EXTON, PA — A routine health inspection at Fontana Pizza & Grill on December 5 revealed a series of concerning food safety violations, prompting Chester County health officials to call for immediate corrective action at the Exton establishment.
The Chester County Health Department reported that food workers were observed entering the kitchen from outdoors and handling food without washing their hands. Another employee was seen touching cooked, ready-to-eat pizza with bare hands, a direct violation of food safety standards. Inspectors ordered staff retraining to address both issues.
Improper food storage was also documented. Multiple items in the freezer and prep stations were found uncovered, while commercially processed foods and sliced deli meats in the walk-in cooler were not date-marked as required. The report noted that some time/temperature controlled items — including cheese, cooked onions, and mushrooms — were being held at 46°F, above the mandated 41°F maximum. Coleslaw found beyond its date mark was discarded on-site.
Inspectors additionally cited the pizzeria for failing to maintain written procedures for using time instead of temperature to control food safety for displayed pizzas. Two pizzas were found on display with no time records, prompting further staff retraining.
Sanitation concerns extended beyond food handling. A tabletop can opener blade contained food residue, and inspectors said the kitchen required a deep, comprehensive cleaning. Areas flagged included the dough prep zone, microwave surfaces, lower walls and floors, and shelving in the walk-in cooler. The milkshake machine was also cited for lack of upkeep and may need removal if not in active use.
Other facility issues included a cloth stored improperly in the handwashing sink, damaged FRP wall surfaces in the prep area, missing soap at a handwashing station, and the absence of required handwashing reminder signage. Some of these issues were corrected during the inspection.
County health officials emphasized that inspections represent only a snapshot of conditions on a given day. They encourage the public to report unsanitary conditions through the Environmental Health Complaint process or call 610-344-6225 if illness occurs after dining at a local food establishment.
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