Sabatino’s Mobile Pizza on E. Boot Road was closed by Health Inspectors last week after a series of health violations were observed during a second inspection of the food truck.

“During a follow-up inspection of the above-referenced facility, the facility was observed to be operating without the necessary knowledge and active managerial control to prevent the occurrence of known foodborne illness risk factors,” Environmental Health Specialist Nicole Abernethy wrote.

“Additionally, an inadequate supply of fresh water was available for handwashing, dishwashing, etc. An imminent health hazard existed due to the number and severity of the uncontrolled risks. Pursuant to §8-404.11 of the 2022 FDA Food Code, the facility was required to cease operations until the imminent health hazard can be abated,” she added.

Violations included an employee touching cooked eggs, beef, and a bun with bare hands. The truck also had no fresh water in its tank at the time of the inspection. Some water was found stored in a previously used Simple Green container. Simple Green, an all-purpose cleaner, is a toxic and poisonous substance. The report does not say what that water was being used for.

Food was also found stored in the cooler open with no covering, and left in open metal cans. There were frozen food boxes stored directly on the dirty floor, a vape pen found lying on the plates, and loose medicine left by the register. Bags of fries were stored under the grill on top of soiled rags, and sausage, onions, cheese, and tomato sauce were found in the pizza prep area at temperatures between 55-56°F rather than 41°F as required.

The inspector also found evidence that food is being kept on the truck overnight, even though the person in charge (PIC) claimed otherwise.

“PIC stated that all foods on the truck had arrived from the approved commissary this morning. However, foods were uncovered, melted, and appeared to have been stored overnight,” the inspector wrote. She also chided that same PIC for not knowing food safety protocols.

“The Person in Charge does not have adequate knowledge of food safety in this food facility as evidenced by this non-compliant follow-up inspection,” she wrote.

The food truck cannot resume operations until it can show it has corrected the noted violations and retrained its employees on proper food safety techniques. This is the second time the Health Department has been at the unit this fall

For more details and a complete list of reports, go to the PA Food Safety website and search by location.