WEST CHESTER, PA — A routine health inspection at a well-known West Chester oyster bar uncovered a series of food safety and sanitation violations, prompting county officials to order immediate corrective actions and warn patrons that inspections capture conditions only at a specific moment in time.
The Chester County Health Department reported that an inspection conducted Friday at Greystone Oyster Bar, located at 7–11 N. Church St., identified numerous violations ranging from improper food handling and handwashing practices to equipment failures and facility maintenance concerns.
Among the most serious findings, inspectors documented that the chlorine sanitizer in the bar’s dishwasher registered at zero parts per million, far below the required 50 to 100 ppm needed to properly sanitize dishes. The unit was ordered taken out of service until repaired and properly tested.
Inspectors also cited a lack of adequate food safety oversight, noting that the person in charge did not demonstrate sufficient knowledge of food safety requirements. The establishment was further flagged for not having a Chester County Certified Food Manager on staff, a requirement for licensed food facilities. Officials instructed management to complete an approved food safety course and publicly post certification once obtained.
Several violations involved food handling practices that pose contamination risks. Inspectors observed employees failing to wash hands between handling dirty and clean dishes, personal food and drinks stored alongside customer food, and blocked handwashing sinks that were not readily accessible. In another instance, frozen meat loins were found thawing at room temperature, an unapproved method that can encourage bacterial growth.
Seafood handling drew particular scrutiny. Containers of shellstock lacked required identification tags, and fish, including branzino and tuna, were observed thawing in vacuum-sealed packaging, a practice prohibited due to the risk of toxin formation. Inspectors ordered that the fish be discarded and staff retrained on proper thawing procedures.
Facility-related issues were also noted, including gaps around a rear exterior door that could allow pests to enter, a leaking handwash sink, damaged caulking near the oyster ice bath, and food-contact equipment such as a deli slicer and ice scoop caddy that required cleaning and sanitizing. Inspectors additionally cited the reuse of single-use plastic oyster containers and the presence of an unlabeled chemical spray bottle in a server station.
Health department officials emphasized that inspections represent a snapshot of conditions at the time they are conducted and may not reflect an establishment’s long-term compliance history. Residents who observe unsanitary conditions or believe a food safety issue warrants investigation are encouraged to submit an environmental health complaint. Those who become ill after eating at a food establishment are advised to call the Chester County Health Department directly at 610-344-6225.
The health department did not indicate whether follow-up inspections or enforcement actions are pending, but instructed the establishment to address all cited violations promptly to restore full compliance.
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