WEST CHESTER, PA — Three Chester County food establishments were cited for a series of violations during inspections conducted Tuesday, with county health officials reporting repeat infractions, temperature-control issues, blocked handwashing sinks, and cleaning deficiencies across multiple locations.
Health officials emphasized that inspection results represent a “snapshot” of conditions observed at the time of visit and may not reflect an establishment’s long-term food safety performance. Still, the latest reports highlight several concerns and reminders for operators to maintain safe and sanitary environments.
At La Sicilia in Oxford, inspectors documented multiple repeat violations. A food employee was again observed washing hands in a three-compartment sink instead of at a designated handwashing station. The facility also continued reusing single-use food containers, including storing raw chicken in a container previously used for parmesan cheese. The warewashing machine registered wash temperatures between 107 and 113 degrees Fahrenheit — below the required minimum of 120 degrees — prompting a directive for repair.
Inspectors also called for extensive cleaning behind the cookline, around freezers, and along utility piping, and noted an empty soap dispenser at a hand sink. Old equipment, including a refrigerator and grease trap, was ordered removed, and an unlabeled container of cleaner required on-the-spot correction.
Taco Picoso in Toughkenamon received violations related to food safety practices and employee hygiene. Inspectors instructed staff to secure hair to prevent contamination, discontinue the use of grocery bags on a tortilla press, and stop reheating meat in a steam table, which can only hold food at temperature. Cooked foods such as salsa lacked date marking, and a blocked handwashing sink made proper hygiene impossible.
At Villa St. Martha in Downingtown, temperature control issues led to the disposal of half-and-half stored at 66 degrees Fahrenheit — far above the required 41 degrees or colder. A deli slicer was found with food residue, and non-food contact surfaces throughout the warewashing and prep areas showed accumulations of dirt and soil, requiring deep cleaning.
Additional violations included an inaccurate thermometer for the high-temperature dishwasher, a blocked hand sink, a leak under a counter that could attract pests, and improperly stored mops that were not hung to dry.
County officials urge residents to report unsanitary conditions by submitting a confidential Environmental Health Complaint. Anyone who becomes ill after eating at a food establishment should contact the Health Department at 610-344-6225.
For the latest news on everything happening in Chester County and the surrounding area, be sure to follow MyChesCo on Google News and MSN.