HARRISBURG, PA — County health inspectors cited multiple food safety and sanitation violations this week at a Trader Joe’s location in Exton, documenting temperature control failures and equipment issues during a routine inspection.
According to a report released by the Chester County Health Department, inspectors on December 15 identified five violations at Trader Joe’s #594, located at 125 West Lincoln Highway in Exton. The inspection covered both retail food areas and a demonstration room used for food preparation.
Among the most serious findings, inspectors reported that smoked fish and prepared salads, including chicken salad, were being held at temperatures between 48 and 52 degrees Fahrenheit in two refrigeration units. Food safety regulations require such items to be stored at 41 degrees or below. Staff removed the affected foods from shelves and discarded them during the inspection, and the department ordered the refrigeration units to be repaired or adjusted before being used again for food storage.
Inspectors also cited the use of a non-commercial-grade crockpot in the demo room, directing staff to remove the unit immediately and prohibiting its use for food preparation. In addition, a soap dispenser was found installed above a food preparation sink, which inspectors said must be reserved exclusively for food preparation, with handwashing conducted at a designated sink.
Other violations included the absence of a required handwashing reminder sign in the demo room and unfinished raw wood on a pocket door frame, which inspectors said must be sealed to create a smooth, non-porous, and non-absorbent surface suitable for a food facility.
Health officials emphasized that inspections represent a snapshot of conditions at the time they are conducted and may not reflect an establishment’s long-term compliance history. All cited issues require correction in accordance with county and state food safety regulations.
The Chester County Health Department said it continues to investigate complaints confidentially and monitors licensed food facilities across the county to ensure public health and safety standards are met.
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