliance. Violations: An accumulation of dust and webbing behind the walk in Freezer near the dry storage room. The area was cleaned during this inspection.

Cusat’s Cafe, 742 N. Alter St., Hazleton, Feb. 7, regular inspection; in compliance. Violations: Observed deeply scored cutting boards not resurfaced or discarded as required.

Convenient Mart 3037, 610 S. Main St., Pittston, Feb. 7, regular inspection; in compliance. Violations: Observed raw eggs stored above gallons of milk and iced tea in the cooler. Eggs were moved. Observed loose bottles of drinks stored directly on the floor in walk in cooler, rather than 6 inches off of the floor as required, hamburgers held at 103 degrees F, in the hot hold unit, rather than 135 degrees F or above as required. Foods were reheated. Observed deeply scored cutting boards not resurfaced or discarded as required, observed a build up of black residue around nozzle on frozen drink machine, observed 10 old rodent like droppings under shelf in storage area.

Vitos Bistro, 434 N. Main St., Pittston, Feb. 8, follow-up inspection; in compliance.

Subway Subs & Salads, 744 Wyoming Ave., Unit 5, Kingston, Feb. 8, regular inspection; in compliance. Violations: Food facility is using Super San Sanitizer at an extremely high concentration of over 400ppm in individual spray bottles labeled as sanitizer not approved in the Code of Federal Regulations for food contact sanitizing at this level, food employee observed in prep area, wearing a watch, the inside surface of several Black plastic bowls are deeply scored with flaking plastic and no smooth and easily cleanable.

Salem Elementary School, 810 E. 10th St., Berwick, Feb. 8, regular inspection; in compliance. Violations: Observed a build up of grime and dust on the fan guards inside of the two door Continental reach in refrigeration unit in the dining hall, the hand wash sink in the prep area was blocked by a utility cart full of food trays and not accessible at all times for employee use. The cart was moved during this inspection. The floor surface under the pallets inside of the produce walk-in cooler dirty, dusty, and in need of cleaning.

Sabatini’s Pizza, 1925 Wyoming Ave., Exeter, Feb. 8, regular inspection; in compliance.

R & S Convenience (US Gas), 400 Market St., Kingston, Feb. 8, follow-up inspection; in compliance.

Nescopeck Elementary School, 315 Dewey St., Nescopeck, Feb. 8, regular inspection; in compliance. Violations: Refrigerated ready to eat, time/temperature control for safety food (ham) prepared in the food facility and held for more than 24 hours, located in the reach in refrigerator, is not being date marked. The ham was date marked during this inspection. Severely dented, distressed canned items observed in dry storage area that are and intended for use. the food facility. The dented cans were move to the area designated for the dented cans to be returned to supplier.

Martin’s Restaurant, 301 E. Broad St., West Hazleton, Feb. 8, regular inspection; in compliance. Violations: Floor areas underneath cook line have build up of grime.

Donut Connection, 1601 Wyoming Ave., Exeter, Feb. 8, regular inspection; in compliance. Violations: Observed a build up of food residue on the metal shelves in the walk in cooler. Shelves were cleaned, observed a build up of residue on the surface behind the dispensing nozzle on the cream dispenser. Person in charge cleaned surfaces, lights are not shielded or shatter proof over the storage area.

Berwick Area Middle School, 1100 Evergreen Drive, Berwick, Feb. 8, regular inspection; in compliance.

Angelo’s Italian House, 695 N. Alter St., Hazleton, Feb. 8, regular inspection; in compliance.

Weis Markets #068, 100 Weis Lane, Hazleton, Feb. 9, regular inspection; in compliance. Violations: Seam sealant in right side proofer in bakery is deteriorated / hanging loose, hot water temperature in deli and bakery is 78 degrees F to 85 degrees F. Plumber is on scene to repair problem.

Tin Tin Chinese Restaurant, 487 Johnson St., Wilkes-Barre, Feb. 9, 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, observed three dented canned items intended for use in the facility. Items were removed from use. Multiple food items in the walk in cooler, and reach in freezer stored open with no covering. Items were covered. Multiple bulk and in use ingredient containers not labeled with the name of the contents, plastic containers without handle being used as a scoop in hot held rice and in bulk ingredient container. Containers were removed, observed containers of food stored directly on the floor in walk in cooler and in the e area, rather than 6 inches off of the floor as required, cardboard used as shelf liners throughout facility is not smooth and easily cleanable, handle on meat slicer is repaired with duct tape, a material which is not easily cleanable. Replacement handle has been ordered, interior surface of chest freezer is cracked and needs to be repaired/replaced, observed a bulk ingredient storage container that is cracked and needs to be replaced, observed a heavy build up of food residue on the shelves in the walk in cooler and the under counter refrigeration unit, observed a build up of dust on the fan guard in the walk in cooler, observed single-service, single-use articles stored directly on the floor, and not 6 inches above the floor, observed an accumulation of food debris and residues under and on equipment in the prep area.

Sushi By Jay at Weis 68, 100 Weis Lane, Hazleton, Feb. 9, regular inspection; in compliance.

Rostas’ Cafe, 1144 W. 15th St., Hazleton, Feb. 9, regular inspection; out of compliance. 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 refrigeration units and walk in cooler, is not being date marked, person(s) in charge are not monitoring establishment operation for compliance with food code requirements, food containers are stored on floor in walk in cooler, thermometers for ensuring proper temperatures of food are not available or readily accessible, chlorine chemical sanitizer residual detected in the final sanitizer rinse cycle of the low temperature sanitizing dishwasher and bar glass washer was less than 10 ppm, and not 50 to 100 ppm as required. All equipment and utensils to be subject to a properly mixed sanitizer on exit from units until units are repaied.

D’Amato’s Wood-Fired Pizza, 802 W. 15th St., Hazleton, Feb. 9, 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 food prep area, not wearing proper hair restraints, such as nets, hats, or beard covers, soup in hot hold unit is 118 degrees F product center and sauce in same unit is 113 degrees F product center. Person in charge states items were properly re-heated. Items were re-heated to 165 degrees F. No written procedures available at time of inspection for stromboli and pizza held by time in lieu of temperature, observed deeply scored cutting boards not resurfaced or discarded as required, no backflow preventer installed between hose end sprayer and connection to faucet in three bay sink, front hand wash sink basin does not drain freely, floor tiles broken / missing by bain marie.

Convenient Food Mart #3010, 51 W. Juniper St., Hazleton, Feb. 9, regular inspection; out of compliance. 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 display cooler, are not being date marked, working containers in food prep area, used for storing chemicals, cleaners taken from bulk supplies, were not marked with the common name of the chemical. Spray bottles are being re-used with chemicals other than original chemical stored in bottles, the person in charge does not have adequate knowledge of food safety in this food facility as evidenced by this non-compliant inspection, food facility person in charge not able to provide documentation that beef, chicken and cheese filled empanadas offered for sale are from an approved source. Items removed from sale and disposed. Repackaged cold pizza from Longo Bakery is being removed from master packaging, re-wrapped and displayed at room temperature in retail are. Pizza must be refrigerated unless it is in original master container. Store made sandwiches held for retail sale are not labeled / no ingredient information at point of sale. No ingredient information on or at point of sale for re-packaged Longo Pizza, thermometers for ensuring proper temperatures of food are not available or readily accessible, observed deeply scored cutting boards not resurfaced or discarded as required, plastic cutting board used for food prep as stated by person in charge has build up of dark residual grime on food contact surfaces.

Chuck E. Cheese #533, 2010 Wilkes-Barre Market Place, Wilkes-Barre, Feb. 9, regular inspection; in compliance. Violations: Observed a build up of food residue on shelving in walk in cooler and in the small Bain Marie. PIC cleaned shelving during inspection, post can opener blade, a food contact surface, was observed to have food residue and was not clean to sight and touch. PIC cleaned can opener, observed a build up of residue on the small cart in kitchen area. Person in charge cleaned cart during inspection.

Burger King #8857, 81 N. River St., Plains Township, Feb. 9, regular inspection; in compliance. Violations: Observed a build up of black residue around the gasket on the Icee machine, observed drain under small refrigeration unit in the drive thru area with a build up of residues, observed food debris under equipment in multiple areas of the facility.

Beltway Diner, 250 S. Church St., Hazleton, Feb. 9, regular inspection; out of compliance. Violations: Commercially processed refrigerated, ready to eat, time/temperature control for safety food, located in the walk in coolers, and held more than 24 hours, is not being marked with the date it was opened, person(s) in charge are not monitoring establishment operation for compliance with food code requirements, food employees observed in food prep area, not wearing proper hair restraints, such as nets, hats, or beard covers, top exterior surfaces of dish machine, above door openings, have build up of grime from back wash, racks in walk in cooler have build up of mold on food contact surfaces, lights are not shielded or shatter proof over the rear prep area.

Simply Smokes, 505 Centre St., Freeland, Feb. 10, regular inspection; in compliance. Violations: Floor tiles in front food service area are deteriorated / Missing pieces of surface material.

Scatton’s Seafood, 720 E. Third St., Hazleton, Feb. 10, regular inspection; in compliance. Violations: Thermometers for ensuring proper temperatures of food are not available or readily accessible.

Rite Aid #1314, 501 Main St., White Haven, Feb. 10, regular inspection; in compliance.

Mary’s Family Restaurant, 540 N. Hunter Highway, Route 309, Drums, Feb. 10, regular inspection; out of compliance. Violations: Person(s) in charge are not monitoring establishment operation for compliance with food code requirements, employee observed changing food service gloves, not hand wash prior to donning gloves, two knives stored with blades in cervice between equipment at cookline, containers of soup in hot hold unit were not fully re-heated prior to placement in unit. Soups were 72*f / 73*f. Soups removed and re-heated to 165 degrees F, low temperature, chemical sanitizing dish machine is showing less than 10 ppm residual chlorine in final rinse. All equipment and utensils to be subject to a properly mixed sanitizer on exit from machine until unit is repaired, two knives stored with blades in crevice between equipment have old food residuals on blades.

Hucklebuck Pete’s, 566 Union St., Luzerne, Feb. 10, change of owner inspection; in compliance. Violations: The rear exit door located in the rear of the kitchen of the food facility has a gap at the floor/door juction and does not protect against the entry of insects, rodents, and other animals.

Genetti Catering, 1345 N. Church St., Hazle Township, Feb. 10, regular inspection; in compliance. Violations: Ceiling tile missing above dish machine.

CVS Pharmacy #10128, 500 Centre St., Freeland, Feb. 10, regular inspection; in compliance.

For more restaurant inspections, click here.

https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/web1_Luzerne-inspections-2.jpg.optimal.jpg