WEST CHESTER, PA — County health inspectors cited multiple food safety and sanitation violations at two popular Chester County eateries following routine inspections conducted February 3, according to reports released by the Chester County Health Department.
Officials emphasized that inspections represent a snapshot in time and may not reflect an establishment’s overall long-term food safety practices. Still, inspectors documented conditions requiring correction at both locations.
At Jitters, located at 146 West Gay Street in West Chester, inspectors observed several violations involving food handling, equipment sanitation, and facility maintenance. Food contact surfaces inside the ice machine and soda nozzle holster were found with visible residue and required cleaning and sanitizing. Cut citrus fruit was held at 54 degrees Fahrenheit instead of the required 41 degrees or below and was voluntarily discarded.
Inspectors also noted gaps in basement access doors that could allow pests to enter, the reuse of single-use plastic containers, soda lines installed in an ice bin used for customer beverages, and the absence of air temperature thermometers in refrigerators storing potentially hazardous foods. The facility was directed to correct the issues.
In Downingtown, inspectors identified a broader range of violations at The Borough, located at 149 to 151 East Lancaster Avenue. An employee in the sushi area was observed washing hands while wearing gloves, a practice that violates proper handwashing procedures. Risotto was found cooling at room temperature before being moved to a walk-in cooler, and a non-commercial toaster oven was being used in a food preparation area, which inspectors ordered removed within one week.
Additional violations included raw steaks stored above ready-to-eat foods, temperature control issues with lemon aioli, utensils stored in water below required hot-holding temperatures, and improper storage of a scoop inside an ice machine. Inspectors also cited sanitizer failures in dishwashing equipment, opened food cans stored improperly, insufficient sanitizing water temperatures, and employee personal food stored alongside customer food.
Health officials said corrective actions were taken on-site for several issues, while others will require repairs or follow-up to ensure compliance.
The Chester County Health Department encourages residents who observe unsanitary conditions or suspect food safety issues to submit an environmental health complaint at https://www.chesco.org/5843. Complaints are investigated confidentially. Individuals who become ill after eating at a food establishment are urged to call 610-344-6225 rather than filing an online complaint.
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