WEST CHESTER, PA — Chester County health inspectors uncovered a range of food safety and sanitation violations Friday at two West Chester food establishments, citing temperature control failures, hygiene lapses, and facility maintenance issues that prompted the immediate disposal of potentially hazardous foods.
According to inspection reports released by the Chester County Health Department, Brock & Co Food Service at CTDI Bette’s Cafe, located at 1336 Enterprise Drive, and the Pepper Mill at 813 North Chester Road were both cited during routine inspections conducted on Friday, December nineteen.
At CTDI Bette’s Cafe, inspectors documented multiple temperature violations involving time and temperature controlled for safety foods. A Coca-Cola drink cooler was found storing beverages at 43 degrees Fahrenheit, nearing the temperature danger zone, while yogurt and salads containing boiled egg and chicken were held at 48 degrees in a customer display cooler. Health officials ordered the disposal of those items and prohibited use of the affected unit until it can consistently maintain food at 41 degrees or below. Inspectors also cited the facility for inadequate cleaning, noting dirt and soil buildup on floors behind the oven in the front prep area.
More extensive violations were recorded at the Pepper Mill, where inspectors observed a food employee handling raw meat and then changing tasks without washing hands, a critical food safety breach corrected during the inspection. Temperature control issues were again a central concern. Cooked onions were found held at 77 degrees instead of the required 135 degrees or above and were reheated to 165 degrees during the visit. Additional foods in prep-top units and a two-door cooler were held at 46 degrees, leading to their disposal and an order that the units not be used until repaired or replaced.
Inspectors also cited the Pepper Mill for multiple date-marking violations involving ready-to-eat foods held beyond safe limits, uncovered food stored in a chest freezer, and soups and cooked vegetables kept past allowable holding periods. Structural and sanitation concerns included loose and broken floor tiles, taped ceiling tiles in storage areas, cardboard used as shelf lining, missing handwashing signage in customer restrooms, and heavy dirt accumulation on shelves, floors, walls, and around the ice machine.
Health department officials emphasized that inspections represent only a snapshot in time and may not reflect an establishment’s long-term compliance. They urged residents to report unsanitary conditions or suspected food safety issues through the county’s confidential environmental health complaint process. Anyone who becomes ill after eating at a food establishment is advised to contact the Chester County Health Department directly at 610-344-6225.
Inspection reports are intended to inform the public about health and safety conditions at licensed food facilities throughout Chester County, including restaurants, grocery stores, cafeterias, and other venues that serve food to the public.
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