Lehigh Valley food safety inspections: ‘Move the dog’; raw beef dripping on ready-to-eat food; every surface covered in grease


Here are the food safety inspection reports from Lehigh and Northampton counties, conducted the week of Oct. 15.

Each week, we highlight the inspection reports provided through the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture. The department performs the inspections in many areas, while some municipalities such as Allentown and Bethlehem conduct their own inspections.

All establishments are inspected once per year, and inspectors may return several more times if the initial inspection is not passed or complaints are received. (For more information on how food safety inspections are conducted in Pennsylvania, view a list of FAQs.)

As noted by the Department of Agriculture, the reports are merely a “snapshot” in time, and they may not be representative of the restaurant’s long-term condition. Many of the violations are corrected on the spot prior to the inspector leaving the establishment.

If a food provider is considered “out of compliance”, that means it has one or more violations that require a return visit by an inspector. The establishment is given time to fix the violations and remains open for business.

You can view the complete inspection reports for any establishment in the Department of Agriculture’s food safety inspection database. To report an illness after eating or drinking at an establishment, use the department’s complaint form. (Please don’t contact us: we do not inspect restaurants.)

Allen St Mini Mart

553 N 4th St., Allentown

Latest inspection: 10/16/2023

Inspection type: Follow-up by Allentown City

Compliance: In

Violations: 1

  • Facility hasn’t received any pest treatment since last re-inspection. Contact pest service to provide documentation of an increase in pest treatments.

Allentown Area Ecumenical Food Bank

417 N 14th St., Allentown

Latest inspection: 10/18/2023

Inspection type: Regular by Allentown City

Compliance: In

Violations: 3

  • Boxes of food were stored directly on the floor in the walk in coolers and freezers. Food must be stored at least 6 inches off the floor. Move food so it is no longer on the ground.
  • A dog was observed in the storage area. Move the dog to an area where there’s no contact with food, otherwise, dog has to be out of the food facility.
  • The fan in the walk-in cooler is covered in dust. Clean the fan.

Baristi Coffee & Tea

617 N 13th St., Allentown

Latest inspection: 10/16/2023

Inspection type: Regular by Allentown City

Compliance: In

Violations: 1

  • Observed ground beef being stored above ready to eat food in the refrigerator behind the counter. Ensure ready to eat food is stored above raw meats.

Blue Valley Beverage & Smoke LLC

6890-1 Route 309, New Tripoli

Latest inspection: 10/16/2023

Inspection type: Regular by Pa. Dept. of Agriculture

Compliance: In

Violations: None

Burger King #336

2141 Stefko Blvd., Bethlehem

Latest inspection: 10/18/2023

Inspection type: Regular by Bethlehem City

Compliance: In

Violations: None

Casa Di Franco

506 Northampton St., Easton

Latest inspection: 10/20/2023

Inspection type: Regular by City of Easton Bureau of Health

Compliance: In

Violations: 4

  • Drinking cups are being used as scoops to remove food from bulk storage containers. Purchase scoops with handles for this task.
  • The fire suppression system, in the exhaust hood over the cooking equipment, requires servicing. Contact your service company and have them service the system.
  • The food facility does not maintain Food Employee Certification records as required. The owner’s certification expired. Renew your certification.
  • Certification is not posted because no one is certified.

Casa Guadalupe Center

218 N 2nd St., Allentown

Latest inspection: 10/19/2023

Inspection type: Regular by Allentown City

Compliance: In

Violations: 2

  • Three bay sinks did not have the rinse bay set up. Ensure three bay sink is properly set in order wash, rinse, and sanitize.
  • Observed medicine in food preparation area. Ensure all personal items and medication are stored separate from food preparation area.

Casa Mia Pizzeria and Italian Restaurant

3711 Route 378, Bethlehem

Latest inspection: 10/17/2023

Inspection type: Regular by Pa. Dept. of Agriculture

Compliance: In

Violations: None

Catty Corner Pub & Pie

301 Mulberry St., Catasauqua

Latest inspection: 10/19/2023

Inspection type: Regular by Catasauqua Borough

Compliance: In

Violations: 1

  • Food facility does not have available sanitizer test strips or test kit to determine appropriate sanitizer concentration

China Moon

7751 W Glenlivet Dr., Unit 102, Fogelsville

Latest inspection: 10/18/2023

Inspection type: Complaint by Pa. Dept. of Agriculture

Compliance: In

Violations: None

Chris Variety Store

134 N 7th St., Allentown

Latest inspection: 10/18/2023

Inspection type: Regular by Allentown City

Compliance: Out

Violations: 9

  • Food facility does not have a three-compartment sink for manual ware washing. Install a three-compartment sink to wash food equipment or discontinue offering prepared coffee.
  • Food facility does not have available sanitizer test strips or test kit to determine appropriate sanitizer concentration. Acquire this piece of equipment.
  • Storage racks in the refrigerator were maintained in a soiled state. Clean and maintain these units.
  • Observed no sanitize kill step being utilized during the manual ware washing procedure. All food equipment is to be cleaned in a manner at which the final step utilizes sanitize solution.
  • Plumbing system not maintained in good repair, observed refrigerator leaking at the retail area. Contact professional plumber to fix this unit. –Plumbing system not maintained in good repair, observed handwash sink leaking in the bathroom area. Contact professional plumber to fix this unit.
  • Floor tiles are missing in the retail area. Replace floor tiles. — The floor wall junction in the retail area exhibited damaged. Repair this area of the facility. — An accumulation of items no longer relevant to the operation were observed in the storage room. Remove these items from the facility. — Ceiling tiles are missing and falling apart in the storage area. Replace ceiling tiles. — Several stained ceiling tiles were observed over the retail area. These tiles were stained from a leak that has since been addressed, per the operator. Replace ceiling tiles.
  • Food facility inspection indicates evidence of rodents/insect activity on the retail area. Increase pest treatments to a twice a month regimen. Continue working with pest provider and retain all invoices from pest treatments.
  • Shelves were observed with dust over the retail area. Clean the shelves. –The fans in all refrigerators are covered in dust. Clean and maintain these pieces of equipment.
  • Mops are not being hung to air dry. Hang mops to air dry.

Colonial Intermediate Unit 20

6 Danforth Dr., Easton

Latest inspection: 10/16/2023

Inspection type: Opening by Pa. Dept. of Agriculture

Compliance: In

Violations: None

Dave’s Deli & Gelato

310 Stoke Park Rd., Bethlehem

Latest inspection: 10/17/2023

Inspection type: Regular by Pa. Dept. of Agriculture

Compliance: In

Violations: None

Dollar General #15875

310 W Emaus Ave., Allentown

Latest inspection: 10/20/2023

Inspection type: Follow-up by Allentown City

Compliance: In

Violations: None

Dollar Plaza

704 W Emaus Ave., Allentown

Latest inspection: 10/17/2023

Inspection type: Regular by Allentown City

Compliance: In

Violations: 2

  • Lights are not shielded or shatter proof over the refrigerator area. Shield the lights at this area.
  • The floor wall junction at the rear of the store exhibited damaged from previous weather event. Repair this area of the facility.

Don Juan Mex Grill

300 N 3rd St., Easton

Latest inspection: 10/19/2023

Inspection type: Regular by City of Easton Bureau of Health

Compliance: In

Violations: 3

  • Loose or broken door hinges were observed on a chest freezer and the lid does not close properly. Repair or replace this freezer.
  • The chest freezer requires a defrosting and cleaning. Defrost and clean the chest freezer.
  • The hand washing sink in the kitchen was blocked by a cart and a container of fryer oil and it was not accessible for employee use. Move the items from in front of the sink and keep this sink available for use at all times. *Corrected

Dunkin Donuts # 332118

848 Nazareth Pike, Nazareth

Latest inspection: 10/17/2023

Inspection type: Regular by Pa. Dept. of Agriculture

Compliance: In

Violations: None

Easton Wine Project

1247 Simon Blvd., Ste. N103, Easton

Latest inspection: 10/19/2023

Inspection type: Regular by City of Easton Bureau of Health

Compliance: In

Violations: 1

  • Food, was not cooled from 135° F to 70° F in 2 hours and/or from 135° F to 41° F within 6 hours, after preparation. Discard the food as you were instructed and correct your cooling practices immediately.

Eli 1 Inc

345 N 7th St., Flr 1, Allentown

Latest inspection: 10/18/2023

Inspection type: Opening by Allentown City

Compliance: In

Violations: None

Estelas Day Care

1449 Linden St., Allentown

Latest inspection: 10/19/2023

Inspection type: Regular by Allentown City

Compliance: In

Violations: None

Giant Food #6336

3926 Nazareth Pike, Bethlehem

Latest inspection: 10/16/2023

Inspection type: Regular by Pa. Dept. of Agriculture

Compliance: In

Violations: None

Hampton Lanes

326 Main St., Northampton

Latest inspection: 10/19/2023

Inspection type: Regular by Northampton Borough

Compliance: In

Violations: 1

  • The dishwasher machine does not indicate temperatures for wash / final rinse cycles. Repair this deficiency.

Home of the Good Samaritans

331-333 Brodhead Ave., Bethlehem

Latest inspection: 10/16/2023

Inspection type: Regular by Bethlehem City

Compliance: In

Violations: 2

  • Observed food stored directly on the floor in freezer area, rather than 6 inches off of the floor as required.
  • Slicer, a food contact surface, was observed to have residue on contact areas and was not clean to sight and touch.

Hummus House

518 E 3rd St., Bethlehem

Latest inspection: 10/18/2023

Inspection type: Regular by Bethlehem City

Compliance: In

Violations: 1

  • Observed containers of food stored directly on the floor in dry striate room, rather than 6 inches off of the floor as required.

J Rads Wood Fired Pizza

7325 Ontelaunee Rd., New Tripoli

Latest inspection: 10/15/2023

Inspection type: Opening by Emmaus Borough

Compliance: In

Violations: None

Jenny’s Asian Eats LLC

331 Brodhead Ave., Bethlehem

Latest inspection: 10/16/2023

Inspection type: Regular by Bethlehem City

Compliance: In

Violations: None

Jenny’s Gift Baskets

514 N St., Cloud St., Allentown

Latest inspection: 10/18/2023

Inspection type: Regular by Allentown City

Compliance: In

Violations: 1

  • No paper towel was available at the handwash sink in the bathroom area. Staff provided paper towel at the end of the inspection.

Jimenez Daycare

502.5 S Bradford St., Allentown

Latest inspection: 10/16/2023

Inspection type: Regular by Allentown City

Compliance: In

Violations: None

Joe’s Tavern

12 W Broad St., Bethlehem

Latest inspection: 10/20/2023

Inspection type: Regular by Bethlehem City

Compliance: In

Violations: None

La Bodega

233 Hamilton St., Allentown

Latest inspection: 10/19/2023

Inspection type: Regular by Allentown City

Compliance: Out

Violations: 18

  • The Person in Charge does not have adequate knowledge of food safety in this food facility as evidenced by this non-compliant inspection.
  • The person in charge of this facility is not ensuring employees are practicing safe food principles such as preventing cross contamination of Ready-to-Eat (RTE) food or properly training staff in food safety as it pertains to this operation. The Person in Charge shall ensure staff is trained in safe food handling principles.
  • Food Employee observed donning single use gloves without a prior hand wash. Hands must be washed prior to donning single use gloves.
  • Employee observed preparing product with out a proper hair restraint. Any employee preparing food product shall wear a proper hair restraint.
  • Ground beef in cold hold unit was discolored and not in proper packaging. Ground beef was discarded. Rotate and inspect product regularly to ensure its integrity. –Observed raw ground beef drippings contaminating ready to eat product specifically deli meat in storage refrigerator at the rear of the restaurant. Store raw proteins in a leak proof container.
  • Raw ground beef was stored above ready to eat deli meat. Additionally raw chicken was stored above juice in the rear reach in cooler. Raw chicken shall be stored below all other raw proteins. RTE product such as deli meat shall be stored above raw proteins.
  • Observed Food Employee handle cookline equipment and open refrigeration units then do food preparation and handle ready to eat product all without changing gloves. Gloves must be changed when switching tasks. Gloves are not required when handling cookline equipment or accessing refrigeration units.
  • Observed a bucket of plantains being stored directly on the floor. Product must be stored at least six inches off the floor as required.
  • Observed ground beef, eggs, cheese, bacon being held at 54° F, 52° F, 55° F , 53° F, respectfully. These temperatures were in the sandwich prep station which also showed an ambient temperature of 55° F. Time/temperature control for safety food must be held at 41° F or below as required. Product was discarded. Do not use this unit until it can maintain a temperature below 41° F.
  • Product opened/prepared on site and held longer than 24 hrs did not exhibit a date mark. Time/temperature control for safety product that is prepared/opened onsite must be date marked with a date of preparation and a use by date that is within six days of preparation/opening.
  • Facility has an improperly functioning sandwich prep station. Specifically, the unit was maintaining an ambient temperature of 55F. Repair or replace this unit.
  • Staff not using the available test strips as evidenced by their demonstrated inability to use the item. Ensure staff are properly trained to use said item.
  • The dish drying rack, fryer, dry storage food containers, the counter tops under the cookline equipment, the cookline equipment, the refrigerator doors and handles throughout the facility, & the interior of all the refrigerators exhibited a build up of old food residue and or grease. Clean, sanitize & maintain these pieces of equipment.
  • Non-food contact surfaces throughout the facility are not cleaned at a frequency to preclude accumulation of dirt and soil. Regularly clean and maintain these units.
  • Observed no chemical sanitizer being used on equipment and utensils after washing and rinsing them as reported by chef. Ensure employees are trained prior to beginning of service.
  • Facility does not employ a certified food employee as required. Acquire a Food Managers certification.
  • Old food residue and dishes were observed in the hand sink indicating uses other than handwashing. Only use hand washing sink for hand washing.
  • The floors, walls, & ceiling in the kitchen exhibited a build up of grease and old food residue. Clean, sanitize, & maintain the floors, walls, & ceiling of the kitchen.

Lady’s Daycare

952 Gordon St., Allentown

Latest inspection: 10/20/2023

Inspection type: Regular by Allentown City

Compliance: In

Violations: None

Lincoln Leadership Academy Charter School

1414 E Cedar St., Allentown

Latest inspection: 10/20/2023

Inspection type: Regular by Allentown City

Compliance: In

Violations: None

Little Nonna’s Italian Market

2114 Schoenersville Rd., Bethlehem

Latest inspection: 10/18/2023

Inspection type: Opening by Pa. Dept. of Agriculture

Compliance: Out

Violations: 1

  • The food facility does not have a handwash sink located in the food prep / warewashing area.

McDonalds

201 S 3rd St., Easton

Latest inspection: 10/17/2023

Inspection type: Regular by City of Easton Bureau of Health

Compliance: In

Violations: 2

  • Food Employee observed donning single use gloves without a prior hand wash. Correct this practice immediately.
  • The freezer, mounted on a wall by the chicken fryers, requires cleaning. Clean this freezer.

McDonalds

2610 Easton Ave., Bethlehem

Latest inspection: 10/18/2023

Inspection type: Regular by Bethlehem City

Compliance: In

Violations: None

Moravian Academy

5 W Market St., Bethlehem

Latest inspection: 10/16/2023

Inspection type: Regular by Bethlehem City

Compliance: In

Violations: 1

  • Rough, absorbent wood used as shelving in old elevator shaft closet and chipping paint on shelves in closet to right of freezer in kitchen in middle school.

Morty’s Steak Shop

332 Main St., Emmaus

Latest inspection: 10/21/2023

Inspection type: Regular by Emmaus Borough

Compliance: In

Violations: 3

  • Steak meat observed thawing at room temperature in the 3 bay sink, which is not an approved thawing method. Thaw in refrigeration prior to use or as part of the cooking process.
  • Steak meat was not cooled from 135° F to 70° F in 2 hours and/or from 135° F to 41° F within 6 hours, after preparation.
  • Steak meat cooling at room temperature was 82° F, in a deep pan. Cool foods rapidly in shallow pans less than 4″ deep, in refrigeration.

Munchies Halal LLC

1130 Pembroke Rd., Bethlehem

Latest inspection: 10/19/2023

Inspection type: Opening by Bethlehem City

Compliance: In

Violations: None

My New Smoke Shop

1303 Northampton St., Easton

Latest inspection: 10/19/2023

Inspection type: Change of Owner by City of Easton Bureau of Health

Compliance: In

Violations: None

Nieves Grocery

744 E 4th St., Bethlehem

Latest inspection: 10/16/2023

Inspection type: Regular by Bethlehem City

Compliance: In

Violations: 2

  • Debris build up in crevices of deli slicer. *Corrected on site. Cleaned and sanitized.
  • Debris build up under Bain Marie lid.

Northampton County Juvenile Justice Center

650 Ferry St., Easton

Latest inspection: 10/18/2023

Inspection type: Regular by City of Easton Bureau of Health

Compliance: In

Violations: None

Northampton Exxon

2428 Main St., Northampton

Latest inspection: 10/17/2023

Inspection type: Regular by Northampton Borough

Compliance: In

Violations: None

Northampton Memorial Community Center

1601 Laubach Ave., Northampton

Latest inspection: 10/17/2023

Inspection type: Regular by Northampton Borough

Compliance: In

Violations: 1

  • The tile floor near the dishwasher is deteriorated and missing in places. Repair or replace the missing floor tiles to make it smooth and easily cleanable.

Paranormal Pop Ups

662 Ridge St., Emmaus

Latest inspection: 10/16/2023

Inspection type: Opening by Emmaus Borough

Compliance: In

Violations: None

Pavlish Beverage

2800 Easton Ave., Bethlehem

Latest inspection: 10/17/2023

Inspection type: Regular by Pa. Dept. of Agriculture

Compliance: In

Violations: None

Pie + Tart

444 Northampton St., Easton

Latest inspection: 10/20/2023

Inspection type: Regular by City of Easton Bureau of Health

Compliance: In

Violations: 1

  • The floor is damaged at the door to the rear storage area. Repair this floor.

Pott’s Dog Barn

1438 Chestnut St., Emmaus

Latest inspection: 10/21/2023

Inspection type: Regular by Emmaus Borough

Compliance: In

Violations: 1

  • The pump to the sinks was turned off. Keep pump on while in operation for access to hand washing.

Psi Upsilon

80 University Dr., Lehigh University, Bethlehem

Latest inspection: 10/20/2023

Inspection type: Regular by Bethlehem City

Compliance: In

Violations: 1

  • Pans of food stored uncovered stored in the kitchen refrigerator.

Qdoba -Mexican Eats # 2774

2669A Macarthur Rd., Whitehall

Latest inspection: 10/17/2023

Inspection type: Regular by Pa. Dept. of Agriculture

Compliance: In

Violations: 7

  • Food employees observed in food prep area, not wearing proper hair restraints, such as nets, hats, or beard covers.
  • Observed food prep taking place under a cracked light cover. Correction was made by relocating food preparation to another area.
  • Temperature measuring device for ensuring proper temperature of equipment is not available or readily accessible in equipment. -Front line cold hold units. -Food prep cold hold unit. Corrected.
  • Interior surfaces of ice machine, a food contact surface, were not clean to sight and touch.
  • Non-food contact surfaces not cleaned at a frequency to preclude accumulation of dirt and soil. -There is an accumulation of dirt underneath equipment throughout the facility’s floors. -The base of the mop sink has an accumulation of dirt.
  • Plumbing system not maintained in good repair – observed water leaking at the food prep sink.
  • Old unused equipment stored in fryer area, should be removed from food facility. -Non-functioning freezer.

Quisqueya Restaurant

604 N New St., Allentown

Latest inspection: 10/20/2023

Inspection type: Opening by Allentown City

Compliance: In

Violations: None

Rauch Field House

123 Goodman Dr., Lehigh University, Bethlehem

Latest inspection: 10/19/2023

Inspection type: Regular by Bethlehem City

Compliance: In

Violations: None

Redner’s Quick Shoppe #32

33 W 21st St., Northampton

Latest inspection: 10/17/2023

Inspection type: Regular by Northampton Borough

Compliance: In

Violations: None

Rita’s Italian Ice # 371

52 E Lawn Rd., Nazareth

Latest inspection: 10/16/2023

Inspection type: Regular by Pa. Dept. of Agriculture

Compliance: In

Violations: None

Rivera Family Day Care

1127 W Tilghman St., Allentown

Latest inspection: 10/18/2023

Inspection type: Regular by Allentown City

Compliance: In

Violations: None

Smyrna Church of the Lord

1537 E 6th St., Bethlehem

Latest inspection: 10/16/2023

Inspection type: Regular by Bethlehem City

Compliance: In

Violations: 1

  • At time of inspection temperature measuring device was not available in refrigeration .

Sorella’s Pizza & Pasta

3650 Nazareth Pike, Unit 6, Bethlehem

Latest inspection: 10/16/2023

Inspection type: Regular by Pa. Dept. of Agriculture

Compliance: In

Violations: 1

  • Food facility has an employee who held a Certified Food Manager certificate; however, the certificate has expired and is no longer valid. Facility has (90) days to correct this violation.

Southern Lehigh Middle School

3715 Preston Ln., Center Valley

Latest inspection: 10/17/2023

Inspection type: Regular by Pa. Dept. of Agriculture

Compliance: In

Violations: None

Southern Lehigh Senior High School

5800 Main St., Center Valley

Latest inspection: 10/17/2023

Inspection type: Regular by Pa. Dept. of Agriculture

Compliance: In

Violations: None

St. Luke’s Coffee Café

2200 St. Luke’s Blvd., Easton

Latest inspection: 10/17/2023

Inspection type: Regular by Pa. Dept. of Agriculture

Compliance: In

Violations: None

Stabler Arena

124 Goodman Dr., Lehigh University, Bethlehem

Latest inspection: 10/19/2023

Inspection type: Regular by Bethlehem City

Compliance: In

Violations: None

Susquehanna Street Diner

1701 E Susquehanna St., Allentown

Latest inspection: 10/16/2023

Inspection type: Opening by Pa. Dept. of Agriculture

Compliance: In

Violations: None

Taco Bell

2585 Easton Ave., Bethlehem

Latest inspection: 10/18/2023

Inspection type: Regular by Bethlehem City

Compliance: In

Violations: None

The Hive

417 Chestnut St., Emmaus

Latest inspection: 10/21/2023

Inspection type: Regular by Emmaus Borough

Compliance: In

Violations: 1

  • Restroom door is not self-closing. Replace door closing mechanism.

Touchstone Theater

325 E 4th St., Bethlehem

Latest inspection: 10/17/2023

Inspection type: Regular by Bethlehem City

Compliance: In

Violations: None

Turkey Hill Minit Market #317

726 N 15th St., Allentown

Latest inspection: 10/16/2023

Inspection type: Regular by Allentown City

Compliance: In

Violations: 1

  • Observed fan guards in the walk-in cooler having a buildup of dirt. Remove these fan guards and clean them.

Upper Saucon Social Quarters

4900 Lanark Rd., Center Valley

Latest inspection: 10/16/2023

Inspection type: Regular by Pa. Dept. of Agriculture

Compliance: In

Violations: None

Voracious by A Catered Affair

77 W Broad St., 9C, Bethlehem

Latest inspection: 10/16/2023

Inspection type: Regular by Bethlehem City

Compliance: In

Violations: 1

  • The handwash sink located in the restroom does not have water at a temperature of at least 85° F.

Walgreens #03241

1855 S 5th St., Allentown

Latest inspection: 10/17/2023

Inspection type: Regular by Allentown City

Compliance: In

Violations: 1

  • A portion of the exterior façade exhibited damage and was separating from the building. Additionally, a down spout located at the front of the building was damaged to the point it can no longer serve its purpose. Repair these items.

Wal-Mart #2145

2601 Macarthur Rd., Whitehall

Latest inspection: 10/17/2023

Inspection type: Regular by Pa. Dept. of Agriculture

Compliance: In

Violations: 2

  • Caulking at the wall by the three compartment sink in the deli area is gapping, and there is also a mold like substance present on the wall above and below the sink.
  • Intake / exhaust air duct needs to be cleaned or filters changed as it is emitting dust and dirt into the air. -Bakery -Deli -Dairy

Weyerbacher Brewery Mobile

905 Line St., Ste G, Easton

Latest inspection: 10/17/2023

Inspection type: Opening by City of Easton Bureau of Health

Compliance: In

Violations: None


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