EXTON, PA — Health inspectors fanned out across Chester County this week, documenting a wide range of food safety and sanitation violations at restaurants, school cafeterias, and national chains, according to reports released by the Chester County Health Department.
The inspections, conducted on Wednesday, offer what officials stress is a snapshot in time rather than a comprehensive measure of an establishment’s long-term compliance. Still, the findings reveal recurring problems ranging from improper food storage and temperature control to broken equipment and sanitation lapses.
At Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers on Eagleview Boulevard in Exton, inspectors cited multiple issues, including employee beverages stored alongside food, broken dishwashing equipment, insufficient hot water at a prep sink, and the use of pallets in a walk-in freezer that prevented proper cleaning. The facility was also ordered to clean soda nozzles, remove unused equipment, repair a malfunctioning freezer compressor, and post a valid Certified Food Manager certificate for public view.
Nearby, Hot Wok PA 30 Inc. on Lincoln Highway was cited for reusing single-use containers, improper storage of raw chicken above ready-to-eat foods, unlabeled ingredients, missing handwashing signage, and holding ready-to-eat foods without required date markings. Inspectors also observed cleaning chemicals stored improperly and food-contact utensils left buried in dry goods.
In Chester Springs, Manhattan Bagel on East Uwchlan Avenue was flagged for a lengthy list of violations, including uncovered baked goods, expired cream cheese, toxic paint stored above single-use cups, and orange juice held above the required temperature. Inspectors also cited the lack of a consumer advisory for undercooked eggs, inadequate handwashing water temperature at a rear sink, damaged food-contact surfaces, and a leaking drain line inside a walk-in freezer.
At Montgomery School on Kimberton Road, Metz Culinary Services was cited for improper hot holding of chicken products that failed to reach the required 135 degrees Fahrenheit, uncovered food on a self-service line, and the use of milk crates in walk-in units. Inspectors ordered immediate corrective action and repairs to a malfunctioning hot box by early January.
In West Chester, Mino Sushi Inc. on West Gay Street received one of the most extensive inspection reports. Violations included inadequate handwashing practices, unlabeled squeeze bottles, improper cooling procedures, missing parasite destruction records for fish, reused single-use containers, deeply scored cutting boards, and a lack of written procedures for sushi rice held without temperature control. Inspectors also cited blocked hand sinks, missing soap and towels, and the need for professional hood cleaning.
Farther south in Oxford, a Wendy’s on North Third Street was cited for excessive grease buildup behind the cookline, a malfunctioning hot water faucet at a hand sink, broken floor tiles near the soft-serve machine, and sanitizer concentrations below required levels. Management reported that repairs and corrective actions were underway.
The Chester County Health Department emphasizes that inspections reflect conditions observed at the time of the visit and that many violations are corrected during or shortly after inspections. Follow-up visits may be conducted to verify compliance, particularly where deadlines were set for repairs or corrective actions.
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