ERIE, Pa. — Health officials in Erie County have released their latest round of restaurant inspections, highlighting several critical violations at local eateries that could pose risks to public safety. The inspections, conducted between Oct. 29 and Nov. 6, 2025, uncovered issues ranging from improper food temperatures to inadequate safety plans, according to a report from the Erie County Department of Health published on Yahoo News.
At the top of the list is O'Charley's, located at 2077 Interchange Road in Millcreek Township, which racked up four critical violations during an inspection on Oct. 29. Inspectors noted that the restaurant was vacuum sealing steaks without an approved Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) plan, a requirement designed to prevent foodborne illnesses. Additionally, catfish stored in a chill drawer on the cooking line was not maintained at a sufficiently cold temperature, and hot foods that should have been held at least 135 degrees were found between 110 and 123 degrees. An employee was also observed talking on a cell phone while wearing gloves and then returning to work without changing them, potentially contaminating food preparation areas.
The report detailed one noncritical violation at O'Charley's as well, though specifics were not elaborated in the document. These findings come amid ongoing efforts by the Erie County Department of Health to ensure all restaurants and food-selling stores are inspected at least once a year, a standard practice aimed at safeguarding consumers from health hazards like bacterial contamination or improper handling.
Just down the road, Underdog BBQ at 2714 W. Eighth St. in Millcreek Township faced a single critical violation on the same day, Oct. 29, for vacuum sealing steaks without the necessary HACCP plan. This echoes a similar issue at O'Charley's, suggesting a potential pattern in how some establishments handle meat preservation. Health experts emphasize that HACCP plans are essential for identifying and controlling risks in food processing, particularly for methods like vacuum sealing that can create anaerobic environments conducive to bacterial growth if not managed properly.
Further inspections revealed problems at the Sportsmen's Athletic Club, situated at 2727 W. Eighth St., also in Millcreek Township. On Nov. 5, inspectors discovered several packages of lunch meats dated Oct. 15 and Oct. 22 still in refrigeration, well past safe consumption periods. This critical violation was accompanied by one noncritical issue, underscoring the importance of proper inventory management to avoid serving expired products. The club's location in a bustling area popular with locals and visitors alike makes such lapses particularly concerning for community health.
In contrast, Saigon Nights at 2430 W. Eighth St. in Millcreek Township received only one noncritical violation during its Oct. 30 inspection. While the exact nature of the violation wasn't specified in the report, noncritical issues typically involve less immediate threats, such as minor sanitation lapses or equipment maintenance, and are often easier to rectify without posing direct risks to patrons.
The report also highlighted a positive note with several establishments correcting previous violations. For instance, Bro Man's Sammiches at 8228 Peach St. in Summit Township addressed its prior issues by Nov. 5, as did the Skunk & Goat Tavern at 12 W. Main Road in North East Borough on the same date. Other spots like Country Fair at 957 E. 26th St., Dunkin' at 671 E. Columbus Ave. in Corry on Nov. 3, and Dollar Tree at 1914 Keystone Drive in Summit Township on Nov. 3, all demonstrated compliance after earlier citations.
Continuing the list of corrections, the Super 8 at 8040 Perry Highway in Summit Township resolved its violations by Oct. 31, alongside Lake View Country Club at 8351 Station Road in North East Township on the same day. Lumi Cafe at the Erie Sports Center, 8161 Oliver Road, also cleared its record on Oct. 31, as did Circle K at 3327 Pine Ave. The Splash Lagoon venues, including the Laguna Cafe and The Surf Bar both at 8091 Peach St., corrected issues on Oct. 30, and Fort LeBoeuf Middle School Cafeteria at 865 Cherry St. in Waterford Borough followed suit on the same date.
These inspections are part of a broader initiative by the Erie County Department of Health to monitor food safety across the region, which includes urban areas like Erie and smaller townships. According to the department's guidelines, critical violations are those that could directly lead to foodborne illness, such as temperature abuses or cross-contamination, while noncritical ones are more about general upkeep. The report, originally appearing in the Erie Times-News and republished on Yahoo, serves as a public resource for residents to stay informed about local dining options.
A cross-verification from another Yahoo summary noted that health inspectors found six critical violations in total during the period from Oct. 30 to Nov. 6, aligning closely with the detailed accounts but starting the timeline a day later. This minor discrepancy in dates doesn't alter the core findings, as the primary report includes Oct. 29 inspections that account for some of the violations. Both sources confirm the focus on establishments in Millcreek Township, a hub for dining and entertainment in Erie County.
To provide context, Erie County's inspection program has been in place for years, with officials conducting routine checks to comply with state health regulations. In past years, similar reports have led to temporary closures or fines for repeat offenders, though none were mentioned in this latest roundup. Local restaurateurs often view these inspections as opportunities for improvement, with many quickly addressing violations to maintain customer trust.
For example, temperature control issues like those at O'Charley's are common pitfalls in the industry, where busy kitchens can lead to oversights. The employee glove incident highlights the need for strict hygiene protocols, especially in post-pandemic times when public awareness of food safety has heightened. Vacuum sealing without HACCP approval, seen at both O'Charley's and Underdog BBQ, violates federal guidelines intended to prevent outbreaks of pathogens like Clostridium botulinum.
Looking ahead, establishments cited for critical violations are typically subject to follow-up inspections to ensure corrections. The Erie County Department of Health encourages the public to report any concerns about food safety, potentially triggering additional checks. As winter approaches, with increased indoor dining, these reports underscore the ongoing vigilance required to protect community health in Pennsylvania's northwestern corner.
The implications extend beyond individual restaurants, touching on broader public health strategies in Erie County, home to over 270,000 residents. With tourism boosting spots like Splash Lagoon and local clubs, maintaining high standards is crucial for the local economy. Officials have not announced any immediate actions against the cited venues, but history suggests that persistent issues could lead to escalated measures.
In summary, this inspection period reflects a mix of challenges and successes in Erie County's food service sector, with critical violations prompting calls for better practices while corrections demonstrate responsiveness. As the department continues its annual oversight, diners can use these reports to make informed choices, contributing to a safer eating environment for all.