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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.

El Rey Azteca, 681 Kidder St., Wilkes Barre, Dec. 6. Regular inspection; in compliance. Violations: Working container used for storing cleaner, taken from bulk supplies, was not marked with the common name of the chemical. Person in charge labeled container. Observed wet-wiping cloths in bar area, not being stored in sanitizer solution. 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. Observed clean food equipment in kitchen area, stored wet in a manner that does not allow for draining and/or air drying (wet nesting).

Evans Roadhouse, 330 N. Hunter Hwy., Drums, Dec. 6. Regular inspection; in compliance. Violations: Clean spoons are displayed exposing food contact surfaces to hand contact by coffee service in dining room. Single-use plastic souffle cup is stored in plastic tub of ready-to-eat croutons in kitchen. The chlorine concentration in the sanitizing solution of the bar glass washer was 10 parts per million, rather than 50-100 ppm as required. Chemical changed, now 50 ppm residual chlorine. Food facility is reusing plastic food containers which are intended to be a single-service or single-use article. Floor tiles broken/missing pieces of surface material in food prep area.

Fisher’s Firehouse Grill, 14 W. Butler Drive, Drums, Dec. 6. Regular inspection; in compliance. Violations: Thermometers for ensuring proper temperatures of food are not available or readily accessible. Food facility does not have available sanitizer test strips or test kit to determine appropriate sanitizer concentration in low-temperature dish machine.

General Store, 154 Rte. 239, Shickshinny, Dec. 6. Regular inspection; in compliance. Violations: Raw eggs stored above milk in reach-in refrigeration unit. The eggs were moved to the lower shelf of the deli case during this inspection. Observed a buildup of brown residue on drain seals in all three bays of the three-compartment sink. The sinks were cleaned during this inspection. There is a buildup of static dust on the fan guards inside of the two-door Pepsi refrigeration unit.

Quick Stop, 411 W. 3rd St., Nescopeck, Dec. 6. Change-of-owner inspection; in compliance. Violation: No sign or poster posted at the hand-wash sink in the coffee bar area to remind food employees to wash their hands. A sign was posted during this inspection. Paper towel dispenser empty at the hand-wash sink in the employee restroom area. Paper towel was placed at hand-wash sink during this inspection.

S&J Groceries and Deli, 48 Ashley St., Ashley, Dec. 6. Follow-up inspection; in compliance.

Vesuvio Pizzeria/Donut Connection, 366 W. Butler Dr., Drums, Dec. 6. Regular inspection; in compliance. Violations: Food employees observed in food prep area, not wearing proper hair restraints, such as nets, hats, or beard covers. Observed deeply scored cutting boards not resurfaced or discarded as required. Top exterior surfaces of dish machine have buildup of grime.

Bethel Hill Mini Mart, 1099 Bethel Hill Road, Shickshinny, Dec. 6. Regular inspection; in compliance.

Butler Twp. Fire Co., 14 W. Butler Drive, Drums, Dec. 6. Regular inspection; in compliance. Violation: Three-basin bar sink has buildup of mineral deposits in basins.

China Garden, 15 S. Main St., Plains Township, Dec. 6. Complaint inspection; in compliance.

Comfort Inn West Hazleton, 58 Route 93, West Hazleton, Dec. 6. 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, is not being date marked. Persons in charge are not monitoring establishment operation for compliance with food-code requirements. An original food-employee’s certificate is not posted in public view as required. No consumer advisory located on menu for animal-derived foods cooked to order. No thermometers visible in all in-use refrigeration units. No temperature-holding thermometer or temperature tapes, 160 degrees F, are available to monitor final-rinse plate surface temperature in high-temperature dishwasher. Drop chute/divider plate in ice machine has buildup of scum/mold-like residuals. Slicer has buildup of old, dried food residuals on food-contact surfaces. Slicer not used today. Interior surfaces of two microwave ovens at cook line have buildup of old, dried food residuals/grime on all surfaces. No hand towels available at food prep hand-wash sink. Basin for food prep hand-wash sink does not drain properly. Ceilings in food prep areas have buildup of grease film/static dust. Mop bucket filled with grey water and mop is stored by coolers in food prep area.

Country Butcher Shop, 220 Oak Road, Drums, Dec. 6. Regular inspection; in compliance.

Dairy Queen Grill & Chill, 1245 Highway 315, Wilkes-Barre, Dec. 6. Follow-up inspection; in compliance.

Drums Fuel Stop Inc., 492 N. Hunter Highway, Route 309, Drums, Dec. 6. Regular inspection; in compliance. Violation: Tongs at self-serve roller grill are not tethered.

Dunkin’ Donuts #349640, 1028 Wilkes Barre Blvd., Wilkes Barre, Dec. 7. Regular inspection; in compliance. Violations: Observed bags of ice stored directly on the floor in walk-in freezer, rather than 6 inches off the floor as required. Loose rubber door gaskets observed on the under-counter refrigeration units. Replacement gaskets have been ordered. Observed deeply scored cutting boards not resurfaced or discarded as required. Observed a buildup of dust in the vent above the ovens. Observed a buildup of food residues in and along the edges and in the vents on the bain marie. Observed a buildup of dust on the fan guards in two under-counter refrigeration units. Observed single-service, single-use articles stored in storage area directly on the floor, and not 6 inches above the floor. Articles were moved off the floor at time of inspection. Paper towel dispenser empty at the hand-wash sink in the prep area. Paper towels were provided.

First United Methodist Church, 6 E. Butler St., Shickshinny, Dec. 7. Regular inspection; in compliance.

Jersey Mike’s Subs, 11 Bear Creek Blvd., Wilkes Barre, Dec. 7. Regular inspection; in compliance. Violations: Observed small plastic containers with no handle used as scoops in bulk ingredients. Containers were removed. Observed interior edges and corners of bain marie units with an accumulation of food residue. Food employee observed towel drying food equipment after cleaning. Discussed proper handling of clean equipment. Observed single-service, single-use articles stored alongside hand-wash sink where they are subject to splash. Articles were removed from area.

Joe’s Choice, 544 Route 93, Sugarloaf, Dec. 7. Regular inspection; in compliance. Violation: Sinks have buildup of mineral deposits in basins. Cleaned during inspection.

Junie G’s, 12 S. Mountain Blvd., Mountain Top, Dec. 7. Follow-up inspection; in compliance. Violation: Surface coating on wire shelving in walk-in cooler is deteriorated/rusting.

McDonald’s #05657, 251 S. Mountain Blvd., Mountain Top, Dec. 7. Follow-up inspection; in compliance.

Pittston Lodge #1207, 425 Exeter Ave., West Pittston, Dec. 7. Regular inspection; in compliance. Violations: Observed an ambient temperature of 53 degrees F in the bain marie in the kitchen area. Unit will be serviced prior to storage of TCS foods. Meat slicer was observed to have food residue and was not clean to sight and touch. Meat slicer was cleaned. Metal shelving in the walk-in cooler was observed to have food residue and was not clean to sight and touch. Shelves were removed and discarded. Observed a buildup of syrup residue in the soda gun in the bar area. Gun was placed in cleaner during inspection.

Sirak’s Smokehouse, Retail Store, 3878 Main Road, Hunlock Creek, Dec. 7. Follow-up inspection; in compliance.

Abe’s Hot Dogs, 315 S. Mountain Blvd., Mountain Top, Dec. 7. Regular inspection; in compliance. Violation: Ceiling tile missing in rear prep area.

Boscov’s #009, 105 Laurel Mall, Hazle Township, Dec. 7. 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 walk-in cooler, is not being date marked. Person(s) in charge are not monitoring establishment operation for compliance with food-code requirements. Food employee observed donning single-use gloves without a prior hand-wash. Food employees observed in food prep area not wearing proper hair restraints, such as nets, hats, or beard covers. Wiping cloths are not being kept in a sanitized solution when not in use. Cook was observed cracking fresh shell eggs, then handling ready-to-eat toast with the same gloves. Discussed proper glove use. Bag of onions stored on floor by rear kitchen three-basin sink. Approximately 3 pounds of mashed potatoes made the previous business day and stored in walk-in cooler are 53 degrees F. Product disposed due to improper cooling. Surface coating on wire racks in walk-in cooler is deteriorated. Top and exterior surfaces of dish machine and top interior surfaces of doors have buildup of old food residuals/grime. Unit cleaned during inspection. Exit ramp on clean side of dish machine has buildup of grime. Low temperature, chemical sanitizing dish machine is showing 0 ppm residual chlorine in final rinse after 5 cycles. All equipment and utensils to be subject to a proper mixed sanitizer on exit from machine until repaired.

Cavanaugh’s Grille, 163 N. Main St., Mountain Top, Dec. 7, Regular inspection; in compliance. Violations: Previously frozen, cryo-packed tuna and salmon are being thawed in unopened packages in walk-in cooler. No temperature holding thermometer or temperature tapes, 160 degrees F, are available to monitor final rinse plate surface temperature in high-temperature dish machine. Florescent light cover lens by dish machine is broken. Fan guards in all walk-in coolers have buildup of static dust.

City Market Cafe, 2161 Memorial Highway, Dallas, Dec. 7. Opening inspection; in compliance.

Cold Case Beverage, 1712 Wyoming Ave., Exeter, Dec. 7. Regular inspection; in compliance. Violation: Door located in the back area of the food facility has a gap and does not protect against the entry of insects, rodents and other animals.

Dollar General Store #16818, 618 Blackman St., Wilkes-Barre, Dec. 7. Regular inspection; in compliance. Violation: Observed 25-plus live beetles in bags of rice and on shelving under dried beans. All rice and beans were discarded and shelves will be cleaned and sanitized.

Booty’s Place, 1087 N. Church St., Hazle Township, Dec. 8. Regular inspection; in compliance. Violation: Food employees observed in food prep area, not wearing proper hair restraints, such as nets, hats or beard covers.

Burger King #23186, 480 Route 940, White Haven, Dec. 8. Opening inspection; in compliance.

Burger King #2955, 130 S. Wyoming Ave., Kingston, Dec. 8. Regular inspection; in compliance. Violation: Broken missing wall tile just inside of the receiving door at rear of building and in need of repair. Floor/wall base moulding in the walk-in freezer area is cracked/broken and separated from the wall and is approximately ½ inch from wall with an accumulation of dirt and debris in the gaps. Floors inside both the walk-in cooler and walk-in freezer soiled with food debris and in need of cleaning. The floors of both units were cleaned during this inspection. Missing tile base moulding just outside of room with mop sink and in need of repair. Observed a large puddle of grease/oil on the floor in the corner across from the water heater where the cart used to transport grease/oil is located.

Ollie’s, 84 S. Wyoming Ave., Edwardsville, Dec. 8. Regular inspection; in compliance. Violations: Observed containerized food stored directly on the floor in walk-in cooler area, rather than 6 inches off the floor as required. The container was elevated on shelf during this inspection. Loose/torn rubber door gaskets observed on the walk-in freezer. The owner stated that the repairman has a gasket on order and it is to be replaced when gasket arrives. 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. However the machine also has a water temperature booster; the water temperature during the rinse cycle was 160. New sanitizer was applied and residual was still 0 ppm. The owner placed call to have repairman come and evaluate why the chlorine residual is 0 ppm. Inspector to follow up. Observed a tan yeast-like residue on the ice dispensing trigger and ice chute of the fountain soda machine. The chute and trigger were cleaned and sanitized during this inspection. Underside of juice dispenser head (plate) a buildup of dried orange juice residue. The dispenser head plate was cleaned and sanitized during this inspection. Sink into which old coffee is poured was heavily stained. The sink was cleaned during this inspection.

Tattle Tales, 338 Buck Blvd., White Haven, Dec. 8. Regular inspection; in compliance. Violations: Three-basin sink in kitchen has buildup of mineral deposits in basins. Two ceiling tiles missing in food prep area.

Cinnabon, 29 Wyoming Valley Mall, Suite 232, Wilkes Barre, Dec. 9. Opening inspection; in compliance.

Stations Grill, 251 Mundy St., Wilkes Barre, Dec. 9. Regular inspection; in compliance. Violations: Facility does not test strips available to ensure rinse temperature of mechanical dishwashers reaches appropriate sanitizing temperature. Observed an accumulation of syrup residue on surface above dispensing nozzle on self-serve beverage machine. Receiving door located in the back area of the food facility has a gap and does not protect against the entry of insects, rodents and other animals.

The Susquehanna Tavern, 163-167 Susquehanna Ave., Exeter, Dec. 9. Follow-up inspection; in compliance. Violations: Observed a buildup of old syrup in the soda gun nozzle at the bar. Observed a buildup of dust on the fan guards above the cooking area. Observed a buildup of food debris in the corners and cracks in the bain marie.

Unicorn Restaurant, 430 3rd St., Nescopeck, Dec. 9. Regular inspection; in compliance.

Ah! Some Chocolate, 100 Overbrook Road, Shavertown, Dec. 9. Regular inspection; in compliance.

American Legion Post #815, 54 Chestnut St., Wilkes-Barre, Dec. 9. Follow-up inspection; in compliance.

Tolteca Express, 21A Gateway Shopping Center, Edwardsville, Dec. 12. Regular inspection; out of compliance. Violations: Working spray bottle near the three-compartment sink in the prep area, used for storing oven grille cleaner taken from bulk supplies, was not marked with the common name of the chemical. The bottle was labeled during this inspection. The person in charge does not have adequate knowledge of food safety in this food facility as evidenced by this non-compliant inspection. Two pans of meat in the walk-in freezer are stored open with no covering. The meat was covered during this inspection. An ice scoop was observed stored inside of the ice bin inside of the waitress/waiter station with handle in direct contact with the ice. The scoop was re-positioned during the inspection. The edge of the ice deflector plate inside of the ice machine, a food contact surface, was observed to have a buildup of pink slime. The deflector plate was cleaned and sanitized during this inspection. Employee restroom is not provided with a covered waste receptacle for sanitary napkins. Many baseboard tiles are missing from the stainless steel wall at the rear of the kitchen, between the dry storage room and the closet containing the water heater. The floor/wall juncture in this area is not covered and closed to 1/32 inch.

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