The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, 866-366-3723, uses a risk-based inspection reporting process for restaurants and other food handlers.

Mandros Imported Foods Co., 351 N. Charlotte St., follow-up, Aug. 12. Pass. No violations.

The Pressroom, 26 W. King St., opening, Aug. 12. Pass. Nonfood contact surfaces not cleaned at a frequency to preclude accumulation of dirt and soil. (specifically bar top, gaskets, shelving, interior of identified equipment). Shelving that is chipping/rusting needs to be repaired.

Whistlin Cup and Commissary, mobile food facility Type 3, 50 Third St., Akron, opening, Aug. 12. Pass. No violations.

Burger King No. 2617, 310 N. Reading Road, Ephrata, Aug. 11. Pass. Fan guards with an accumulation of dust in freezer and walk-in cooler. Food employees in kitchen area, not wearing proper hair restraints, such as nets, hats, or beard covers; previous violation. Employee not changing gloves between tasks. Throughout the food facility is dirty, dusty, and in need of cleaning.

Columbia Borough Fire Department, 726 Manor St., Columbia, Aug. 11. Pass. No sign or poster posted at the hand-wash sink in the mens room to remind food employees to wash their hands.

Concessions Tent, 100 Park City Center, opening, Aug. 11. Pass. No violations.

Lititz Family Cupboard, 12 W. Newport Road, Lititz, Aug. 11. Fail. Four in-use knives stored between table edges, an area not easily cleanable & sanitized. Food can opener in the food preparation area with old food residue. Light bulbs over a bain-marie in food preparation area in the kitchen that are not shielded or shatter proof over. The person in charge does not have adequate knowledge of food safety in this food facility as evidenced by this noncompliant inspection. Food employees in kitchen area, not wearing proper hair restraints, such as beard covers. Two food employees in the kitchen area preparing deli meat and green salads a ready-to-eat food with bare hands. Four buckets of chicken corn soup and one bucket of beef gravy placed hot in the walk-in cooler in containers greater than four inches deep, which is not a proper cooling method. Beef gravy and sausage gravy, a ready to eat time temperature control for safety food in the walk-in cooler, was date marked by the facility with Aug. 1 and 2, which was beyond the seven day use-by- or sell-by-date and requires discarding. Wall mount fan and wall above the three-compartment sink with an accumulation of static dust. Ice cream mixed, in dessert area, with an accumulation of old food residue. Wall mount fan above pots and pans in the steamer area, with an accumulation of static dust. Wall mount fan, in kitchen area, with an accumulation of static dust. A food employees drink with ice above the three-compartment sink area. A food employees soda bottle in the kitchen area, above a food preparation area. A half gallon of milk, used for consumption by the glass beyond the sell-by date of Aug. 3. The Hobart mixer equipment, bearing is leaking lubricant onto the food contact surface. Deeply scored cutting boards (colors: tan, light blue, and red) not resurfaced or discarded as required. Mildew, static dust and a hole on the wall and exhaust in the food employee restroom. The door located near kitchen area of the food facility has a gap and does not protect against the entry of insects, rodents, and other animals.

New Holland Exxon, 312 W. Main St., New Holland, Aug. 11. Pass. Pipe leaking in walk-in cooler at the cooling fans. Raw chicken thawing at room temperature on the counter, which is not an approved thawing method. The meat slicer, a food contact surface, was to have food residue and was not clean to sight and touch. Raw food stored over ready-to-eat foods. Prepackaged foods in the cold holding unit is not labeled properly with the ingredient statement, net weight, distributed by statement and/or nutritional facts; previous violation. Food utensils with tape still attached after washing.

Penguin Hotel, 55 E. Church Road, Stevens, Aug. 11. Pass. Several metal containers on storage shelf were to have food residue and were not clean to sight and touch; removed for cleaning. Ice machine not cleaned at a frequency to prevent the presence of mold.

Rad-Ish , mobile food facility Type 4, 73 Reagan Drive, Ephrata, Aug. 11. Pass. No violations.

Tequila Mexican Grill, Bakery, & Store, 805A Rohrerstown Road, follow-up, Aug. 11. Pass. The flooring in the high-traffic area near the entrance to the kitchen is breaking and tearing and no longer smooth or easily cleanable. Raw shell eggs stored above tomatoes in the reach-in cooler in the back.

Crossroads Cafe, 1300 Georgetown Road, Quarryville, Aug. 10. Pass. Refrigerated ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food, pulled pork, prepared in the food facility and held for more than 24 hours, located in the double-door refrigerator, is not being date marked. The hot water side of the faucet on the hand-wash sink in the kitchen area,not in good working order; corrected.

Eagle Cafe, 1027 Lancaster Pike, Quarryville, follow-up, Aug. 10. Pass. Food employees in food prep area, not wearing beard covers.

Lancaster BBQ Supply, 1920A Lincoln Highway East, opening, Aug. 10. Pass. No violations.

Ninos Ristorante And Pizzeria, 361 Comet Drive, Millersville, Aug. 10. Pass. Food employees in food prep area, not wearing proper hair restraints, such as nets, hats, or beard covers. Employee pain type medicine stored on the shelf above the bain-marie unit; removed.

Potato Express, 705 Graystone Road, rear midway, Manheim, change of owner, Aug. 10. Pass. No violations.

Trellis Marketplace, 153 E. High St., Elizabethtown, opening, Aug. 10. Pass. No violations.

Village Cafe, 3741 Old Philadelphia Pike, Gordonville, complaint, Aug. 10. Pass. No violations.

Weis Markets No. 133, 2600 Willow Street Pike, Willow Street, complaint, Aug. 10. Pass. No violations.

7-Eleven Store, 2009 State Road, change of owner, Aug. 9. Pass. Four, one pint containers of 2% reduced-fat milk. One quart of fat-free milk. three, half gallons of low-fat chocolate milk. All were beyond the sell-by date and being offered for sale. The hand-wash sink in the front was blocked by a red chair and not accessible at all times for employee use. Maple-flavored taco-and-cheese taquitos and steak-and-cheese taquitos were held at 102 F and 115 F, on the roller grill, rather than 135 F or above as required. Working containers of cleaners stored on front table with single-use forks and containers. Boxes of food (rolls, chicken strips, dough) stored directly on the floor in the walk-in cooler, rather than six inches off of the floor as required. A list of ingredients for pastries is not available. The food facility does not have the original certificate for the certified food employee posted in public view. Single-service, single-use articles stored in the storage area directly on the floor, and not six inches above the floor.

Bob Evans No. 320, 3000 Hempland Road, follow-up, Aug. 9. Pass. Time in lieu of temperature being used in the food facility to control read-to-eat potentially hazardous foods (raw shell eggs) without written procedures or documentation to verify disposition of food. An extreme amount of grease, food debris, and trash behind the cook-line and beneath both flat grills.

Brooklyn Pizza Grill And Pasta LLC, 241 N. Queen St., opening, Aug. 9. Pass. No violations.

Country Smoke House BBQ and Catering, 631 Narvon Road, Gap, Aug. 9. Pass. No violations.

Crowded Kitchen At Central Market, 2 W. Grant St., Aug. 9. Pass. No violations.

Five Guys Burgers and Fries No. 0190, 1962 Fruitville Pike, Aug. 9. Pass. Single-service, single-use articles (cups) stored in the storage area directly on the floor, and not six inches above the floor. An active leak from the drain pipe beneath the sanitizing bowl of the three-compartment sink.

Free From Kitchen LLC, 1722 Bainbridge Road, Elizabethtown, opening, Aug. 9. Pass. No violations.

Guacamole Specialists, 555 Greenfield Road, Suite 14, Aug. 9. Pass. Prepackaged guacamole, salsa, tomatillos, and pineapples are not labeled properly with the name of product, ingredient statement, distributed-by statement. Food employee involved in food preparation, wearing a wristwatch. The facilitys temporary hand-wash station (used at farmers markets) being stored in the employee restroom, a prohibited area. The food facility does not have the original certificate for the certified food employee posted in public view. The hand-wash sink in the back was blocked by a bottle of detergent stored inside in addition to a mop and broom, and not accessible at all times for employee use. Toilet tissue is not provided in the employee restroom. The intake air duct needs to be cleaned or filters changed in the back storage area as it is emitting dust and dirt into the air.

Hampton Inn & Suites Ephrata - Mt. Springs, 380 E. Main St., Ephrata, Aug. 9. Pass. Food containers being used to catch water from roof leak in food storage area. Roof is leaking water in food storage area, and is in need of repair. A working container of cleaner was stored on the same shelf with single articles in the kitchen area.

Intercourse Community Park Concession Stand, 14 N. Hollander Road, Gordonville, Aug. 9. Pass. The plastic protective light covers on two florescent light fixtures are missing and need replaced.

New Friendly Mini Market, 401 N. Queen St., Aug. 9. Pass. Food stored directly on the floor in grocery and storage area, rather than six inches off of the floor as required. Some prepackaged food are not labeled properly with the name of product, ingredient statement, net weight, distributed by statement and/or nutritional facts. The grocery area, has nonfood contact surfaces exposed to splash, spillage or other food soiling, made of cardboard, an absorbent and rough material. Temperature measuring device for ensuring proper temperature of equipment is not available or readily accessible in two freezer equipment. Ceiling in grocery area is chipping and needs to be repaired.

Pop, 136 N. Prince St., Aug. 9. Pass. No violations.

S & S Bulk Foods, 400 W. Main St., Suite 8, Ephrata, Aug. 9. Pass. No violations.

Strasburg Beer Mart Inc., 500 Historic Drive, Strasburg, opening, Aug. 9. Pass. No violations.

Tecks News, 19 W. Chestnut St., Aug. 9. Pass. No violations.

Ab Barn, 901 Turnpike Road, Elizabethtown, Aug. 8. Pass. No violations.

Breakaway Farms, mobile food facility Type 3, 2446 Valley View Road, Mount Joy, Aug. 8. Pass. No violations.

Cupcakes By Casey, mobile food facility Type 3, 211 Princess Ave., Aug. 8. Pass. No violations.

Metro Express, 105 N. Broad St., Lititz, Aug. 8. Pass. Paint chipping on nonfood contact surface such as countertop near the pizza preparation area that does not facilitate cleaning and maintenance. Raw wood exposed on non a nonfood contact surface such as countertop near the pizza preparation area that does not facilitate cleaning and maintenance. The floor/wall juncture under three-compartment sink area not coved and closed to 1/32 of an inch. One working container of hand sanitizer stored on the same shelf with food ingredients at the storage area; corrected. Two working containers of hand sanitizer and Lysol stored on same shelf of single-service articles in the kitchen area; corrected. Accumulation of dust on nonfood contact surfaces; such as fan, chains on the hot holding unit, and ropes at the kitchen area.

Peking Chinese Restaurant, 144 Townsedge Drive, Quarryville, follow-up, Aug. 8. Pass. No violations.

Pizza Hut No. 36852, 777 Manor St., Aug. 8. Fail. Floors in the food prep area is made of tile and is cracked/roughened and is not a smooth, easily cleanable surface. Nonfood contact surfaces not cleaned at a frequency to preclude accumulation of dirt and soil throughout facility. (storage shelves, walls, ceiling, floors, exterior of equipment). Ceiling tiles extremely dirty and dusty in the food prep area, and need replaced. Rusting storage shelving in facility and should be repaired/replaced.

Plough, 25 S. Queen St., Aug. 8. Pass. Nonfood contact surfaces not cleaned at a frequency to preclude accumulation of dirt and soil around bar area and behind kitchen equipment.

Railside Produce, 25 W. Main St., Reinholds, Aug. 8. Pass. No violations.

Samuel And Ruth Lapp, 5341 White Oak Road, Paradise, Aug. 8. Pass. No violations.

Savoy Truffle Cakes LLC, 398 Harrisburg Ave., Suite 250, opening, Aug. 8. Pass. No violations.

Starbucks Coffee, 441 Park City Center, Aug. 8. Pass. No violations.

Teds Deli, 853 E. Orange St., Aug. 8. Pass. No violations.

Ziggys Grocery And Take Out, 739 Manor St., Aug. 8. Pass. No violations.

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Ready-to-eat foods prepared with bare hands: Lancaster County restaurant inspections, Aug. 19, 2022 - LNP | LancasterOnline

There are a lot of places you expect to find pimples on your body. Your face, for one. Your chest and back, too. But your vagina? Really? Odds are good you havent given that much thoughtunless, of course, you have vaginal acne and then youve probably given it more thought than you care to admit.

If thats you, relax: Vaginal acnea.k.a. pimples of your vaginahappens with greater frequency than most people realize. Vaginal acne is normal and common, assures dermatologist Michele Green, M.D., an acne treatment specialist in New York City. Acne is a skin condition that commonly appears on the face, chest and back because there is a higher distribution of sebaceous [oily] follicles, but it can occur anywhere on the body where there is a build-up of sebum and bacteria.

If youre doing battle with a pimple situation below decks, heres what you need to know to get in the clear, fast.

A pimple can form on the external tissue of your vagina, known as your vulva and labia, anytime the skin pores in the area become clogged. The vulva has sweat glands and hair follicles that are prone to dirt buildup just like any other area of the body with hair and sweat, says womens sexual health expert Sherry Ross, M.D., the Los Angeles-based author of She-ology, the She-quel. Also, feminine hygiene routines such as shaving, waxing and lasering expose the hair follicles that can be prone to getting infected or blocked, causing acne, blackheads and ingrown hairs.

Strenuous exercise, like cycling and running, that leads to friction in the vaginal area may contribute to acne, as can tight clothing, obesity and hormonal changes, says Dr. Ross. Sitting for long periods of time can also increase the likelihood of vulva, groin, inner thigh and buttock acne, she adds.

Related: 25 Best Pimple-Popping Videos

While clogged pores or inflamed hair follicles are the trigger for pimples to form on your vagina (also called vulvar acne), how that clogging or inflammation comes about can vary. These are some of the more common causes of vaginal acne or other types of vaginal bumps.

Related: What is a Vampire Facial? Here's What You Need to Know

Vaginal acne looks the same as acne on other areas of the body, says Dr. Green. It can take the form of blackheads, whiteheads and cysts. It is likely to appear on the vulva or areas near the external vulva genitalia, adds Dr. Ross: Youll find it in areas, including the inner thighs, where there is more pressure applied to this delicate and sensitive part of the body.

Vaginal acne looks different than the sexually transmitted disease known as genital herpes (caused by the herpes simplex virus), which initially appears as blisters that then break and turn into painful sores, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Genital herpes may be red, yellow, or white in color, says Dr. Green. It is typically painful and characterized by the grouping of lesions.

Meanwhile, you can tell the blackheads or whiteheads of vaginal acne from the human papillomavirus (a.k.a. genital warts) because those have a skin-colored or white bump-like appearance in the vaginal area, Dr. Green adds. They commonly look like small cauliflower florets that may appear as a singular wart or a grouping, she says.

Related: Answers to Your Most Common Yeast Infection Questions

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Because vaginal acne is directly correlated with irritation or follicular inflammation, the easiest route to treating it is simply avoiding what caused it in the first place. That means making sure that the skin around your pubic area is cleaned before and after any kind of hair removal process, whether you shave, wax or use a laser. In fact, if you frequently experience pimples on your vagina, you might consider giving pubic hair removal a rest for a while. A study in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology found that 60% of women who remove their pubic hair experience complications, and the number one complication is ingrown hairs and pimples.

Also, the bathroom can be a reservoir for bacteria, so it is absolutely necessary to clean or replace bathroom items (like razors) weekly, says Dr. Ross.

Other tips for getting rid of acne:

If these strategies arent doing the trick, its time to see a dermatologist. Topical or oral antibiotics may be necessary to effectively treat vaginal acne, says Dr. Green, adding that an experienced dermatologist may be able to manually extract the acne lesions. And if there is an ingrown hair, it will need to be extracted by a dermatologist. If you are prone to ingrown hairs, she adds, laser hair removal may be the preferred method to avoid developing folliculitis in the bikini area.

Recurrent or severe vaginal acne may require another step in medication to treat it. A study in the Australasian Journal of Dermatology found that anti-androgen (hormonal) therapy alleviated symptoms in most women.

Related: How to Get Rid of Acne Scars

Step number one for DIY vaginal pimple pain relief? Keep things clean down there. Between urine, sweat and being so close to the anus, cleaning the vulva regularly is critical to prevent dirty bacterial buildup in clogged skin pores which could lead to acne, says Dr. Ross.

You can also apply a warm compress to the area to ease any pain, followed by a cool compress to reduce inflammation, suggests Dr. Green. Or consider taking a warm sitz bath with extra virgin coconut oil. This may relieve vulva swelling, pain, irritation or itching, says Dr. Ross. (Not familiar with sitz baths? These are shallow bowls that you can sit in to cleanse or soothe your bottom or genital area. You can find them for sale at most medical supply stores, but you dont need to buy one: filling your bathtub with enough water to cover your hips while sitting will do the trick.)

Other home hacks include showering after every workout or anytime you get sweaty and wearing loose clothing made from breathable fabrics like cotton to prevent moisture from collecting in your vaginal area, which can trigger an acne outbreak.

Finally, fight the urge to pop or squeeze pimples, cautions Dr. Green. Popping pimples in this area can spread bacteria and cause an infection, she says. The infection can worsen and affect the body systemically. So dont do it.

Cystic acne refers to a particular type of inflammatory acne that develops after bacteria gets inside the pores and causes inflammation. This leads to painful pimples that form under the skin surface, per the Cleveland Clinic. These are pus-filled lesions that develop deep below the surface of the skin, says Dr. Green. They appear as a red bump on the surface that is often painful and large in size. Although it is more common on the face or back than your vagina, cystic acne can occur in the genital area if there are clogged pores.

Cystic acne shouldnt be confused with vaginal cystslumps or bumps on the vagina that are filled with air, mucus or pus. They are not usually dangerous but can be painful. There are several types of vaginal cysts, according to the Cleveland Clinic:

Whether you have vaginal cysts, cystic acne or basic pimples on your vagina, the advice remains the same: If they dont go away in a week or two, or if they disappear but keep coming back, its time to see your doctor for a vaginal health checkup. Embarrassing? A little, sure. But your health comes first. It is important to stay on top of acne lesions in the vaginal area to prevent serious bacterial infections from occurring, says Dr. Green.

Up next: Everything You Need to Know About Vaginal Rejuvenation

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Vaginal Acne Is a Real Thingand Yes, You Can Get Rid of It - Parade Magazine

How should theevaporative air coolerbe maintained in winter?

1. Try to turn on the evaporative air cooler every month. Pay attention to frequently check whether the power plug is in good contact with the socket, whether it is loose or falling off, whether the air duct is blocked, and whether the sound is normal during operation. When not in use, it is best to keep it turned on once a month. The core of Xingkeevaporative air cooleris the compressor. If it is not used for a long time, the lubricating oil in the compressor may condense and affect the next use.

2. Fully clean after the end of the use season. Xingkeevaporative air coolerare recommended to do a thorough cleaning when they are responding to seasonal shutdowns. When cleaning the Xingke evaporative air cooler filter, pull the filter out. It is best to use a vacuum cleaner to suck up the dust on it, or you can rinse it with clean water. After drying, put it into use. For dusty environments, the filter should be cleaned frequently to prevent too much dust from blocking the air outlet and affecting the cooling effect of Xingkeevaporative air coolerAfter cleaning, only turn on the fan of the air cooler and run it for about 2 to 3 hours to dry the inside of the air cooler and remove moisture.

What should one pay attention to when using anevaporative air coolerin the workshop?

1. Check whether the power is on before starting. The outdoor evaporative air cooler prohibits all fire sources from approaching; in the case of thunder, the power switch should be cut off as much as possible.

2. Under no special circumstances (except for places that need to be turned on 24 hours a day), the power should be turned off when no one is using the evaporative air cooler during get off work, so that the air cooler can be stopped and rested after a few hours of operation, so as to increase the operation of the evaporative air cooler Life and operating performance. When shutting down, you should turn off the wall controller switch first, and then cut off the power. Never turn off the power switch directly when the evaporative air cooler is running; if theevaporative air cooleris not cooled or ventilated during use, check the wall The fault information of the controller, and theevaporative air cooler is turned off, waiting for the after-sales personnel to come to service.

3. Use the cleaning function of the machine once every 2-3 days to keep the water quality clean, especially after rainy days, be sure to clean it once, so that the next day when the evaporative air cooler is used, it will not blow out the fishy air.

4. Clean the filter once every 1-2 weeks. If there are more environmental stains, it is recommended to clean it once a week. The specific cleaning times can be judged according to the cleanliness of the filter.

Media ContactCompany Name: GUANGZHOU XIKOO INDUSTRY CO. LTD.Email: Send EmailPhone: 86-15915891751Country: ChinaWebsite: https://www.xikooaircooler.com/

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How should the evaporative air cooler be maintained in winter? - Digital Journal

With many people working from home, the heating might be on more often to help stay warm. This means many might be looking at ways they can cut down their bills as well as help to conserve as much energy as possible.

Many people are starting to give more thought to the cost of heating our homes this winter especially given the latest Ofgem price cap increase, which saw the average customers energy bills rise by 139 from October 2021.

Despite the lifting of Covid-19 restrictions, recent research commissioned by the BBC showed that 70 percent of workers dont intend to return to the office full-time, with the Office for National Statistics reporting 85 percent will opt for a hybrid approach going forward.

So, with more people spending more time at home, and energy bills going up, Daikin UK expects this winter to bring some of the highest energy bills of the last decade for many households.

The experts at Daikin UK said: While this might seem like a bleak outlook, there are some simple things you can do to help youre your heating bills at bay and to look after the planet in the process.

Iain Bevan Commercial Manager at eco-heating brand Daikin UK shares his top tips for keeping the home warm for less this winter.

READ MORE:Oven cleaning hacks: The 2-minute trick you probably didn't know

This can lead to inefficient heating and higher bills as this leads Britons to try to make the colder rooms warmer but are overheating other parts of the house in the process.

Balancing radiators is a quick job Britons can do themselves and theres a range of helpful step-by-step guides available online should they need a hand.

If homeowners are interested in a longer-term solution to reducing the cost of heating their home, they could consider switching their oil or gas boiler to a greener alternative, such as a heat pump.

This can significantly reduce energy bills during winter and beyond, as well as lowering the homes carbon footprint.

On average, an efficient heat pump can save a UK household up to 378 on heating bills each year compared to a gas boiler, and up to 476 compared with an oil boiler.

Visit link:
Simple tips to keep your home warm for less this winter using foam and duct tape - Daily Express

Air duct cleaning is a misnomer. In actuality, the entire HVAC system should be cleaned. Failure to clean all components of the system can result in recontamination of the entire system, thus minimizing the benefits of cleaning.

Just as you wouldnt clean only half of your living room floor, you also would not want to clean only part of your HVAC system. NADCA recommends cleaning the entire HVAC system, including the following components:

There are two key components to HVAC cleaning: breaking contaminants loose, and collection of contaminants.

Properly cleaning HVAC systems requires removing the sources of contamination. Source removal begins with the use of one or more agitation devices designed to loosen contaminants from the surfaces within the heating and air conditioning system. Examples of agitation devices include: brushes, air whips and compressed air nozzles or skipper balls. Agitation can also be achieved through hand-brushing or contact vacuuming.

During cleaning, the entire HVAC system is placed under continuous negative pressure (a vacuum) to prevent the spread of contaminants. Continuous negative pressure allows very fine particles to be removed from the system as they become airborne, ensuring that these particles are not released into the living space when the system is turned on after cleaning. This negative pressure also serves to extract the loosened contaminants, which are collected and removed from your home.

HVAC system cleaning is not a complex process, but each job is unique. Where possible, access to duct interiors should be made through existing openings such as supply diffusers, return grills, duct end caps and existing service openings. Cleaning technicians may need to cut access holes in the duct work in order to reach inside with various cleaning tools. Creation of these service openings, and their subsequent closure, requires craftsmanship and professional skills.

There is a wide variety of equipment available to HVAC cleaning professionals. Both truck-mounted and portable vacuums can be used to stop the spread of contaminants and get the system cleaned to the NADCA Standard.

Antimicrobial chemicals include sanitizers, disinfectants and deodorizers that can be applied to nonporous surfaces in HVAC systems to address microbial contamination and help control odors. Only chemicals registered with the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) can be used. These products should only be considered after mechanical surface cleaning has been performed and if the need for such treatment has been deemed necessary. Review the NADCA White Paper on Chemical Applications in HVAC Systems formore information.

When youre ready to tackle those air ducts, make sure you choose a qualified contractor to ensure the job is done right. NADCA makes it really simple for homeowners to find a certified air duct cleaning professional. All it takes is a zip code to search ouronline directoryto find a NADCA member in your area.

CLICK HERE TO FIND A NADCA PROFESSIONAL NEAR YOU

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Proper Cleaning Methods | National Air Duct Cleaners ...

This guest blog was provided by Julia Clem, a member of the marketing team at Best Pick Reports.

Theres nothing quite as satisfying as a clean house, but what if your home isnt as spick-and-span as you thought it was? Your floors are spotless and even your baseboards are bright and dust-free, but what about the areas you dont see every day?

Unfortunately, HVAC ducts, the metal conduits that pipe cooled or heated air through your house, are a favorite hiding place of dust, dirt, and other allergens. Ductwork is hidden, after all, and because central air conditioning systems draw air in from outside to cool and circulate through the house, contaminants easily make their way indoors.

Cleaning your homes air ducts isnt something you should attempt on your own. Its a complex process that requires advanced knowledge of HVAC systems as well as specialized tools, so always rely on professionals who have been certified by NADCA, the National Air Duct Cleaners Association. A NADCA certification means that your job will be done correctly and according to the most up-to-date methods and processes.

If youre not entirely confident that youd know when your air ducts need cleaning, keep reading to learn the telltale signs of dirty ducts!

Since your homes ductwork is hidden behind layers of flooring and Sheetrock, youll need to keep a sharp eye out for these four signs that your air ducts are getting a little grimy.

Your HVAC system needs to be cleaned and serviced periodicallyin fact, most manufacturers and HVAC service professionals recommend scheduling two service visits per year. Because both air conditioners and furnaces can develop condensation, mold growth is a possibility, especially if you live in a humid climate.

If your service technician tells you that your HVAC system has mold growing in it, first ask to see evidence. Your next step should be to contact a mold expert. Your HVAC technician may not have the training and credentials to properly identify mold (or pinpoint whether the mold is harmful), so look for an indoor air quality expert, ideally a member of the Indoor Air Quality Association (IAQA).

Mold found on your furnace, air conditioner, or air handler unit isnt a guarantee that your ductwork has been affected, but it certainly increases the chances. A NADCA-certified air duct cleaning technician will thoroughly clean your homes HVAC system and ductwork to remove the mold and prevent its return.

Construction is messy. Even when contractors are diligent about cleaning up and closing off work areas to keep the rest of the house tidy, dust and debris will always find its way in. And unless the HVAC system is not turned on and kept completely covered during the entire construction process (which isnt realistic for most homeowners), that dirt and dust will make its way into your ductwork.

Construction dust can contain some pretty nasty particulate matter that you dont want to breathe, so dont wait until you experience respiratory problems to call in the pros.

Dusting isnt the most entertaining task, but its something we all have to do from time to time. If, however, you notice that every flat surface in your house is coated in a layer of dust almost immediately after youve put away your cleaning supplies, you probably need to have your ducts cleaned.

Take a look at both the supply and return vents around your house. Are they visibly dirty and dusty? Carefully remove a vent cover and look into the ductwork. Is the metal covered in dust?

If your answer is yes to both questions, call a NADCA-certified air duct cleaning expert.

Your heating and cooling costs should be relatively predictable from year to year. If you receive a bill that is noticeably high, however, or if you look at your records and note that your utility bills are much higher now compared to the same time a year ago, your homes ductwork might be (partially, at least) to blame.

In extreme cases, ductwork can become so dirty that air isnt able to flow freely and efficiently through your homes HVAC system. When this happens, your furnace and air conditioner are forced to work harder (use more energy, in other words) to maintain the temperature youve set at the thermostat. This extra energy expenditure translates to higher utility bills for you.

Beyond removing airflow-obstructing dirt and debris, your air duct cleaning technician will also keep an eye out for leaking ducts. Ductwork is usually installed in a home in sections, and these sections are sealed to prevent air leakage. Over years of use, however, these seals can deteriorate, which reduces the efficiency of your HVAC system.

Imagine trying to fill a small cup using a fire hose: Youll get some water in the cup, but ultimately, most of the water will end up on the floor. Leaky ducts have a similar effect on your home. Youll still have air moving through your ductwork, but some of that heated or cooled air will end up in the attic, walls, or basement.

The bottom line is that when your ductwork isnt sealed properly, youre paying for heated and cooled air that you dont get to enjoy.

If your homes air ducts need to be cleaned, rely on the experts to do the job right. Theres a lot around your house that you can safely DIY, but air duct cleaning isnt on the list.

Professional air duct cleaners use commercial-grade vacuum systems and powered brushes to loosen and remove dirt and debris from your homes HVAC system and ductwork without worsening the quality of the air inside your home.

Residential vacuum cleaners and cleaning attachments simply arent powerful enough to do the job correctly, and a DIYer runs the risk of doing serious damage to the ductwork. Air duct cleaning pros are also trained to spot other problems with an HVAC system that the average homeowner may not know to look for.

Like many other trades in the home improvement industry, air duct cleaning is subject to scams. Be wary of air duct cleaning companies that offer unusually low rates or that promise a super-quick service. If an offer sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Trust your instincts and keep looking.

Your best bet for finding a reliable, highly qualified air duct cleaning technician is to find a NADCA member company in your area. Whether youve noticed more dust around your house than usual or your HVAC technician found mold in your furnace, a NADCA-certified expert will help you get your home clean and back to normalthe right way!

Click Here to Find a NADCA Profefssional Near You

Julia Clem is part of the marketing team at Best Pick Reports. Best Pick Reports utilizes consumer satisfaction research to evaluate the performance of home service providers, such as plumbers, roofers, and painters, in metro areas across the US. After compiling surveys from thousands of homeowners who have had direct experience with local service companies, Best Pick Reports connects top-rated companies with their ideal customers by promoting them in its annual publication, website, and mobile app.

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4 Signs Your Air Ducts Need Cleaning | National Air Duct ...

GREENandSAVESTAFF

Purge Virus helps building owners disinfect the air to reduce the spread of COVID-19

Purge Virus replicates the disinfecting power of the sun to make indoor environments pathogen free.

Monday, February 1, 2021

No doubt about it, a war continues with an invisible enemy thats difficult to beat. But, analogous to the Allied victory in World War II, the battle against the coronavirus will most likely be won as an air fight.

COVID-19 is an extremely small virus about 0.12 microns (a human hair is 50-70 microns). When an infected person coughs, sneezes, or even talks, droplets with the virus fly into the air. Anyone who is within 6 feet of that person can breathe those droplets into their lungs and potentially get sick.

The question is, why are the same old tactics being used that didnt generate positive results 103 years ago masks and social distancing instead of deploying modern technology to overcome the virus that killed more than 675,000 people in the US alone during the 1918 pandemic.

The answer is companies and governments are starting to turn to air purification technology providers like Purge Virus to reduce sick building syndrome and improve indoor air quality at their buildings to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and other contagions.

Heres how it works; a building owner installs ultraviolet (UV-C) or bipolar ionization (BPI) air purification systems in their buildings existing air handling units to clean the air and prevent pathogens from passing into the ducts that supply air to other rooms.

The UV-C technology prevents the pathogen microorganisms from replicating and harming people. The BPI technology continuously saturates spaces with ions that bind to contaminants and then works to neutralize them. Independent research has shown that airborne bacteria and virusesincluding COVID-19were reduced by 99% within minutes of exposure to the systems.

We look at all the of the available and proven technologies in the world and align them to your buildings HVAC system to help keep people safe while occupying the space, said Charlie Szoradi, CEO of Purge Virus. With UV-C, we set out to simulate the disinfectant power of sunlight inside of the ducts in buildings.

Cleaning the air of germicides and limiting the spread of pathogens may become a world-wide effort among property owners, landlords, and everyday homeowners. Hospitals have been doing this for decades.

Medical experts say as COVID-19 variants continue to surface, vaccines may not achieve herd immunity soon enough, and some form of coronavirus may live on like the flu for decades. The new normal may be high-tech HVAC upgrades as part of standard building safety practices.

The true battlefield of WWII was not on land. It was a massive air and sea super-battlefield that stretched for thousands of miles. Victory in this super-battlefield eventually won the war. Combatting COVID-19 is an air war that can be won with the right technology and the service providers who understand how to use the weapons.

Charlie Szoradi is CEO of Purge Viruswww.purgevirus.com, a service organization that provides advanced in-duct disinfection technology to help reduce the spread of Covid-19 and future viruses.

Disinfection Overview ContactCompany Name:Purge VirusContact Person:Charlie Szoradi: Charlie.Szoradi@PurgeVirus.comCountry:United StatesWebsite:https://www.purgevirus.com/

This disinfection overview is just the beginning. For more on bipolar ionization and other disinfectant technologies, please see:https://purgevirus.com/disinfection-webinar/

For more news on why Purge Virus is focusing HVAC to help Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) see here: https://canada.constructconnect.com/joc/news/others/2020/06/can-hvac-systems-transmit-covid-19

A team of researchers at the University of Alberta (U of A) is investigating the possibility that heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems might play a part in spreading airborne COVID-19, the illness caused by the novel coronavirus.

Until now, it has been unclear how human-generated bioaerosols (suspended airborne particles) affect airborne virus transmission and how HVAC systems should be designed and operated to reduce the risk of transmission, said Zhong.

Zhong says non-pharmaceutical intervention through HVAC systems is as valuable as vaccine research in the battle to tame the coronavirus.

Improving mechanical ventilation systems in high-occupancy structures would be a critical way to contain the (COVID-19) pandemic, she said. Some buildings or cabins have a high density of occupants in enclosed spaces where the spread of airborne infections can have rapid and extensive consequences.

If the U of A researchers find that HVAC systems can, in fact, carry the virus, Hadjiloizou says how the ventilation systems need adjust depends on the spreading pattern of the virus.

The fix could be simple, such as replacing the filters in the systems more frequently, he said. Or maybe the whole concept needs to be redesigned, so that the air inside a building is not recirculated and fresh air is brought in from outside.

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Purge Virus helps building owners disinfect the air to reduce the spread of COVID-19 - GREENandSAVE

While COVID-proofing is a term said somewhat wistfully, it hasnt stopped architects and home builders from accelerating healthy-living trends that were already growing in popularity before the pandemic. Enhanced water- and air-filtration systems and a general push toward sustainability are increasingly basic expectations in both the single-family and multifamily home sector.

These healthy-living trends particularly in the realm of air filtration are on track to be a new standard of post-pandemic home building.

Its certainly something we hear about with people spending so much more time in their homes and thinking about it in a different way as a safe haven from germs and disease and, in particular, air quality and air filtration and virus filtration, said Abbe Will, a research associate and associate project director of the Remodeling Futures Program at Harvard Universitys Graduate School of Design. All of that is suggesting this is a part of the market that is likely growing and almost certainly will have some kind of boost from the pandemic.

Architects like Alani approach air filtration in dense apartment and condo buildings with a focus on mechanical systems, especially nine months into a pandemic in which potential renters and buyers are suddenly just as focused on air quality as they are amenity space.

There is also a return to operable windows, even in downtown high-rises where developers have shied away from installing them in recent years to save money.

I was against them in the past. Theyre more expensive, and zoning limited how little they could actually open, said Michael Procopio, vice president of development at Procopio Cos., a real estate development firm. Now I would never think about building a 350-unit building unless it had operable windows.

There are ways to abide by zoning and still deliver fresh air to residents seeking more ventilation, both during and after the pandemic. Juliet balconies are very shallow and basically enable full-length windows with the protection of a railing in taller buildings. Alani expects the trend to grow in the coming years, even with budget-minded developers in a costly construction environment such as Boston.

There had been resistance [to installing working windows] due to cost increases, she added. Its not huge, but everyone was after the last dollar because of rising construction costs. But I think moving forward, providing residents with more than the four-inch operability of one window in a room is a huge benefit. I think people will be more conscious of it.

Multifamily developers are also reworking the layouts of apartment and condo buildings, particularly in amenity areas and delivery drop-off points. Amenity areas that once housed communal eating areas and workspaces are getting compartmentalized to offer more private offices.

Weve always been big proponents of coworking and essentially mini WeWorks in our buildings, Procopio said. Now its a lot of little nooks, and it feels like an airport lounge. Its cozy.

Procopios development team also has installed enhanced high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filtration systems on elevator cabs to provide better ventilation in such a confined space. Residents can open main entrances to a Procopio building or summon an elevator remotely via a smartphone app at developments like Ironwood Apartments in Lynn. While this technology was offered pre-pandemic, Procopio said, he expects it to become more standard practice in light of a year of social distancing and other precautionary measures.

The CBT design team moved toward a secure porch-like delivery area at Watermark Central, an apartment building in Central Square. Deliveries are left in a secure vestibule thats visible to the concierge but doesnt require a delivery person coming into the building.

New filtration technologies or retroactive build-outs may initially cost more, but developers and architects expect prices to come down the more these features become new building standards.

This year, there would have been a cost impact because we were all scrambling, Alani said. But moving forward, this is how we will do buildings, and we will incorporate it into a system of decisions and not tack it on as we have this year.

Single-family homes are a different arena. While they dont have the same issues of shared air-filtration systems as a condo building, an individual home can still run the risk of bacterial spread. One of the ways Cindy Stumpo, CEO of C. Stumpo Development, tackles this is by zoning off the air-filtration systems of the bedrooms in the luxury homes she builds. Typically, air filtration is controlled on different levels of a house.

With the Stumpo method, someone quarantining in their bedroom wouldnt have to worry about contaminated air particles seeping into the rest of the house.

If the parents are in their bedroom sneezing and coughing, the kids arent going to get it in their rooms because I separately zone off, Stumpo said. If from the beginning you zone off, you can stop germs from spreading through your own home. But if youre not isolating and going to go into the family room or kitchen, its going to spread.

Experts interviewed for this story recognize there could be an opportunistic cottage industry of pandemic-related home materials born from the public health crisis. But all stressed the importance of the basics: air filtration. Items like HEPA filters or allergen-pleated MERV 15 (minimum efficiency reporting value) air filters provide viable ways to combat airborne bacterial spread. The cost of a basic air infiltration depends on the size of your home.

Ultraviolet lights are even available for residential air systems and can eliminate germs and viruses. While there is debate on how effective some cleaning materials and sanitizers work in combating an airborne virus, Stumpo installs in-duct UV-air germ lamp systems in the homes she builds. The purification system uses UV light and ions to destroy particulate, microbial, and gas pollutants on surfaces, as well as in the air of a home. The systems, from brands like Field Controls or Reme Halo, typically cost less than $500.

This is the only product that is not a gimmick, Stumpo said. I am actually designing seven new homes in Brookline, and Im making sure we are getting everything we can in these homes right at the beginning.

No matter how advanced the air-filtration systems get in one of her homes the pricier ones are about $5 million and higher in tony neighborhoods of Brookline and Newton Stumpo said they still require some level of attention to get the maximum benefit.

Some people dont remember to change the filters, she added with a laugh while noting she sends a twice-a-year reminder e-mail to all her clients. They forget. I dont care how smart they are.

Cameron Sperance can be reached at camsperance@gmail.com. Subscribe to the Globes free real estate newsletter our weekly digest on buying, selling, and design at pages.email.bostonglobe.com/AddressSignUp. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @globehomes.

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The COVID-proofed home drop://Pandemic-fueled design is more than just a second office and a gym - The Boston Globe

The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture keeps records offood safety inspectionsat restaurants and food vendors.

Berks County is divided into three jurisdictions: Reading, Muhlenberg Township and the rest of the county. Reading and Muhlenberg Township have their own inspectors and the rest of the county is inspected by Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture inspectors.

The results will be posted every other week. All food vendors are inspected at least once a year. Other inspections can be triggered by a change of owner, a follow up if a facility had been out of compliance or by a complaint filed with the PDA.

View any vendor'slast inspection reportonline. Click on the PDF version of the inspection report for all details.

If a food provider is labeled 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 problem(s) and remains open for business.

Complaints can be filed onlinewith the PDA.

Below are the results of inspections conducted between Dec. 16 and Dec. 29, 2020, that were filed in the state database as of Dec. 31, 2020, at 4 p.m.

They include the inspector's comments on violations.

Cristina's Family Restaurant, 500 Hoch Road, Blandon , Dec. 29: three violations. Wall walk-in cooler is split open at freezer side causing exposed wall material that must be repaired and cleaned. Owner had leak repaired and will finish wall. Observed several boxes of food stored directly on the floor in walk-in freezer area, rather than 6 inches off of the floor as required. Observed mold'/dirt build up around door frames and gasket area of doors of the bain maries in kitchen and an accumulation of old dried grease residue and food debris under cook line, grills and fryer, and reach-in cooler area.

Dollar General Store #13791, 825 Park Road, Blandon , Dec. 29: one violation. Rear delivery door located in the storage room area of the food facility has a large gap at the bottom and does not protect against the entry of insects, rodents, and other animals.

Friendly Restaurant #7676, 3024a Penn Ave., West Lawn , Dec. 29: no violations.

Margherita's Pizzeria, 3600 Kutztown Road, Laureldale , Dec. 29: five violations. Observed ice machine equipment, in kitchen area, with an accumulation of dust, dirt, limescale debris on ledge above ice bin door and around sides on non-food contact surfaces. Air vent above basement pizza dough table is hanging loose exposing duct work and must be repaired. Meatballs, a food which was cooled, was only reheated to 110 F for hot holding and not 165F for 15 seconds as required. Corrected. Loose, torn rubber door gaskets observed on the freezer drawer cooling unit on the cook line. Observed several boxes of food stored directly on the floor in basement freezer walk-in area, rather than 6 inches off of the floor as required.

Universal Mart/Sunoco, 3500 Kutztown Road, Laureldale , Dec. 29: no violations.

Fleetwood Fire Social Quarters, Franklin & Washington, Fleetwood , Dec. 24: no violations.

Chicken Supreme, 410 Penn Ave., West Reading , Dec. 23: one violation. Working container (spray bottle) in front area, used for storing chemicals, cleaners taken from bulk supplies, was not marked with the common name of the chemical. Corrected.

Hot Mess Express Commissary, 118 Skyline Drive, Reading , Dec. 23: no violations.

Hot Mess Express Mff4 (Xmm-8214), 118 Skyline Drive, Reading , Dec. 23: no violations.

New York Bagelry, 2720 Penn Ave., West Lawn , Dec. 23: four violations. Steel legs supporting warewashing equipment, in the sink area, are not smooth, non-absorbent, corrosion resistant. Heavily rusted legs under warewashing sink/table area. Cream cheese storage refrigerator has a heavy build up of old food debris in bottom of vent area. Observed deeply scored and creviced cutting boards not resurfaced or discarded as required. Non-food contact surfaces not cleaned at a frequency to preclude accumulation of dirt and soil. Vent pipe and hood over bagel pot has a heavy dust/dirt build up. Walk-in cooler has a build up of mold on walls and piping and also a dirt build up on floor under racks. Out of compliance.

Rite Aid #0290, 500 E Lancaster Ave., Shillington , Dec. 23: no violations.

Tony's Al Taglio, 449 Penn Ave. Rear, West Reading , Dec. 23: two violations. One set of lights is not shielded or shatterproof in the back area. Working container (spray bottle) in back area, used for storing chemicals, cleaners taken from bulk supplies, was not marked with the common name of the chemical. Corrected.

Wyomissing Restaurant & Bakery, 1245 Penn Ave., Wyomissing , Dec. 23: no violations.

Beansie's Cafe-mff3 Znm8829, 2957 Grandview Blvd., Reading , Dec. 22: no violations.

Domino's Pizza, 1350 Pottsville Pike, Shoemakersville , Dec. 22: one violation. The food facility does not have the original certificate for the certified food employee posted in public view.

Dunkin Donuts Baskin Robbins, 1 Cheltenham Drive, Wyomissing , Dec. 22: four violations. There is an accumulation of dust/dirt on the fan cover in the small under counter refrigerator at the front counter. Thermometers for ensuring proper temperature of equipment are not available or readily accessible in two of the small under counter refrigerators - at the front counter and near the back area. Paper towel dispenser empty at the handwash sink in the back area. Corrected. Soap was not available at the handwash sink in the back area. Corrected.

Grube's Dairy, 233 Main St. , Shoemakersville , Dec. 22: no violations.

Let's Taco Bout It Mexican Grill, 616 Penn Ave., West Reading , Dec. 22: three violations. Working container (spray bottle) in front area, used for storing chemicals, cleaners taken from bulk supplies, was not marked with the common name of the chemical. Corrected. One set of lights is not shielded or shatterproof in the back kitchen area. Thermometer for ensuring proper temperature of equipment is not available or readily accessible in the small under counter refrigerator in the front area. Corrected.

Pizza Hut #037139, 4207 Perkiomen Ave., Reading , Dec. 22: two violations. The wall at the 3-compartment sink and the outside of the dishwasher have an accumulation of dirt and old food debris. Plumbing system not maintained in good repair - observed water leaking at the handwash sink in the front area.

Rite Aid #0467, 525 Penn Ave., West Reading , Dec. 22: no violations.

Boston Market #3605, 140 Wilderness Trail, Hamburg , Dec. 21: six violations. Food facility is using plastic wrap and bottle to repair the plumbing drain system under the 3 bay sink, which is not an approved material. Soda fountain hoses and hot water heater overflow have drain hoses/lines that are down in drain basins and do not have an air gap and could create a backflow hazard. The floor / wall juncture in rear door area is not coved and closed to 1/32 inch. Broken floor tile at door and missing coving tile at door area. Loose rubber door gaskets observed on the front bain marie cooling unit and a gap at bottom of walk in freezer door causing ice build up around bottom of door. Plumbing system not maintained in good repair - observed warewashing sink drain line leaking under the sink. Rear door located in the storage room area of the food facility has a gap at the side and does not protect against the entry of insects, rodents, and other animals.

Hassler's Filling Station, 3200 Conrad Weiser Parkway , Womelsdorf , Dec. 21: no violations.

Masa Hibachi & Sushi, 2733 Papermill Road, Wyomissing , Dec. 21: one violation. Observed an accumulation of old food debris/dirt on the floor under the dry storage shelves at the end of the cooking line.

McDonalds #05917, 3400 Conrad Weiser Parkway , Womelsdorf , Dec. 21: three violations. Non-food contact surfaces not cleaned at a frequency to preclude accumulation of dirt and soil. Ice coffee blender has an old splash residue build up around upper ring of mixer area and ice dispensing chute area. Front counter milk refrigerator has a condensate water build up on bottom and also wire racks in refrigerator have chipping peeling paint falling into refrigerator. Current frozen dessert test results were not available for review. Last test located was 3/5/20.

Outback Steakhouse #3919, 1101 Woodland Road, Wyomissing , Dec. 21: one violation. Observed an accumulation of dirt and old food debris along the edges of the floor throughout the kitchen and dry storage room.

Reading Liederkranz, 143 Spook Lane PO Box 4338 , Reading , Dec. 21: no violations.

Redner's Quick Shoppe #28, 6719 Bernville Road, Bernville , Dec. 21: no violations.

Ruby Tuesday #2946, 1665 State Hill Road, Wyomissing , Dec. 21: one violation. Some light bulbs in the kitchen area have the protective plastic tubing, but are missing the end caps.

Taco Bell #28527, 1199 A Berkshire Blvd., Wyomissing , Dec. 21: no violations.

Schuylkill Valley Elementary School, 62 Ashley Way , Leesport , Dec. 18: no violations.

Schuylkill Valley High School, 929 Lake Shore Drive, Leesport , Dec. 18: no violations.

Schuylkill Valley Middle School, 114 Ontelaunee Drive, Leesport , Dec. 18: no violations.

Koziar's Christmas Village, 782 Christmas Village Road, Bernville , Dec. 16: no violations.

Schaylor Brewing Company, 2390 Lancaster Ave., Reading , Dec. 16: four violations. Loose/torn rubber door gaskets observed on the kitchen bain marie cooling unit. Observed reach in beer refrigerator at bar and kitchen bain marie equipment with an accumulation of mold dirt, food residue, debris around door gaskets and door frames a non-food contact surfaces. Also floor in front of stand up freezer in kitchen has wet food debris residue build up. Plastic utensils used for cooking are chipped and misshapen and are not durable under normal use in the food facility. Corrected. Observed food stored in bar reach in with mixers, where it is subject to splash from ponding of condensate water on bottom of refrigerator.

Wawa Food Market #147, 2709 N. Meridian Blvd., Wyomissing , Dec. 16: no violations.

8899 Chinese Restaurant, 2605 Kutztown Road, Dec. 26: one violation. Shelled eggs (unpasteurized) were stored above RTE foods. Corrected on inspection and moved to lowest shelf.

Alebrije Mexican Restaurant, 3225 N. Fifth Street Highway, Dec. 26: one violation. Food in the cook's reach-in refrigerator stored open with no covering. Corrected on inspection.

New Happy Garden, 4447C N. Fifth Street Highway, Dec. 26: two violations.Container of raw chicken stored above a container of RTE food in walk-in refrigerator; corrected immediately. Food dispensing utensil in all bulk food containers observed stored in the food and not with handle above the top of the food and the container. Observed in-use knives and /or cleavers stored between table edges or between tables, an area not easily cleanable & sanitized.

Holy Guardian Angels Regional School, 3125 Kutztown Road, Dec. 21: no violations.

Jersey Mike's Sub Shop, 3225 N. Fifth Street Highway, Dec. 18: one violation. Wall behind the bain marie, has a hole with loose receptacle case, and is in need of repair.

Route 61 Diner, 3455 Pottsville Pike, Dec. 18: three violations. Marinara sauce was held at 129.5 F, in the cook's area, rather than 135F or above as required. Corrected on inspection. Pans/equipment not stored inverted or covered. Clean food equipment stored while wet, and not draining and/or air-drying.

Emily Mini Market, 349 N. 13th St., Dec. 21: no violations.

La Union Mini Market 372087, 1004 Hampden Blvd., Dec. 21: no violations.

Loncheria Dona Tere, 800 N. 13th St., Dec. 21: 11 violations. Torn rubber door gaskets observed on the bain marie in the kitchen area. No sign or poster posted at the handwash sink in the kitchen area to remind food employees to wash their hands. Paper towel dispenser empty at the handwash sink in the kitchen area. Personal items were observed in the counter and kitchen area, and not stored in dressing rooms or identified storage area as required. The Person in Charge does not have adequate knowledge of food safety in this food facility as evidenced by this non-compliant inspection. Food storage containers, in the cooler area, are not labeled with the common name of the food. Non-food contact surfaces not cleaned at a frequency to preclude accumulation of dirt and soil. Handwash sink in the kitchen is not operable. Food found to be uncovered in the walk-in cooler appearing discolored and dried out. Gloves were not available for employee use. General unsanitary conditions exist on all food contact surfaces. Entire facility not cleaned at a frequency to prevent the build up of dirt and dust. Out of compliance.

Nino And Sons Pizza, 301 N. 13th St., Dec. 21: no violations.

Shomper's Exxon A5210140, 1014 N. 13th St., Dec. 21: no violations.

11th & Marion Mini Store, 1101 Marion St., Dec. 18: no violations.

A Plus Mini Market A5208420, 844 N. 13th St., Dec. 18: one violation. The handwash sink does not have single use towels, continuous towels, or air drying device.

Singh Market, 928 N. 13th St., Dec. 18: no violations.

Turkey Hill #54 A5204250, 425 N. 13th St., Dec. 18: one violation. Several containers of milk in the cooler for sale to the public past the sell-by date.

The following reports for the period of Dec. 2 to Dec. 15, 2020, were added to the state's database after Dec. 17 and did not appearinthe previous Berks food safety report.

CVS #05065, 8565 Allentown Pike, Blandon , Dec. 15: one violation. All customer reach-in refrigerators and freezer in front area of the food facility is extremely dirty, dusty, and in need of cleaning. Exterior front vents and door gasket areas have heavy dust & dirt build up.

Dunkin Donuts #355023, 2 Penn Ave., Robesonia , Dec. 15: one violation. Observed bags of ice food stored directly on the floor in freezer area, rather than 6 inches off of the floor as required. Observed shelf of various food stored in walk-in cooler area, where it is subject to splash from condensate water dripping off of pipe above shelf.

Dunkin Donuts/Baskin Robbins, 8448 Allentown Pike, Blandon , Dec. 15: three violations. Flooring in walk in cooler at freezer door is buckled and must be repaired. The food facility does not have the original certificate for the certified food employee posted in public view. The food facility does not maintain Food Employee Certification records as required.

Family Dollar Store #11484, 1 W. Penn Ave., Wernersville , Dec. 15: no violations.

Giant Food Store #6446, 4655 Perkiomen Ave., Reading , Dec. 15: four violations. Some of the sprayer nozzles in the produce display area were not clean to sight and touch. Corrected. Two handwash sinks in the deli area do not have single use towels. Corrected. Spray bottle of water in the bakery area is not labeled to identify the contents. Corrected. Condenser fan covers in the deli and dairy walk-in coolers have an accumulation of dust/dirt.

Hissho Sushi @ Giant #6446, 4655 Perkiomen Ave., Reading , Dec. 15: no violations.

Klinger's On Carsonia, 721 Carsonia Ave., Reading , Dec. 15: no violations.

Sunoco Robesonia, 159 W. Penn Ave., Robesonia , Dec. 15: two violations. Food Facility has packaged premade sandwich foods which is not labeled properly as required. Food Facility Person in Charge not able to provide documentation that premade sandwich foods are from an approved source. Sandwiches disposed of.

Friendly Restaurant #7675, 400 N. Park Road, Wyomissing , Dec. 14: two violations. Food Facility has packaged premade sandwich foods which is not labeled properly as required. Food Facility Person in Charge not able to provide documentation that premade sandwich foods are from an approved source. Sandwiches disposed of.

Giant Food #6050, 2641 Shillington Road, Sinking Spring , Dec. 14: six violations. Loose caulking observed hanging from the underside of the produce ice machine where the ice drops into bins. A temperature measuring device for monitoring the mechanical sanitizing water temperatures is not available. Non-food contact surfaces not cleaned at a frequency to preclude accumulation of dirt and soil. Bottom of broccoli storage case has a sludge/stagnant water build up and top shelf has a slime build up along front of shelf. Mops are not being hung to air dry. Stagnant ponding of water and debris/trash build up behind ice machine in the produce prep room. Produce and bakery walk in cooler fan area of the food facility is extremely dirty, dusty, and in need of cleaning. Food facility has no record or knowledge of the last draining, cleaning and sanitizing the water reservoir, including tubing and nozzles, for the produce fogger.

Little Caesars, 3580 Penn Ave., Sinking Spring , Dec. 14: one violation. Spray hose for warewashing sink is leaking at the top. New faucet on site to repair today. Also hand sink in rear has a loose hot water faucet that is broke and also on site for repair today.

Plaza Azteca Wyomissing, 955 Woodland Road, Wyomissing , Dec. 14: three violations. Small scoop being stored in the ice bin at the kitchen soda unit with handle buried beneath the ice. Corrected. Food items were held at 48 (shrimp) and 50 (mixed vegetables) F, in two of the bain marie units at the cooking line, rather than 41F or below as required. Items were removed from the walk-in cooler and placed in these units this morning around 10 am. Items will be disposed of before 2 pm. The manager called for service on these units and a service technician will be arriving today. Units may not be used until they can hold foods at proper temperature. A working container of cleaner was stored on a tray with spice containers in the kitchen area. Corrected.

Subway #10484, 2677 Shillington Road, Sinking Spring , Dec. 14: three violations. Wall around mop sink area has a mold/soil build up and bottom of sink has dirt/soil accumulation. Non-food contact surfaces not cleaned at a frequency to preclude accumulation of dirt and soil. Soda fountain has a mold residue build up next to the ice chute dispensing area. The floor / wall juncture in mop sink area is not coved and closed to 1/32 inch. Missing coving tile at rear doorway next to mop sink.

Tasker's Beer Barn, 6520 Perkiomen Ave., Birdsboro , Dec. 14: no violations.

Tokyo Hibachi & Bar, 960 Woodland Road, Wyomissing , Dec. 14: no violations.

Cushion Peak Rod & Gun Club, 180 Vinemont Road, Reinholds , Dec. 11: no violations.

Dairy Queen #10296, 4399 Penn Ave., Sinking Spring , Dec. 11: three violations. Plastic utensils used for cooking are deformed/ripped and misshapen and are not durable under normal use in the food facility. Corrected. The floor / wall juncture in hand sink area is not coved and closed to 1/32 inch. Loose coving tile below hand sink. Old date labels and label residue on clean containers on dishrack and food containers in reach in refrigerator.

Dunkin Donuts, 3818 Penn Ave., Sinking Spring , Dec. 11: one violation. Ceiling vent, ceiling tiles around vent, wall at sandwich station, and hood vent area of the food facility is extremely dirty, dusty, and in need of cleaning.

Family Dollar Store #28494, 3564 Penn Ave., Sinking Spring , Dec. 11: no violations.

Fiore Ristorante Italiano Bar & Pizzeria, 401 Main St., Shoemakersville , Dec. 11: one violation. The food facility does not have the original certificate for the certified food employee posted in public view.

Moss Wines, 510 Bertolet Mill Road, Oley , Dec. 11: no violations.

Stokesay Castle, 141 Stokesay Castle Lane, Reading , Dec. 11: one violation. Loose rubber door gaskets observed on the True refrigeration unit at the left end of the cooking line.

Stopper's, 6421 Perkiomen Ave., Birdsboro , Dec. 11: no violations.

Sweet Beginnings, 43 E. Philadelphia Ave., Boyertown , Dec. 11: two violations. Observed several boxes of food stored directly on the floor in freezer area, rather than 6 inches off of the floor as required. Facility does not have a current frozen dessert test for soft serve machines.

Dairy Queen #13176, 820 Kenhorst Plaza, Kenhorst , Dec. 10: two violations. Observed several boxes of food stored directly on the floor in freezer area, rather than 6 inches off of the floor as required. Facility does not have a current frozen dessert test for soft serve machines.

New York Bagelry, 150 Kenhorst Plaza, Shillington , Dec. 10: seven violations. Observed heavy dust and dirt build up on underside of top level of bagel mold conveyor belt above food area of bottom belt and must be cleaned more frequently. Working containers hanging on food shelf area, used for storing *chemicals, cleaners* taken from bulk supplies, were not marked with the common name of the chemical. Discarded. A working container of *cleaner / sanitizer* was stored above or on the same shelf with food, equipment, and/or single service articles in the bagel shelf area. Corrected. Single-use plastic containers without a handle are being used as scoops in cornmeal, flour etc. Observed heavy food product residue build up on inside of containers with cinnamon sugar for bagels. Containers should be changed out more frequently. Also bagel table cutting board is deeply grooved and must be replaced. Observed plastic bins in bagel mixing area, with an accumulation of dust, dirt, food residue, debris on non-food contact surfaces. Handles of flour, cornstarch bins full of old crumbs and food product. Threshold of walk In freezer is lifted up allowing a build up of food product to get underneath.

No. 1 Chinese Restaurant, 160 Kenhorst Plaza, Shillington , Dec. 10: no violations.

Screpesi Sandwich Shop, 1365 Alleghenyville Road, Mohnton , Dec. 10: no violations.

Swatty Creek Farm, 7725 Lancaster Ave., Myerstown , Dec. 03: one violation. Labels for honey do not contain the original source. (Not from this facility).

5th Street Diner, 5340 Allentown Pike, Dec. 12: five violations. Food dispensing utensil in panko/bread crumbs observed stored in the food and not with handle above the top of the food. Corrected on inspection. Silver three-door reach-in refrigerator was 40.8 degrees F. Upon opening door, temperature rose to >45 degrees F., and did not activate compressor until temperature rose to 47.0 degrees F, at which point it activated and dropped to <41 degrees F. Requires attention to confirm compressor activation at lower temperature. Food placed into another cooler, until corrected/replaced (per owner plan). Commercially processed ready-to-eat food, located in the walk-in refrigerator and held more than 48 hours, is not being marked with the date it was opened. Food employee observed storing clean food equipment while wet, and not allowing time for draining and/or air-drying. Cook's refrigerator gaskets soiled.

A Plus Sunoco 344155, 719 Spring St., Dec. 15: one violation. No sign or poster posted at the handwash sink to remind food employees to wash their hands. The handwash sink does not have single use towels, continuous towels, or air drying device.

Eli's Corner, 146 Oley St., Dec. 15: four violations. Filters are missing from the ventilation hood. Sanitizer tablets were not available st the 3 compartment sink. No sign or poster posted at the handwash sink in the to remind food employees to wash their hands. The handwash sink in the area does not have single use towels, continuous towels, or air drying device. The handwash sink was blocked and not accessible at all times for employee use.

Rocky's Pizza 66604450, 445 Spring St., Dec. 15: no violations.

Turkey Hill #120 66605010, 501 Spring St., Dec. 15: one violation. Two containers of milk were in the cooler for sale to the public past the sell- by date.

Excerpt from:
Berks food safety inspections December 16 to December 29, 2020: Two places were out of compliance, one for general unsanitary conditions - Reading...

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, IL Following the success of a similar event in October, the Village of Arlington Heights is hosting a virtual town hall Thursday on an initiative regarding the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion project. All members of the community are invited to the event slated to start at 7 p.m.

"We look forward to hearing about your experiences, perceptions and expectations regarding this project, sharing an update on our progress thus far, and planning our next steps as we continue to sustain a welcoming community for all," organizers said in a press release.

No pre-registration is necessary and the meeting will accommodate up to 100 participants. If residents cannot attend the session, it will be recorded and available for viewing on the Village's website.

This event will be facilitated by the Kaleidoscope Group. Representatives of the Village, school districts and other local government agencies will be in attendance.

According to data, 81.7 percent of the Arlington Heights community is white only and 92.2 percent of the Village staff. One of the Village Board's Strategic Priorities since 2019, according to its website, is to "Find new ways to embrace diversity within the Community and Village Government."

To achieve this strategic priority, the Village Board unanimously approved a contract in September with the Kaleidoscope Group, a consultant group experienced in diversity, equity, and inclusion, based out of Chicago.

To learn more about the Village's initiative, check out the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion project page here.

To Participate in the Virtual Town Hall Meeting:7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 3

Or iPhone one-tap : +13126266799,,86391706933# or +19294362866,,86391706933#

Or Telephone:US: +1 312 626 6799 or +1 929 436 2866 or +1 301 715 8592 or +1 669 900 6833 or +1 253 215 8782 or +1 346 248 7799 Webinar ID: 863 9170 6933

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Diversity Town Hall Planned For Thursday In Arlington Heights - Patch.com