Centre County's food safety inspections for the week of August 10-16, 2026, reveal a mixed bag of results, with some establishments excelling in maintaining high standards while others face critical violations. This week's inspections highlight the importance of consistent adherence to food safety regulations, with several restaurants and catering services falling short in key areas. Here's a deeper dive into the findings and what they imply for the food industry in Centre County.
The Importance of Food Safety Inspections
Food safety inspections are not just a bureaucratic requirement; they are a critical safeguard for public health. The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture's regular inspections ensure that food establishments maintain the necessary standards to prevent foodborne illnesses and injuries. By identifying and addressing violations, these inspections help protect consumers and maintain the integrity of the food supply.
Key Findings and Implications
All Spice Catering
All Spice Catering, located at 419 N. Centre St. in Philipsburg, received a high-priority violation for storing raw chicken above raw beef in the walk-in cooler. This violation raises serious concerns about the potential for cross-contamination and the risk of foodborne illness. Personally, I find this particularly interesting because it underscores the importance of proper storage practices in food preparation. It also highlights the need for regular training and oversight to ensure that food handlers adhere to safe handling practices.
American Diner
American Diner, situated at 1841 Philipsburg-Bigler Hwy. in Philipsburg, faced a low-priority violation for an excess buildup of grease and food residue on the handles of the prep table and refrigeration units. While this violation is less severe, it still underscores the need for regular cleaning and maintenance to prevent the buildup of harmful bacteria. In my opinion, this violation serves as a reminder that even seemingly minor issues can have significant health implications if left unaddressed.
Newman Sandwich Shop Inc.
Newman Sandwich Shop Inc., located at 781 Clarence Rd. in Clarence, received a high-priority violation for a buildup of dried food residue on the stem of the thermometer used to monitor the internal temperatures of TCS foods. This violation highlights the importance of accurate temperature monitoring and the need for regular calibration of temperature-monitoring equipment. What many people don't realize is that even a slight deviation in temperature can lead to the growth of harmful bacteria, posing a significant risk to public health.
Original Brothers Pizza & Sub
Original Brothers Pizza & Sub, situated at 201 W. Olive in Snow Shoe, faced high- and moderate-priority violations. The high-priority violation involved commercially processed temperature-controlled foods placed in the hot hold unit without being reheated to 135 degrees F as required. The moderate-priority violation was due to a dead battery in the digital stem thermometer used to monitor temperature-controlled foods. This violation underscores the importance of proper temperature control and the need for reliable temperature-monitoring equipment. If you take a step back and think about it, this violation highlights the potential for foodborne illness if temperature-controlled foods are not properly monitored and maintained.
We Are Inn
We Are Inn, located at 1535 Port Matilda Hwy. in Philipsburg, faced high- and low-priority violations. The high-priority violations involved knives used to cut temperature-controlled foods with food residue on them not stored at 135 degrees F or higher or at 41 degrees F or lower for an undetermined amount of time, and raw chicken stored above raw beef in the walk-in cooler. The low-priority violation involved deli meats and cheeses in the deli refrigeration unit with an internal temperature of 55 degrees F for an undetermined amount of time. These violations highlight the need for proper storage and temperature control practices to prevent foodborne illness. What this really suggests is that even small deviations in temperature and storage practices can have significant health implications.
Broader Implications and Trends
These inspections reveal a trend of violations related to temperature control and storage practices. This trend underscores the need for consistent adherence to food safety regulations and the importance of regular training and oversight for food handlers. It also highlights the need for reliable temperature-monitoring equipment and proper storage practices to prevent foodborne illness.
Conclusion
Centre County's food safety inspections for the week of August 10-16, 2026, reveal a mixed bag of results, with some establishments excelling in maintaining high standards while others face critical violations. These inspections serve as a reminder of the importance of consistent adherence to food safety regulations and the need for regular training and oversight for food handlers. By addressing these violations, we can help protect public health and maintain the integrity of the food supply in Centre County.
