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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.
Carl’s Bar, 136 Nicholson St., Wilkes-Barre, June 30. Regular inspection; in compliance. Violations: Observed a buildup of residue on the shelves in the walk in beer cooler. The hand-wash sink in the kitchen area was blocked by boxes and equipment and not accessible at all times for employee use. Items were removed from sink. No paper towels available at the hand-wash sink in the kitchen. Paper towels were provided.
Joe’s Smokehouse-MFF2, 163 Bilby Hill Rd., Shickshinny, June 30. Regular inspection; in compliance.
Lyons Den, 34 Orchard St., Glen Lyon, June 30. Follow-up inspection; in compliance.
Rygiel’s Pub, 178 Main St., Dupont, June 30. Regular inspection; in compliance. Violation: Observed a buildup of ice and rust on the bottom of beer cooler.
Denny & Pearl’s-MFF4, PA XV-49819 P#2, 69 Ridge Rd., Nescopeck, July 3, Regular inspection; in compliance.
Fat Daddy’s, 174 Main St., Luzerne, July 5, Regular inspection; in compliance. Violations: There is a buildup of a tan yeast-like residue on the ceiling surface inside of the walk-in cooler located in the basement. The hand-wash sink in the prep area is draining extremely slow. Drain cleaner was used and drain now functioning properly.
Gumba’s Pizza, 102 Pittston Ave., Pittston, July 5, Complaint inspection; in compliance.
Irem Temple Country Club – MFF3, 70 Ridgeway Dr., Dallas, July 5. Opening inspection; in compliance.
Lucky’s Craft Food and Drink, 100 Terminal Dt., Ste. 18, Avoca, July 5, Regular inspection; in compliance. Violations: Observed a buildup of residue on the shelves in the walk in cooler. Shelves were cleaned at time of inspection. Observed a bucket in the hand-wash sink in the bar area indicating uses other than hand washing. Bucket was removed from sink.
Mi Casa Restaurant and Bar, 217 E Diamond Ave., Hazleton, July 5. Regular inspection; in compliance. Violations: Food employees observed in food prep area, not wearing proper hair restraints, such as nets or hats. Surface coating on wire shelving in several refrigeration units is deteriorated/rusting. Thermometers for ensuring proper temperatures of food are not available or readily accessible. Lights are not shielded or shatter proof over the 3-door cooler. Floors in food prep area have buildup of traffic dirt.
Station 33, 31 E. Diamond Ave., Hazleton, July 5. Follow-up inspection; in compliance. Violation: dead roach casings are observed in bar area. Ongoing pest control is in place. Discussed removal of dead roach casings to properly monitor establishment for effective pest control.
The Game Chateau, 1112A Rte. 315, Wilkes Barre, July 5, Complaint inspection; in compliance.
Ana’s Yaroa’s-MMF4, 555 W. Broad St., Hazleton, July 5, Opening inspection; in compliance. Violations: Thermometers for ensuring proper temperatures of food are not available or readily accessible. No chemical test strips available to monitor sanitizer in use.
Booty’s Place, 1087 N. Church St., Hazle Township, July 5. Change of Owner inspection; in compliance. Violations: Thermometers for ensuring proper temperatures of food are not available or readily accessible. Several ceiling tiles in food prep area are out of tracts.
Burger King #6641, Midway Shopping Center, Wyoming. July 5. Regular inspection; in compliance. Violation: Observed a small amount of pink slime on the deflector plate of the ice machine. The deflector plate was cleaned and sanitized during this inspection.
Domino’s Pizza, 200 Kennedy Blvd., Pittston, July 5, Follow-up 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. Food (chicken, sausage, beef, ham) was held at 46-50 degrees F, in the bain marie, rather than 41 degrees F or below as required. Foods were discarded. Unit will be serviced prior to use for TCS foods. Temperature measuring device for ensuring proper temperature of equipment is not available in the bottom area of the bain marie. Bain Marie observed with an ambient temperature of 50 degrees F. Unit needs to be serviced prior to storage of TCS foods to ensure proper cold holding temperature of 41 degrees F or less. Observed a buildup of old food residue along the edges, in the corners and back vents in the small bain marie.
Dino’s Italian Restaurant, Inc., 28 Wyoming Valley Mall, Wilkes-Barre, July 6, Follow-up inspection; in compliance. Violations: Loose rubber door gaskets observed on the refrigeration unit in the kitchen area. Observed a buildup of old food residue along the back edge and in the cracks of the bain marie in the back area. Observed a buildup of rust on the shelves in the walk in cooler. Observed deeply scored cutting boards not resurfaced or discarded as required.
Flamingo Diner, Route 11, West Nanticoke, July 6. Follow-up inspection; in compliance. Violation: Food facility has an employee who held a Certified Food Manager certificate; however, the certificate has expired and is no longer valid. Person in charge will register for course and provide copy of certificate to inspector when received.
Gigio’s Subs and More, 1325 River Rd., Unit 114, Plains Township. July 6, Regular inspection; in compliance. Violations: Commercially processed refrigerated, ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food, located in the refrigeration units, and held more than 24 hours, is not being marked with the date it was opened. Discussed date marking and provided guidance document. Observed a buildup of food residue on the surface above the shaft on the mixer.
Komaqi Sushi and Chinese Food, 121 S. Mountain Blvd., Mountain Top, July 6, Follow-up inspection; in compliance. Violations: No temperature holding thermometer or temperature tapes, 160 degrees F, are available to monitor final rinse plate surface temperature in high temperature dish machine. Owner states tapes were ordered but have not arrived yet. Rear food prep screen doors are not tight fitting to door frame.
Laflin Distributing, LLC, 1600 Rte. 315, Wilkes Barre, July 6. Change of owner inspection; in compliance.
Norman’s Root Beer – TFS -3, Back Mountain Library Auction, 96 Huntsville Rd., Dallas, July 6. Regular inspection; in compliance.
Ranch Wagon LLC-TFS4-Back Mountain Library Auction, 96 Huntsville Rd., Dallas, July 6. Regular inspection; in compliance.
The Amish Pantry, 467 Berwick Hazleton Hwy., Nescopeck, July 6. Regular inspection; in compliance. Violation The facility had an employee that has taken the TAP Series LLC Food safety Managers course and received a certificate of achievement that indicates that the training was completed on Oct, 4, 2015. It appears that the Employee did not take the proctored exam to complete the final step of the course in order to receive an acceptable Certificate of Completion. The Facility will check with TAP Series LLC and see what can be done in order to receive the acceptable 5-year Food Managers certification. The facility will email, or mail a copy of the Certificate of Completion to this inspector within 90 days.
The Lands at Hillside Farms – TFS3, Back Mountain Library Auction, 96 Huntsville Rd., Dallas, July 6. Regular inspection; in compliance.
Weis Market #091, 237 S. Mountain Blvd., Mountain Top, July 6. Regular inspection; out of compliance. Violations: Person(s) in charge are not monitoring establishment operation for compliance with food code requirements. Food employees observed in deli area, not wearing proper hair restraints, such as nets, hats, or beard covers. Temperature controlled for safety, cooled chicken parts in walk in cooler in deli walk in cooler are 56 degrees F after being in cooler since previous business day. All items were voluntarily disposed due to time/temperature abuse due to improper cooling. Previously cooked chicken parts and wholes are stored in walk-in cooler still in retail packaging. Discussed proper cooling of items to achieve 41 degrees F temperature within 6 hours. Assorted packaged temperature controlled for safety deli meats are in the temperature range between 48-56 degrees F product center. Items are in case for approx. 12 hours. All items were voluntarily disposed due to time/temperature abuse. No written procedures available for pizza held at room temperature.
Whistle Stop Pizza, 14 N. Mountain Blvd., Mountain Top, July 6. Regular inspection; in compliance.
Banko’s, 39 Allen St., West Nanticoke, July 6. Follow-up inspection; in compliance. Violations: Coleslaw was held at 48 degrees F, in the small refrigeration unit, rather than 41 degrees F or below as required. Coleslaw was discarded. Small refrigeration unit in the kitchen observed at 50 degrees F and not 41 degrees F or less as required. Unit was emptied and will be serviced prior to use. Observed a buildup of grease on the hoods above the cooking area. Hoods are scheduled to be cleaned. Observed 5 small flies in the back drink prep area. Facility is working with their pest control provider to control the flies.
Broyan’s Farm Market, 493 Berwick Hazleton Hwy., Nescopeck, July 6. Regular inspection; in compliance.
Catering the Wright Way-TFS4, Back Mountain Library Auction, 96 Huntsville Rd., Dallas, July 6. Regular inspection; in compliance.
Candlewood Suites, 9 Bowmans Mill Rd., Hazleton, July 7, Regular inspection; in compliance. July 7, Regular inspection; in compliance
Carter’s Dairy Freeze, 1715 Wyoming Ave., Exeter, July 7. Regular inspection; in compliance, Violation: Observed a buildup of dust on the fan guard in the walk in cooler. Person in charge cleaned fan guard during inspection
EFuel, HC 1 – 9B, Rte. 80 & Rte. 534, White Haven, July 7. Follow-up inspection; in compliance.
Fujiyama Restaurant, 47 N Main St., Pittston, July 7. Follow-up inspection; in compliance. Violations: Food employees observed in sushi prep area, not wearing proper hair restraints, such as nets or hats. Chemical sanitizer in use on mechanical dishwasher was observed to be inappropriate for use in mechanical dishwasher. Person in charge replaced with the correct product at time of inspection. Observed a buildup of dust on the fan guard in the walk in cooler Observed a buildup of flour spillage on the shelves in the bulk storage area. Observed a buildup of residue on the ware wash drying rack. Ceiling tiles missing in the back storage area, and need replaced. Landlord is in the process of remodeling and will replace tiles. Observed 20 rodent-like droppings in the corner under sinks in the kitchen area. Landlord is working with facility to control pest issue.
Mike and Gina’s Mobile Kitchen-LLC-MFF4, 714 Fourth St., Pittston, July 7. Opening inspection; in compliance.
Mil & Jim’s Parkway Inn, 24 W. Kirmar Ave., Nanticoke, July 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. Employee is scheduled to take course in Sept. and will provide a copy of certificate when received. Mac and Cheese was held at 45 degrees F, in the bain marie, rather than 41 degrees F or below as required. Mac and cheese was discarded. Temperature measuring device for ensuring proper temperature of equipment is not available in the bain marie. Observed an ambient temperature of 5 degrees F in the bain marie. Unit will be serviced prior to storage of TCS foods. Observed a buildup of food residue on the interior of the microwave. Microwave was cleaned. Observed a buildup of food residue on the post can opener blade. Can opener was cleaned. Observed clean utensils on hooks in contact with a wall surface which was not clean to sight and touch. Observed 15 old rodent-like droppings in a corner in the kitchen area.
Umbriac’s Bar, 301 E. Diamond Ave., Hazleton, July 7. Regular inspection; in compliance.
New Broad Street Deli, 147 W. Broad St., Hazleton, July 10. Regular inspection; in compliance. Violations: Thermometers for ensuring proper temperatures of food are not available or readily accessible. Lights are not shielded or shatter proof over the food prep area and some refrigeration units.
Red Lobster #0445, 10 E. End Center, Wilkes-Barre, July 10. Regular inspection; in compliance. Violations: Soup was held at 108 degrees F, in the prep area, rather than 135 degrees F or above as required. Soup was reheated. Observed a buildup of black residue on the interior top surface of the ice machine. Ice machine was cleaned at time of inspection. Observed a buildup of residue in the sink and blender area of the bar. Observed a buildup of residue on the interior walls and ceiling of the refrigeration unit in the cooking area. Observed a buildup of syrup residue on the surface above and behind the nozzles on the beverage machines. Surface was cleaned. Observed clean food equipment in storage area, stored wet in a manner that does not allow for draining and/or air drying (wet nesting).
The Lands at Hillside Farms, 65 Hillside Rd., Shavertown, July 10. Regular inspection; in compliance. Violations: The Manufacturers address on the label for Kombucha offered for sale does not match the Manufactures current address in our computer system. The facility called the manufacturer who stated she will label product with labels that reflect the correct manufacturer address. The facility voluntarily pulled all product from point of sale for return to manufacturer. Observed a buildup of dust and a gray/black mold like residue on the ceiling surface of the walk-in milk cooler.
Turkey Hill Minit Market #297, 70 Station Circle, Hazle Township, July 10. Regular inspection; in compliance. Violation: Fan guards in walk in cooler have buildup of static dust.
Uni Mart, 708 Main St., Duryea, July 10. Regular inspection; in compliance. Violations: Observed a buildup of rust on the ware-wash sinks. Deteriorating rubber door gasket on the walk in cooler door. Interior of microwave, a food contact surface, was observed to have food residue and was not clean to sight and touch. Person in charge cleaned microwave. Observed a buildup of dead insects on the shelves in the grocery area. Person in charge cleaned shelves at time of inspection.
Brennan-Regan Post 585, 329 Main St., Duryea, July 10. Regular inspection; in 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 refrigerator, is not being date marked. Discussed date marking and provided handout. Interior of the microwave, a food contact surface, was observed to have food residue and was not clean to sight and touch. Microwave was cleaned. Post can opener blade was observed to have old food residue and was not clean to sight and touch. Person in charge cleaned can opener. Observed a buildup of residue on the sides of the shelves in the refrigerator. Observed a buildup of slimy residue in the soda gun holster. Person in charge cleaned holster.
Burger’s Farm Market, 371 St., John Rd., Drums, July 10.Regular inspection; in compliance.
Econo Lodge, 1075 Wilkes-Barre Twp. Blvd., Wilkes-Barre, July 10. Regular inspection; in compliance.
Gennaro’s Pizza, 532 Susquehanna Blvd., Hazle Township, July 10. Regular inspection; in compliance. Violation: Food employees observed in food prep area, not wearing proper hair restraints, such as nets, hats, or beard covers.
Humboldt Beer Depot, 573 CanDo Exp., Hazle Township, July 10. Complaint inspection; in compliance.
Just R’s Pierogi – MFF4, 775 Keating St., Wilkes-Barre, July 10. Follow-up inspection; in compliance.
McDonald’s #01442, 913 Wyoming Ave., Wyoming, July 10. Follow-up inspection; in compliance.
