Downtown State College restaurant reopens after health code violations
Playa Bowls temporarily closed Monday due to 11 health code violations, according to a report filed by the State College health technician.
The New Jersey-based acai bowl restaurant in downtown State College, 482 E. Calder Way, had violations ranging from improper protection from contamination to inadequate physical facilities.
An employee was observed washing their hands at a food preparation sink, rather than a designated handwashing sink, borough health technician Brian O’Donnell found.
Old food residue was found in a handwashing sink and on cutting boards, and thermometers were not readily accessible, he wrote in his two-page report.
Boxes of fruit and fish, along with dishware and food storage pans, were improperly stored on the floor. Refrigeration and freezer equipment had an accumulation of dust, dirt and food residue.
A bathroom sink was soiled, while toilets and floors were not cleaned regularly, O’Donnell found. A second bathroom was closed and being used for storage.
The business is set to receive a citation due to the number of violations.
All violations were remedied immediately and the eatery reopened Tuesday after a second inspection, franchise owner Desiree Arroyo said.
“Playa Bowls takes the health and safety of our employees and customers seriously, and is taking steps in tandem with our franchise partners at the State College location to ensure that the store is in compliance with local health code regulations,” a Playa Bowls corporate representative wrote Tuesday in an emailed statement.
Five Guys Burgers and Fries, 226 W. College Ave., was temporarily closed last week due to health code violations.
This story was originally published March 10, 2020 at 11:34 AM.