WEST CHESTER, PA — A sweeping round of restaurant and retail food inspections across Chester County on Monday exposed a series of sanitation, maintenance, and food-handling failures that health officials warn could pose risks to public safety if left uncorrected.
The Chester County Health Department released inspection reports from January 12 showing violations at multiple food establishments ranging from casual dining restaurants and bakeries to national chains and grocery retailers. Officials stressed that each inspection represents only a snapshot in time but said the findings still offer an important look inside how safely food is being handled and prepared.
Among the locations cited was Aventura at Pembrooke, a restaurant on West Chester Pike in West Chester, where inspectors documented dented canned foods stored for use, a broken hand-washing sink in the food preparation area, ice buildup in a freezer, and widespread cleaning issues. Inspectors also reported missing temperature labels for the high-temperature dishwasher, making it impossible to verify whether dishes were being sanitized at the required 160 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. Stained or missing ceiling tiles in kitchen and storage areas were also ordered replaced.
At Burger King #26281 in London Grove, inspectors returned for a follow-up and found extensive cleaning and maintenance problems still needed attention. Heavy grease accumulation was observed behind the cook line, while floors, drains, sinks, bathrooms, and exhaust hood filters were all flagged for deep cleaning. A leaking food prep sink was added as a new plumbing violation, and loose trash was found in the outside dumpster corral. The restaurant was also ordered to submit a new certified food manager application after the previous manager left.
Downtown West Chester’s Country Bagel Bakery was cited for multiple food-safety lapses, including raw egg whites stored above ready-to-eat foods, unlabeled ingredient containers, and ready-to-eat foods held more than 24 hours without required date markings. Inspectors also found precooked bacon being held at 58 degrees Fahrenheit instead of the required 41 degrees or lower. Restricted-use pesticides and residential pest control devices were also found stored on site, which inspectors said must be removed because pest control must be handled by licensed professionals.
A follow-up inspection at Dollar General #16239 on Baltimore Pike in Nottingham revealed a repeat plumbing violation after water was again found leaking from the base of a toilet in the women’s restroom.
In Phoenixville, Rush Bowls was cited for a long list of sanitation and storage problems, including food stored directly on the floor, bulk containers lacking labels, ice buildup in freezers, dirty fan guards, and a heavily worn cutting board that must be replaced. Inspectors also found no paper towels or soap at some hand-washing sinks and drink carriers and straws stored on the floor behind the counter.
Health officials emphasized that inspections are designed to identify and correct problems, not to serve as final judgments about a business. Any establishment cited is expected to fix violations and remain subject to follow-up visits.
Residents who observe unsanitary conditions or believe a food safety issue needs investigation are urged to submit an Environmental Health Complaint to the Chester County Health Department. Anyone who becomes ill after eating at a food establishment should instead call 610-344-6225 so the incident can be investigated promptly.
The department said all complaints are kept confidential as inspectors continue their work to ensure that food served across Chester County meets basic standards of cleanliness and safety.
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