WEST CHESTER, PA — A new round of Chester County Health Department inspections uncovered a slate of troubling violations across several restaurants this week, including spoiled food, unsafe temperatures, sanitation lapses, structural issues, and — in one case — a full-blown cockroach infestation.
The reports, released following Nov. 18 inspections, detail problems ranging from mislabeled chemicals to dangerous sanitizing concentrations, raising fresh concerns about consumer safety ahead of the busy holiday dining season.
1339 BBQ LLC @ The Brickette Lounge
Inspectors cited the Pottstown Pike restaurant for multiple temperature-control and sanitation violations. Expired milk and house-made bacon cream cheese held longer than 24 hours were discarded on-site. The basement ice machine and bar soda gun nozzles were coated with residue. Walls, floors, shelving, and drains throughout the facility showed heavy soil buildup, requiring deep cleaning and repairs.
Inspectors also noted a slow-draining sink, damaged surfaces in restrooms, an improperly labeled sanitizer bottle, and quaternary ammonium sanitizer measuring above 400 ppm — a level not approved for food-contact surfaces.
Freddy’s Frozen Custard
At the Wilmington Pike location, cheeses in the grill area measured 48–50°F and milk in the custard area hit 47°F — well above the required 41°F. The milk was discarded on-site. Staff were directed to begin using time as a control for temperature-sensitive foods.
The inspection also found residue inside the ice machine and on a can opener blade, a lack of soap at a cook-line sink, and dirty non-food-contact surfaces, including fans and floors behind equipment.
Kaanchi Indian Cuisine (Complaint Inspection)
Inspectors reported “multigenerational cockroaches” throughout the Thorndale restaurant’s kitchen and storage areas — one of the most severe findings in this round of inspections.
The facility was ordered to immediately seal cracks, deep clean all surfaces, remove food debris and grease buildup, bring in a certified pest control operator, and continue bi-weekly treatments. Cardboard storage must be eliminated, incoming shipments monitored, and all food kept covered as part of the remediation plan.
The Tomato Shack Salad & Pizza Co.
The West Gay Street location was cited for several sanitation and food-safety missteps, including improper use of milk crates for storage, dirty caulk on the three-bay sink, and residue on the fountain soda machine.
Inspectors also warned of cross-contamination risk due to the setup of sink drainboards, requiring staff retraining and procedural changes. Additional cleaning and repainting were ordered in the lower-level prep area.
The Chester County Health Department said each facility is required to correct violations and may face follow-up inspections to ensure compliance.
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