WEST CHESTER, PA — The Chester County Health Department reported multiple food safety and sanitation violations at three licensed food facilities following inspections conducted Tuesday, March 3.
The findings were documented in inspection reports released by the department, which regularly evaluates restaurants, grocery stores, schools and other establishments that serve food to the public.
Health officials note that inspections represent conditions observed at the time of the visit and may not reflect the overall long-term sanitation or food safety practices of a facility.
China Chef, located at 3237 Lincoln Highway in Thorndale, was cited for several violations related to food storage, sanitation procedures and facility cleanliness.
According to the inspection report, the chlorine concentration in the sanitizing solution at the facility’s three-bay warewashing sink measured zero parts per million rather than the required 50 to 100 parts per million. The person in charge corrected the sanitizer solution during the inspection.
Inspectors also observed several food storage issues throughout the facility.
The report stated that multiple food items were stored uncovered and that raw shelled eggs were stored above ready-to-eat foods in a two-door preparation table. The person in charge relocated the eggs to prevent potential cross-contamination.
Food temperature violations were also noted.
Inspectors reported fried chicken being held at 58°F on a counter next to the fryers rather than at the required 41°F or below. The food was moved to the walk-in cooler after staff indicated it had been out for less than two hours.
Additional violations included an open employee beverage container on a food preparation table, which was removed during the inspection.
Inspectors also observed employee personal items stored throughout the facility rather than in a designated storage area.
The report cited several labeling and equipment concerns, including containers of sugar, salt and MSG that were not labeled with the common name of the food.
The facility was also cited for using plastic grocery bags to store food items, which inspectors noted are not food-grade storage containers.
Improper utensil storage was also documented.
Inspectors observed a utensil stored under a rice cooker near the oven and bowls being used as scoops in containers of soy sauce and pork. The bowls were removed during the inspection.
Sanitation procedures were also addressed during the visit.
According to the report, an employee took the temperature of raw chicken, wiped the thermometer with a paper towel and returned it to a shelf. Inspectors explained the requirement to sanitize thermometers after use, and the thermometer was sanitized on site.
Additional violations included non-food contact surfaces that required cleaning, including the exterior of a rice cooker and the wall and fixtures near the facility’s back door.
A follow-up inspection at King’s Garden Restaurant, located at 308 South High Street in West Chester, identified multiple violations related to food handling, storage and facility maintenance.
According to the report, lo mein noodles were not cooled within required time limits after preparation.
Food must be cooled from 135°F to 70°F within two hours and then from 70°F to 41°F within an additional four hours. The noodles were voluntarily discarded.
Inspectors also reported moldy lettuce in the facility’s walk-in refrigerator, which was also discarded during the inspection.
The report cited additional violations involving food labeling and storage.
Food ingredient containers in the kitchen were not labeled with the common name of the contents, and inspectors stated that some food items could not be identified. Those items were voluntarily discarded.
Inspectors also reported the reuse of tofu containers intended for single use and the use of non-NSF approved containers for food storage.
The report stated that painted wire baskets were being used in direct contact with food despite the paint chipping and metal rusting.
Improper utensil storage was also noted.
A food dispensing utensil was observed stored directly in a container of rice rather than with the handle above the food surface.
Inspectors also documented ventilation and equipment concerns at the facility.
According to the report, a smoker was not connected to an exhaust system or covered by a vent hood, resulting in grease and condensation accumulating on walls, ceilings and fixtures. The facility was instructed to correct the issue by March 10.
Sanitation issues were also identified involving a deli slicer and a tabletop can opener.
Inspectors reported the slicer had visible food residue and must be disassembled, washed, rinsed and sanitized before further use and at minimum by March 10.
The can opener was described as rusted and not clean to sight and touch, and inspectors directed the facility to remove or replace the holster.
The inspection also cited building maintenance concerns, including exposed wiring above the cook line, surfaces that require cleaning throughout the facility and food stored less than six inches above the floor.
Inspectors also reported wood surfaces in food preparation areas, including shelves in the walk-in cooler and blocks supporting tables, which must be resurfaced, sealed or replaced.
Sanitizer levels in the facility’s three-bay warewashing sink measured 25 parts per million rather than the required 50 to 100 parts per million.
Inspectors additionally noted personal items stored in the basement that must be removed to allow for proper cleaning.
Violations were also identified at The Learning Experience child care facility, located at 476 Creamery Way in Exton.
According to the report, inspectors observed non-food contact surfaces requiring additional cleaning, including walls near the preparation sink and the interior of cabinet drawers.
Inspectors also reported that two electric roasters used at the facility were not commercial-grade equipment and must be replaced.
The report also cited countertop surfaces with missing laminate that must be repaired or resurfaced to create smooth, non-absorbent and easily cleanable surfaces.
The Chester County Health Department states that routine inspections are conducted to help ensure compliance with food safety standards.
Residents who observe unsanitary conditions at a food establishment can submit a complaint through the county’s Environmental Health Complaint form at https://www.chesco.org/5843.
Officials say individuals who become ill after eating at a food establishment should call the department directly at 610-344-6225.
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