WEST CHESTER, PA — County health inspectors cited multiple Chester County food establishments for a wide range of sanitation and food safety violations during inspections conducted Thursday, emphasizing that the findings represent conditions observed at the time of inspection and not necessarily an establishment’s long-term practices.
According to reports released by the Chester County Health Department, inspectors documented issues at restaurants across West Chester, Downingtown, Coatesville, and surrounding areas. The violations ranged from improper food storage and temperature control to sanitation failures involving equipment, utensils, and food-contact surfaces.
At El Limon in West Chester, inspectors observed food held at unsafe temperatures, improperly thawed fish, unlabeled food containers, blocked handwashing sinks, and a dishwasher operating without required sanitizer levels. Inspectors ordered multiple food items discarded and instructed management to make equipment repairs and complete required food safety certification.
Green Street Grill in Downingtown was cited for numerous violations including bare-hand contact with ready-to-eat food, improper hot and cold holding temperatures, raw meats stored above ready-to-eat items, unlabeled chemical spray bottles, and a lack of sanitizer in warewashing sinks. Several food items were voluntarily discarded during the inspection.
Inspectors at Market Street Grille in West Chester reported raw meats and eggs stored above ready-to-eat foods, expired or missing date markings on prepared items, food held at unsafe temperatures, a broken commercial cooler, and residue inside an ice machine. Multiple items were discarded or corrected on site.
A follow-up inspection at The Village Bowl Restaurant in Coatesville focused on plumbing concerns, where inspectors observed grease trap leakage and drainage backups linked to an undersized system. The facility was directed to make repairs to prevent overflows.
At Two Birds Cafe in West Chester, inspectors cited repeat violations involving time and temperature controls for prepared foods, unlabeled containers, uncovered items in refrigeration, expired sanitizer test strips, and mold-like buildup inside an ice machine. Several corrective actions were completed during the inspection, including cleaning and food disposal.
Health officials stressed that inspections are snapshots taken on a specific day and time and may not reflect overall compliance trends. The department encourages residents to report unsanitary conditions through its environmental health complaint system and advises anyone who becomes ill after dining out to contact the health department directly.
Inspection reports are part of the county’s effort to monitor food safety and protect public health, with follow-up inspections conducted when necessary to verify corrective actions.
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