Restaurant Inspections: Flu-Like Symptoms and Scalding Hot Water

Editor's Note: The following health inspection reports were provide by the Reading Health Department. As an ongoing series, Patch will publish health reports from recent months, records that are available to the public upon request. In most cases, the inspections are part of routine checks, unless otherwise noted.

Portland Pie Company

On August 26, a resident complained that several members of their family became ill in the morning after eating at Portland Pie the previous night. The symptoms were flu-like, and the residents were advised to call a doctor to be tested for food born illnesses. The calling party said the family did not wish to do that.
That day, an inspector arrived to investigate the complaint. The prep cooler temperatures were found to be at the proper range and foods were replenished every shift change.
No employees have been out sick recently, and the health inspector found no evidence that would have contributed to the sickness reported by the complaining resident. No action was necessary against the restaurant.

Ristorante Pavarotti

On August 18, a customer said they used the sink at Ristorante Pavarotti to wash their hands and said the water was extremely hot. The caller said she needed to put ice on her hand when she went home and said there was steam visible coming from the water when it was running. The owner of the business said he was going to call his plumber when the incident occurred.

As a result, an inspector arrived at the restaurant to look into the matter. A temperature of 162 degrees was found in the sink. Food code states that a minimum temperature of 110 degrees must be reached, but there is no maximum that is specified.

It was determined that this is a safety issue, and the Plumbing Inspector was contacted and worked with the business owner to correct the issue.