19 October, 2025
berks-county-inspections-reveal-pest-activity-in-two-restaurants

Food safety inspections conducted in Berks County, Pennsylvania, from September 16 to September 30, 2025, revealed insect activity in the kitchens of two restaurants. The inspections, overseen by local authorities and the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, are part of a regular initiative aimed at ensuring the health and safety of food establishments throughout the area.

Berks County operates under three jurisdictions: Reading, Muhlenberg Township, and the remainder of the county, which falls under the purview of the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture. Each food vendor is subject to at least one inspection per year, with additional evaluations triggered by changes in ownership, previous non-compliance, or complaints from the public. These inspection results will be published bi-weekly, allowing the community to stay informed about food safety standards.

Among the establishments inspected, Hong Kong located at 51 King Plaza in Oley, reported one violation concerning evidence of insect activity in the kitchen. The restaurant is currently implementing its pest control program to address this issue. Another establishment, Penske North at 2675 Morgantown Road in Reading, faced four violations, including a mold-like buildup in the ice machine and multiple food items that failed to meet labeling requirements.

The inspection results for this period highlighted several other violations across various restaurants. For instance, Little Italia Pizzeria on State Hill Road in Wyomissing had two violations, including a leaking drain line and unclean food contact surfaces, though these issues were corrected during the inspection. Additionally, Pollo’s Don Juan 2 in Reading was cited for four violations, including a lack of appropriate sanitizer test strips and evidence of insect activity.

Inspection highlights from the bi-weekly report include:

– Both Autumn Festival At Savidge Farms and Honey Belle Events were found compliant with no violations reported.
Southern Side Kitchen in Reading had three violations, including improper food storage temperatures and an empty paper towel dispenser at the handwash sink.
That Burger Place also reported two violations related to food temperature controls and labeling.

The inspections play a crucial role in maintaining public health standards. A facility labeled as out of compliance is given a specified period to rectify any violations while remaining open for business. The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture encourages the public to report any food safety concerns through their online complaint system.

For detailed inspection reports, residents can access the state database, where each vendor’s most recent evaluations are available. This transparency helps foster a community committed to food safety and accountability among food providers.

As food safety remains a priority, local authorities continue to emphasize compliance and the importance of maintaining high standards in food handling and preparation across Berks County.