Reading's Public Health Rules: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles public health rules a little differently. In Reading, Pennsylvania, there are 2 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Food Handler Certification

Reading requires every food establishment to have a certified food employee on staff under a Department of Agriculture certification, with a 90-day grace period for new or lapsed compliance.

Key details: Compliance window: 90 days. Certifying agency: PA Dept. of Agriculture. Application fee: $50 processing fee. Exempt: Prepackaged-only, nonprofit food sales.

Failing to renew the permit can trigger suspension or revocation, closing the food establishment until it comes back into compliance with the Food Code, per § 8-601.30(D).

Rodent Control

City of Reading property owners must exterminate insect and rodent infestations using Health Officer-approved methods, and nonprofessional rodenticide use is limited to anticoagulant bait.

Key details: Enforced by: City Health Officer, Berks County. Rodenticide rule: Anticoagulant bait only, nonprofessional. Max fine: $1,000 plus costs per violation. Code section: Ch. 288, Part 1, § 288-106.

Violating the Health Code carries a fine up to $1,000 plus costs; nonpayment brings up to 30 days in jail, with each day a separate offense (§ 288-115).

The Bottom Line

Reading's public health rules rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Reading is broadly strict or permissive.

Keep in mind that Reading can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.