WEST CHESTER, PA — Chester County’s newest round of food safety inspections revealed a series of concerning violations at several popular establishments, with issues ranging from improper food storage and missing safety tags to temperature abuses and sanitation lapses. The reports, released by the Chester County Health Department for inspections performed on Wednesday, offer a detailed look at the current health and safety status of licensed food facilities across the county.
Officials cautioned that each inspection represents only a snapshot in time and may not reflect long-term practices. Still, the findings spotlight the need for continued vigilance from both operators and patrons. Residents who observe unsafe conditions are encouraged to submit a confidential Environmental Health Complaint, while anyone who becomes ill after patronizing a food establishment is urged to call 610-344-6225.
At Alberto’s Café Inc., trading as Teca R on East Gay Street in West Chester, inspectors cited multiple violations involving food handling, storage, and sanitation. Staff were observed keeping food in opened metal cans inside the walk-in refrigerator, a practice that can lead to rust contamination. Shellstock was stored without identification tags, and raw fish was found above ready-to-eat foods, posing a cross-contamination risk. Inspectors also reported cooked short rib stored directly on the floor, calamari held at an unsafe 55 degrees, and multiple uncovered items in the walk-in cooler. Additional violations included improperly stored wiping cloths, missing handwashing reminders, inadequate date marking, unclean food-contact surfaces such as the ice machine and deli slicer, and incorrect dishwashing procedures. Several issues were corrected during the inspection.
Across town at the Giant Food Store on Boot Road in East Goshen, temperature control and sanitation problems were among the key findings. Dressings at the cold bar were stored at 45 degrees instead of the required 41 degrees or below. Inspectors also noted widespread buildup of dirt and debris behind equipment in several departments, cheese in the deli past its date-marking limit, a missing temperature indicator for the high-heat dishwasher, improperly stored mops in the Starbucks area, and quaternary sanitizer in produce measuring below required levels. Staff replaced the empty sanitizer bag during the visit.
Pica’s Restaurant on West Chester Pike was cited for cleanliness and equipment issues. Inspectors ordered the ice machine to be cleaned and sanitized and required the replacement of deeply etched cutting boards. Staff were reminded that only a plain wedding band is permitted as hand or wrist jewelry while working. The kitchen’s sanitizing sink was found with a quaternary ammonium concentration of 0 ppm, far below the required 200 to 400 ppm. Walls and floors in the warewashing area required cleaning, and a slow-draining floor line near the dishwasher and server station needed repair. A plumber arrived during the inspection to address the issue.
County officials stressed that consistent compliance with food safety regulations is essential in preventing foodborne illness and protecting the public. While many violations were corrected on-site, follow-up inspections may occur to ensure sustained improvement.
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