EXTON, PA — A customer complaint inspection at a combined Taco Bell and KFC restaurant in Exton uncovered multiple food safety and sanitation violations, according to a report released by the Chester County Health Department.
The inspection was conducted on Tuesday, December 30, at the Taco Bell-KFC located at 104 North Pottstown Pike in West Whiteland Township. Health officials cited the restaurant for several violations involving employee hygiene, handwashing practices, and improper food temperature control.
Inspectors observed food employees working in the chicken preparation area without hair restraints adequately covering all hair, prompting orders for staff retraining. Another violation was noted when an employee was seen handling the front register and then returning to food preparation duties without washing hands in between.
The report also cited improper storage of several sauces, including avocado ranch, creamy chipotle, spicy ranch, and creamy jalapeño, which were held at room temperature rather than refrigerated at 41 degrees Fahrenheit or below as required. Inspectors noted that product packaging indicates the sauces must be refrigerated and instructed the establishment to either comply with manufacturer requirements or provide documentation supporting alternative storage.
Additional concerns were raised over the handling of ready-to-eat foods requiring strict temperature controls. Inspectors found chicken nuggets and diced potatoes in the taco preparation area being hot-held below the required 135 degrees Fahrenheit, with measured temperatures of 115 and 125 degrees, respectively. The facility was also cited for using time in place of temperature controls without maintaining the required written procedures or documentation to track food disposition.
Health department officials emphasized that inspections represent a snapshot of conditions at the time they are conducted and may not reflect an establishment’s overall long-term compliance. The department encourages the public to report suspected unsanitary conditions through its Environmental Health Complaint process, with all complaints investigated confidentially.
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