Inspection Report Reveals Food Safety Concerns in Lehigh Valley
Food establishments in Lehigh and Northampton counties recently underwent safety inspections as part of routine checks by local authorities. These checks are designed to maintain high standards of food safety and hygiene in restaurants, stores, and other food service businesses. The inspection process is systematic, with each establishment inspected at least once a year. If any issues are found, the inspectors will return for follow-up visits until the problems are resolved.
These inspection reports are merely a snapshot, providing an overview of the establishment's conditions at a specific point in time. They may not reflect the long-term condition of the restaurant or food outlet. In many cases, violations are corrected on the spot before the inspector leaves the premises.
If a food establishment is deemed "out of compliance," it means that one or more violations have been found that require a follow-up visit. The establishment is given time to rectify the violations and can continue to operate in the meantime.
Inspection Results
A convenience store on Union Blvd in Allentown was found to have two violations. Expired milk was found on the shelves intended for sale, which was promptly removed. The store was advised to regularly check for expired items and remove them from sale. Additionally, broken floor tiles were observed in the food facility, which needs to be replaced.
A mini-mart on Turner Street in Allentown had four violations. These included a refrigerator that wasn't clean, a disregard for the three-step dishwashing process, spoiled deli meat in the refrigerator, and visible evidence of rodent-contaminated food items. The shop was advised to increase pest control treatments, clean shelves, and keep a regular check on product expiration dates and conditions.
A restaurant on N 7th St in Allentown had two violations. It was found that dishes and utensils were being washed in the handwash sink, which is meant only for handwashing. Also, potentially hazardous ready-to-eat food, prepared in the food facility and held for more than 24 hours, was not being date marked. The restaurant was instructed to date mark all potentially hazardous foods prepared in the facility and kept for more than 24 hours.
Several establishments, however, managed to pass their inspections without any violations. These included a store on W Tilghman St in Allentown, a canteen on Saucon Valley Road in Center Valley, and an elementary school on N 2nd St in Allentown, among others.
Conclusion
These inspections are a critical part of ensuring that food establishments maintain high standards of hygiene and food safety. Any violations found during these inspections are generally corrected immediately and the establishments are given time to rectify any outstanding issues. It's comforting to know that the majority of establishments inspected were found to be in compliance with food safety regulations, providing peace of mind for customers and patrons.