WEST CHESTER, PA — A new round of health inspections across Chester County has uncovered significant food safety violations at multiple schools, restaurants, and major retailers, raising pointed questions about how some facilities are managing everyday public health risks.
The Chester County Health Department released detailed reports Thursday outlining the findings, which span a wide range of concerns — from improper food temperatures and cross-contamination risks to inadequate sanitizing practices and equipment failures. Officials emphasized that inspections reflect conditions at a single moment in time, but urged residents to report unsafe environments when observed.
At Bethany Christian School in Oxford, inspectors documented raw eggs stored above ready-to-eat foods, a refrigerator fluctuating between unsafe temperatures, and improper warewashing methods. All temperature-compromised foods were discarded on-site, and the school was instructed not to use the malfunctioning refrigerator until repairs are completed.
More serious issues were reported at Conshohocken Brewing Company’s Phoenixville location, where inspectors found numerous violations signaling systemic breakdowns in food safety oversight. Employees failed to wash hands between tasks, did not use proper hair restraints, and handled food with contaminated gloves. Investigators also observed personal cell phones stored on food preparation surfaces, improperly cooled or reheated foods, missing thermometers, mold-like debris on equipment, blocked handwashing stations, and chemicals stored near food. Several foods held at unsafe temperatures — both hot and cold — were voluntarily discarded.
At the Giant Food Store on Eagleview Boulevard in Uwchlan Township, violations included inadequate sanitizing concentrations, malfunctioning refrigeration units with heavy ice buildup, substandard warewashing temperatures, and bakery and deli equipment requiring extensive cleaning. A high-temperature dishwasher in the bakery section was taken out of service after failing to reach required sanitizing temperatures.
Inspectors also cited the Wawa on South Hanover Street in North Coventry for improperly stored chicken strips held at temperatures well below the required 135 degrees Fahrenheit. The warmer was taken out of service pending repair. Additional violations included unclean handwashing sinks, dirty equipment surfaces, ice buildup in freezers, and widespread debris on floors throughout prep and storage areas.
County officials reminded the public that all complaints remain confidential and encouraged residents who witness unsafe food handling to file an Environmental Health Complaint. Anyone who becomes sick after eating at a food establishment should instead contact the Health Department directly at 610-344-6225.
The inspection program covers restaurants, schools, grocery stores, convenience stores, and any facility licensed to serve food to the public.
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