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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.

Januzzi’s Pizza, 1100 Wyoming Ave., Exeter, March 20. Regular inspection; in compliance. Violations; Multiple refrigerated, ready-to-eat time temperature control for safety sauces in the reach in cooler were date-marked by the facility, but were beyond the 7 day use or sell by date and requires discarding. A temperature measuring device for measuring mechanical ware-washing equipment sanitizing water temperature is not available. Loose and broken rubber door gaskets observed on multiple refrigeration units. Gaskets have been ordered. Observed a buildup of syrup residue on the soda gun in the bar area. Soda gun as cleaned during inspection. Observed a buildup of dust on the hoods and the exhaust fan above the cooking areas. Rest rooms do not have a self-closing door.

La Villita Bakery & Restaurant, Corp., 587 Main St., Kingston, March 20. Regular inspection; in compliance. Violations: Food facility has an employee who held a Certified Food Manager certificate; however, the certificate has expired. Facility provided documentation that an employee is scheduled to take the exam today. Scoops in bulk sugar and powdered sugar containers observed stored with the handles in direct contact with the sugars. The scoops were positioned with the handles above the sugars during this inspection. Several floor tiles located between the cellar door and the refrigeration unit are missing. There is only a plywood sub floor in the area. Floor surface is no longer smooth or easily cleanable. Person in charge showed the inspector the floor tiles and said that the repairman is scheduled to be there about 1 p.m. to install them.

Party Beverages, 653 Rte. 93, Ste. # 2, Conyngham, March 20. Change of owner inspection; in compliance.

Rita’s Italian Ice, 355 Market St., Kingston, March 20. Regular inspection; in compliance.

Subway, 13 Carverton Rd., Shavertown, March 20. Regular inspection; in compliance.

Tomasino’s Original Italian Pizza, 54 Dallas Shopping Center, Dallas, March 20. Regular inspection; in compliance. Violation: Observed in-use knives stored between edges of two bain maries, an area not easily cleanable & sanitized. The knives were removed, cleaned and sanitized during this inspection.

Tomato Heads Pizzeria, 934 Wyoming Ave., West Pittston, March 20. 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. A food employee was observed touching tomatoe, a ready-to-eat food, with bare hands. Foods were discarded. Raw eggs stored above ready-to-eat foods (deli meat and cheese) in the walk-in cooler. Eggs were moved. Observed cases of food stored directly on the floor in the walk-in cooler, rather than 6 inches off of the floor as required. Foods were moved. Observed deeply scored cutting boards not resurfaced or discarded as required. Observed a buildup of food residue on the shelves in the walk-in cooler and under the bain marie. Observed a buildup of dust on the fan guard under the bain marie. Observed a buildup of food residue along the edges and in the corners of the bain marie. Observed a buildup of greasy residue on the equipment storage shelf. Observed clean utensils stored in an unclean container. Roof is leaking water in the back area and in the walk in cooler, and is in need of repair.

Valley Pizza & Subs Inc., 732 Route 93, Sybertsville, March 20. 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. Proof of certification required within 10 days. Food employees observed in food prep area, not wearing proper hair restraints, such as nets, hats, or beard covers. Single use, loose wire ties are stored in a foam cup on shelf above in use food prep bain marie.

Weis Markets #161, 5 N. River St., Plains Township, March 20. Regular inspection; in compliance. Violations: Observed cases of food stored directly on the floor in the frozen food walk in cooler, rather than 6 inches off of the floor as required. Observed multiple knives in the meat room with deteriorating handles which are no longer easily cleanable. Knives were discarded. Observed a buildup of rust on the ceiling and edges of the ice machine. Observed a buildup of rust on the metal shelves in multiple refrigeration units. Observed cracks and missing pieces on the plastic door on ice machine. Observed loose rubber door gasket and door panel on the door of the ice machine. Observed a buildup of residue on the shelves in the produce sales area. Shelves were cleaned. Observed a buildup of dust on the ceiling in the dairy cooler. Observed a buildup of dust on the fan guard in the produce cooler. Observed a buildup of residue on the honeycomb above the produce spray nozzles. Observed a buildup of black residue on the walls in the walk in produce cooler. Observed a buildup of debris on the floor in the produce and meat walk in coolers.

Your Choice, 285 S. Church St., Hazleton, March 20. Regular inspection; in compliance. Violations: Tongs at self-serve snack display are not tethered. Fan guards in walk-in cooler have build up of static dust.

A&J Grocery #2, 12 W. Broad St., Hazleton, March 20. Regular inspection; in compliance. Violations: Establishment does not employ a certified food handler as required. Proof of enrollment in a certification course required within 10 days,. Observed deeply scored cutting boards not resurfaced or discarded as required. Floor tiles missing in rear food prep area and front service area. Lights are not shielded or shatter proof over the food prep area and in some refrigeration units.

Chili’s Grill and Bar, 375 Wyoming Valley Mall, Wilkes-Barre, March 20. Follow-up inspection; in compliance. Violations: Observed rust and pitting on the metal shelves in the walk-in cooler. Food pans stored in clean storage areas observed with food and sticker residues on surfaces. Containers and pans were placed at dishwasher to be cleaned and sanitized. Observed a buildup of dust on the fan guard in a refrigeration unit in the prep area. Observed clean food equipment on the clean equipment storage racks, stored wet in a manner that does not allow for draining and/or air drying (wet nesting).

Dairy Queen, 473 Wyoming Ave., Kingston, March 20. Regular inspection; in compliance.

Dollar General #15995, 547 E. South St., Freeland, March 21. Regular inspection; in compliance.

Dowse’s Suds and Grub, 914 Exeter Ave., Exeter, March 21. Regular inspection; in compliance.

Edgewood By Sand Springs, 22 Edgewood Dr., Drums, March 21. Regular inspection; in compliance. Violation: Interior surfaces of banquet hall dish machine have buildup of mineral deposits.

Five Below, Inc. #130, 491 Arena Hub Plaza, Wilkes-Barre, March 21. Regular inspection; in compliance.

M&D Supermarket and Deli, 304 E. Diamond Ave., Hazleton, March 21. Regular inspection; in compliance. Violations: Blade on meat slicer is pitted and should be considered for replacement. Interior of top drive wheel door on table top band saw is rusting. Thermometers for ensuring proper temperatures of food are not available or readily accessible and are not accurate. Exterior packaging on food containers offered for retail sale have buildup of dust.

Maria’s Hot Dogs, 113 N. Wyoming St., Hazleton, March 21. Regular inspection; in compliance. Violations: Thermometers for ensuring proper temperatures of food are not available or readily accessible. Non-food contact surfaces not cleaned at a frequency to preclude accumulation of grease and soil. Lights are not shielded or shatter proof in the Pepsi cooler. Florescent light tube covers have buildup of grime.

Music Box Dinner Playhouse, 196 Hughes St., Swoyersville, March 21. Regular inspection; in compliance. Violation: Employee/handicapped entrance door of the food facility has a gap with visible light at the floor/door junction and does not protect against the entry of insects, rodents, and other animals.

Ole’ Tyme Charley’s, 31 S. River St., Plains, March 21. Regular inspection; in compliance. Violations; Refrigerated, ready-to-eat time temperature control for safety food in the refrigerator area, was date-marked by the facility, but was beyond the 7 day use or sell by date and requires discarding. Foods were discarded. Observed a buildup of dust on the fan guard in the refrigeration unit in the kitchen area. Observed a buildup of greases on the pipes above the cooking area. Observed 10 old rodent like droppings along the wall in the kitchen area.

Oxford Pub- Triple K Saloon, 579 Main St., Edwardsville, March 21. Regular inspection; in compliance. Violation: Observed a buildup of static dust on the fan guards inside the reach-in refrigeration unit in the kitchen and bar areas.

Pierce Street Deli, 517 Pierce St., Kingston, March 21. Regular inspection; in compliance. Violations: Observed containerized food stored directly on the floor in walk-in freezer, rather than 6 inches off of the floor as required. Upright freezer is down and repairman currently working to repair it. The food items on floor are from inside of the upright freezer. Observed a buildup of static dust on the end refrigeration self-serve refrigeration unit that contains bottled beer. The fan guards were cleaned and sanitized during this inspection. Lack of a back flow prevention device on the water line, hose bib or hose that is used to hose down the floor. A back flow prevention device was installed during this inspection. One light shield in cook line are is out of the tracking. There are several ceiling tiles near air diffusers in the kitchen area that have a buildup of dust. There are several water stained ceiling tiles in the kitchen that are water stained. Mops are not being hung to air dry. Mops were hung to dry during this inspection.

Turkey Hill Minit Market #300, 257 S Main St., Pittston, March 21. Regular inspection; in compliance. Violations: Interior of microwave, a food contact surface, was observed to have food residue and was not clean to sight and touch. Microwave was cleaned. Observed a buildup of old food residue along the edges and in the cracks of the bain marie. Observed a buildup of old food residue on the surface around the nozzles on multiple beverage machines in the self-serve area. Observed sticky spillage on the bottom of iced tea cooler.

Wyoming Volunteer Hose Co. #2, 70 Third St., Wyoming, March 21. Regular inspection; in compliance. Violation: 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. The sanitizer appeared to be old and a new bottle was applied and the residual sanitizer concentration tested at 50 ppm.

Balliet’s Country Corner, 340 N Hunter Hwy., Drums, March 21. Regular inspection; in compliance. Violations: Observed deeply scored cutting boards not resurfaced or discarded as required. Three-compartment sink has buildup of mineral deposits in basins.

Cebula’s Bar and Lounge, 295 Main St., Dupont, March 21. Regular inspection; in compliance.

Country Corner Six Packs To Go, 340 N. Hunter Highway, Drums, Mar. 21. Regular inspection; in compliance.

J&J Cafeteria, 100 W. Broad St., Ste., 104, Hazleton, March 22. Regular inspection; out of compliance. Violations: Person(s) in charge are not monitoring establishment operation for compliance with food code requirements. Owner continues to sell food from unapproved sources. Food employees observed in food prep area, not wearing proper hair restraints, such as nets, hats, or beard covers. Owner is buying meat-filled empanadas from from a retail source that is not USDA inspected source. Refer to previous inspection report dated 6-30-2015.

Leggio’s Pizza & Italian Restaurant, 1092 Route 315, Wilkes-Barre, March 22. Regular inspection; out of 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 taking course and will provide copy of certificate when received. Observed in-use spatula stored between table edge and wall, an area not easily cleanable & sanitized. Spatula was removed. Observed deeply scored cutting boards not resurfaced or discarded as required. Interior of microwave, a food contact surface, was observed to have food residue and was not clean to sight and touch. Observed a buildup of food residue on the shelves in the walk in cooler the bain marie. Observed a buildup of food residue on the surface above the shaft on the mixer. Observed a buildup of food residues in the cracks and corners of the bain marie. Observed a buildup syrup residue on surface around nozzles on soda machine.

Mami’s One Way Cafe, 594 N. Alter St., Hazleton, March 22. Regular inspection; in compliance. Violation: Surface material on sink in men’s restroom is deteriorated.

Monroe Grocery Inc., 36 N. Broad St., West Hazleton, March 22. Regular inspection; out of compliance. Violations: Owner was not able or willing to provide documentation that baked bread rolls foods are from an approved source. All product was denatured and disposed on site. Continued sale of items from unapproved sources will result in further action by this department. Lights are not shielded or shatter proof over the retail area.

Payton’s Place, 5217 Main Road, Sweet Valley, March 22. Regular inspection; in compliance. Violation: Commercially processed refrigerated, ready-to-eat deli meat and cheese, time/temperature control for safety food, located in the walk -in cooler and reach-in freezer , and held more than 24 hours, is not being marked with the date it was opened. The deli meats and cheeses were date marked during this inspection.

Pizza Hut #122212, 179 Susquehanna Blvd., Hazleton, March 22. Regular inspection; in compliance. Violations: Food employees observed in food prep area, not wearing proper hair restraints, such as nets, hats, or beard covers. Thermometers for ensuring proper temperatures of food are not available or readily accessible. Top exterior surfaces of conveyor oven have buildup of static dust.

Plains Food Store, 1329 N. River St., Wilkes Barre, March 22. Regular inspection; in compliance. Violation: Observed a buildup of dust on the shelves in the grocery area. Observed old milk spillage on the floor in the walk in cooler.

Richie’s Cafe, 77 Washington Ave., West Hazleton, March 22. Violation: Three-compartment bar sink has buildup of mineral deposits in basins.

Senape’s Tavern, 835 N. Vine St., Hazleton, March 22. Regular inspection; in compliance.

Skateaway Snack Bar, 610 Blackman St., Wilkes-Barre, Mar. 22. Regular inspection; in compliance.

Teasers/Game Time Sports Bar and Grill, 205 Mundy St., Wilkes Barre, March 22. Regular inspection; in compliance. Violations: Observed deeply scored cutting boards not resurfaced or discarded as required. Mechanical ware-washing equipment had a mineral buildup observed inside.

The Beer Garden At Price Chopper, 245 Wilkes-Barre Twp. Blvd., Wilkes-Barre, March 22. Regular inspection; in compliance.

Applebee’s #3308, 2 Weis Lane, West Hazleton, March 22. Regular inspection; in compliance. Violations: Food employees observed in food prep area, not wearing proper hair restraints, such as nets, hats, or beard covers. Rubber spatulas used for cooking are deformed and misshapen from heat and are exhibiting deteriorated edges. Clean food service plates are stored with food contact surfaces up, exposing food contact surfaces to splash/contamination at several locations at or near cook line. Top shelf of pass thru has accumulation of grease/dust/old food residuals.

Chuck’s Main Street Diner, 164 Main St., Luzerne, March 22. Regular inspection; in compliance.

Georgio’s Subs and Suds, 25 N. Laurel St., Hazleton, March 22. Regular inspection; in compliance. Violations: 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. Food employees observed in food prep area, not wearing proper hair restraints, such as nets, hats. Wire shelving in cooler in kitchen is rusting. Peripheral cable by evaporator in walk-in cooler have buildup of static dust.

Golden Star, 1019 Main St., Avoca, March 22. 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. Person in charge will provide copy of updated certificate when received. Observed flaking paint on the metal shelves in the walk-in cooler.

It’s a Life Saver/Sunoco, 2 Manor Drive, Shavertown, March 22. Regular inspection; in compliance. Violations: The food facility does not maintain Food Employee Certification records as required. The owner stated that he has a current certification but does not have it here in the facility. He is to email this inspector a copy of the certificate within two days. Observed a bag of onions stored directly on the floor in the walk-in cooler, rather than 6 inches off of the floor as required.the bag was elevated during this inspection. All inside surfaces of the microwave oven, a food contact surface, was observed to have food residue and was not clean to sight and touch. The microwave was cleaned and sanitized during this inspection. Inside surfaces of the wash and rinse basins of the 3- compartment sink and the hand- wash sink were stained, and a buildup of grime around the drain seals. The receiving door located in the back room of the facility has a gap on the hinge side the entire length of the door and floor/door junction with visible light and does not protect against the entry of insects, rodents, and other animals. The floor under the equipment on the cook line is dirty and black and in need of cleaning.

Comfort Inn, 1067 Wilkes-Barre Twp. Blvd., Wilkes-Barre, March 24. Follow-up inspection; in compliance.

Finger Lakes Steak and Seafood, MFF2, 700 Lehigh Valley Dr, Hazle Township, March 24. Opening inspection; in compliance. Violation: Thermometers for ensuring proper temperatures of food are not available or readily accessible.

Komensky’s Market, 412 Main St., Duryea, March 24. Follow-up inspection; in compliance.

Manuel’s Empanadas, 35 N. Wyoming St., Hazleton, March 24. Opening inspection; in compliance.

McDonald’s #25283, 306 Route 315, Pittston, March 24. Follow-up inspection; in compliance.

Pizza Bella, 15 E. Carey St., Plains Township, March 24. Follow-up inspection; in compliance.

El Tio II, 25-27 S. Church St., Hazleton, March 27. 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, are not being date marked. Person(s) in charge are not monitoring establishment operation for compliance with food code requirements. Cell phone is stored on cutting board on bain marie. Establishment has been in operation for more than 90 days. Refer to Inspection report dated 4-21-2016. No certified food handler is employed by this facility. Owner has repeatedly neglected to employ a certified food handler as required. Proof of food handler certification required within 10 days. Employee observed talking on phone the returning to food prep, no hand wash. Food employees observed in food prep area, not wearing proper hair restraints, such as nets, hats, or beard covers. Food containers are stored on floor in food prep area. Assorted time/temperature controlled for safety foods in steam table are in the range between 103 degrees F and 113 degrees F product center. Owner states they are in unit for approx. 1 hr. All items re-heated during inspection. Thermometers for ensuring proper temperatures of food are not available or readily accessible. Band saw has buildup of old dried food residuals on all food contact surfaces. Unit was not used today. Saw disassembled for cleaning during inspection. Interior of microwave oven has buildup of old dried food residuals on all interior surfaces. Food prep hand-wash sink has old food residuals in basin indicating sink is used for functions other than hand wash. Lights are not shielded or shatter proof over the food prep area. Observed bedding and clothing materials in the food facility restroom, indicating use of the food facility as living or sleeping quarters. All items removed from premises. Floors in food prep area, especially at floor to wall junctions and under equipment have buildup of grime.

For previous Luzerne and Lackawana county restaurant inspections, please click here.

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