WEST CHESTER, PA — Chester County health inspectors uncovered a wave of troubling food-safety violations across multiple restaurants, convenience stores, and food retailers on November 24, prompting renewed concerns about sanitation practices at several well-known establishments.
In its latest round of routine inspections, the Chester County Health Department documented malfunctioning equipment, improper food temperatures, unsanitary conditions, inadequate hand-washing supplies, and failure to employ certified food-safety personnel — issues that officials warn can elevate the risk of foodborne illness if not corrected swiftly.
At Bowling Green Brandywine in Kennett Square, health officials cited three violations, including a nonfunctioning dishwasher that must be repaired within 14 days. Inspectors noted that staff were forced to wash dishes manually and that the interior of the facility’s ice machine required thorough cleaning to remove accumulated residue.
A more extensive list of sanitation and safety failures surfaced at Joe’s Kwik Marts in Exton, operating under new ownership. Inspectors discovered cheese and packaged “perfect bars” being held at temperatures between 48°F and 50°F — far above the required 41°F threshold designed to prevent bacterial growth. The food items were discarded on-site, and the faulty cooling unit must be replaced before the retailer can resume storing temperature-controlled foods. Additional violations included a broken hot-holding cabinet, dirty non-food contact surfaces, an empty paper towel dispenser at a handwash sink, mops left to dry improperly, and the absence of a certified food manager.
A follow-up inspection at Tasty Table Catering in Berwyn identified serious issues with improper cooling methods. Inspectors found cooked turkeys sitting at ambient temperatures of 80–90°F, a condition that could allow harmful pathogens to multiply. The turkeys were discarded during the visit. Officials also cited heavily rusted refrigerator shelving, a failed sanitizer pump that tested at 0 ppm instead of the required 200–400 ppm, and multiple plumbing-related deficiencies — including leaks, disabled sinks, and missing air gaps needed to prevent backflow contamination.
At Dunkin’ Donuts in West Goshen, inspectors directed management to post required operational documents, remove prohibited jewelry worn by employees, recaulk or clean a soiled 3-bay sink, repair ice buildup in a walk-in freezer, sanitize the ice scoop and holder, fix a restroom sink leak, and supply hand soap to the same sink.
New Garden Produce in Kennett Square received a critical temperature-control violation after inspectors found milk, eggs, yogurt, meats, and cheese stored at 50–51°F inside a display case. All affected products were discarded, and inspectors ordered immediate servicing of the unit to ensure it maintains safe temperatures.
County officials stressed that inspection reports represent a snapshot in time and may not fully reflect a facility’s long-term sanitation practices. Still, residents are urged to report concerns related to food safety or unsanitary conditions. Environmental Health Complaints can be submitted confidentially, and anyone who becomes ill after eating at a food establishment should contact the county directly at 610-344-6225.
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