Recent food safety inspections conducted across Berks County have revealed significant violations, including rodent droppings at one establishment and evidence of rodent activity at two others. These findings were reported by the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture and cover inspections carried out between January 7 and January 20, 2026. The results of these inspections are accessible online and will be updated bi-weekly.
Berks County is divided into three jurisdictions: Reading, Muhlenberg Township, and the remaining areas of the county. Food safety inspectors in Reading and Muhlenberg Township operate independently, while the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture oversees inspections for the rest of the county. All food vendors are required to undergo inspections at least once a year, although additional inspections may be conducted following ownership changes, complaints, or previous non-compliance.
The inspections revealed that several establishments were cited for various violations. For instance, on January 20, Circle K Prime Foods Inc. in New Berlinville received one violation for having expired products on the shelves, which were corrected on-site. At the Glad Tidings Church/Sacred Grounds Cafe in West Lawn, an expired Certified Food Manager certificate was noted, also resulting in one violation.
Among the locations that passed inspection without violations were Hissho Sushi At Giant #6289 and St. Columbkill Parish, both assessed on January 20. Meanwhile, Dunkin Donuts #349865 in Hamburg was found with three violations on January 15, including improper storage of food products and cleanliness issues that were immediately addressed.
Another notable case involved Five Guys Burgers And Fries #1315, which had no violations reported during its inspection on January 15, contrasting sharply with other establishments. On the other hand, Vinnie’s Pizza in Birdsboro faced five violations, including inadequate food safety training and improper food storage practices.
The inspections revealed alarming trends, particularly concerning rodent activity. One establishment was found to have rodent droppings, while two others showed evidence of rodent problems. These findings underline the importance of stringent food safety practices. Facilities that receive an “out of compliance” designation must correct their violations and schedule follow-up inspections to ensure compliance before continuing operations.
To foster transparency, the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture encourages the public to review inspection reports online. Each report includes detailed information about the violations and corrective actions taken. Consumers are also able to file complaints online regarding any food safety concerns.
Overall, the recent food safety inspections in Berks County highlight the ongoing challenges in maintaining food safety standards across various establishments. With inspections being a vital component in ensuring public health, the commitment to addressing these violations is crucial for the integrity of food service in the region. As the state continues to monitor compliance, consumers are reminded to stay informed about the establishments they frequent.
