CHESTER COUNTY, PA — A series of recent restaurant inspections by the Chester County Health Department uncovered a wide range of food safety violations at several establishments across the county, highlighting ongoing concerns about improper food handling, sanitation practices, and equipment maintenance.
The inspections, conducted on November 12 and 13, detail dozens of issues ranging from temperature abuses and cross-contamination risks to pest activity, inadequate employee training, and unsanitary conditions in both kitchen and waste storage areas.
At Double D Diner in Coatesville, inspectors documented an extensive list of violations, including mold-covered lemons, improperly stored opened canned goods, cooling procedures that could promote bacterial growth, and multiple instances of unsafe food temperatures. Eggs, milk, and sausage held well above required cold-holding temperatures were discarded on site. Cutting boards were heavily worn, utensils were stored in debris-filled containers, and raw chicken was stacked above ready-to-eat produce in the walk-in cooler. Inspectors also noted that handwashing stations lacked soap and paper towels, while mops, waste areas, and food-prep floors were described as extremely dirty.
Additional concerns included unlabeled ingredient containers, cleaning chemicals without proper identification, employee medications stored near spices, and leaks or disrepair in several pieces of equipment. The facility was instructed to retrain staff on numerous food-safety procedures and make repairs within one week.
A follow-up visit to La Peña Mexicana Taqueria in Kennett Square showed improvement after a previous pest issue. Inspectors reported no live roaches during the return visit, though several dead insects remained on the floor and in glue traps. The operator was directed to maintain pest-control efforts and ensure proper cleanup.
At Dunkin Donuts in Thorndale, inspectors cited unlabeled sugar containers, employees wearing jewelry during food prep, improper use of handwash sinks for dumping beverages, and a lack of a covered waste receptacle in the women’s restroom. Food-contact surfaces such as ice machines, scoops, and cutting-board brushes required cleaning, and outside waste areas were found to be excessively dirty. The facility was also advised to repair missing coving and remove unused equipment contributing to sanitation concerns.
Ocean Palace, also in Downingtown, was cited for cracked and scored storage containers, dirty floor drains, unlabeled ingredients, employee beverages in food-prep areas, a leaking handwash sink, and the presence of fly swatters in the kitchen. Inspectors also noted improper storage of utensils in spices, room-temperature soy sauce that required discarding, and personal items such as bedding and a hair dryer stored throughout the facility. Thermometers used for verifying food temperatures were also found to be uncalibrated.
At Sodexo at CFS School in Exton, inspectors reported expired ready-to-eat foods, raw eggs stored above cooked eggs, improper sanitizer concentration, and leaks at the dishwasher. Medication was also found stored above clean equipment.
Westminster Presbyterian Church in West Chester faced violations related to unlabeled packaged foods, a lack of functional thermometers, undated deli meats, and an unclean ice scoop. Inspectors also flagged a refrigerator holding multiple foods between 47°F and 48°F—significantly above safe storage temperatures—requiring all affected items to be discarded. Hot water was not available at the coffee-area sink.
The Health Department encourages residents who observe unsanitary conditions to submit an Environmental Health Complaint. Those who experience illness after dining at a food establishment should contact the department directly 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.