Berks Food Inspections Find Slime, Insects, and Lack of Sanitizer

Multiple restaurants cited for unsanitary conditions and food safety violations

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

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Food safety inspections in Berks County, Pennsylvania uncovered a range of violations at local restaurants, including the presence of slime on an ice machine, dead insects on the ceiling, and a lack of sanitizer. One restaurant had a total of 18 violations, highlighting ongoing concerns about food safety and sanitation in the region.

Why it matters

These inspection results underscore the importance of regular food safety checks to protect public health. Unsanitary conditions and improper food handling practices can lead to the spread of foodborne illnesses, which pose a serious risk to consumers. The high number of violations at some establishments also raises questions about the enforcement of food safety regulations and the need for improved training and oversight in the local restaurant industry.

The details

The inspections, conducted between January 21 and February 3, 2026, found a variety of issues at Berks County restaurants. One establishment, the Bally Family Diner, had a total of 18 violations, including the presence of rodent droppings, a dead mouse, and food stored directly on the floor. Other problems included slime buildup on an ice machine, dead insects on the ceiling, and a lack of sanitizer. Several restaurants were also cited for issues like improperly stored raw meat, expired food, and unclean equipment.

  • The inspections were conducted between January 21 and February 3, 2026.
  • The results were posted in the state database as of February 5, 2026 at 7:30 p.m.

The players

Bally Family Diner

A restaurant in Barto, Pennsylvania that had 18 violations, the highest number of any establishment inspected.

Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture

The state agency responsible for conducting food safety inspections in Berks County, outside of the Reading and Muhlenberg Township jurisdictions.

Reading and Muhlenberg Township

The two jurisdictions in Berks County that have their own food safety inspectors, separate from the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

The takeaway

These inspection results highlight the ongoing challenges in maintaining food safety standards at restaurants in Berks County. While regular inspections are crucial, the high number of violations at some establishments suggests the need for improved training, oversight, and enforcement to protect public health and ensure compliance with food safety regulations.