WEST CHESTER, PA — The Chester County Health Department reported multiple food safety and sanitation violations following inspections conducted Tuesday at three licensed food facilities, while several others were found to be in compliance.
The inspections, which cover restaurants, grocery stores, and other food-serving establishments, represent conditions observed at the time of each visit and may not reflect long-term compliance, according to the department.
At ACME Markets #192 in Paoli, inspectors cited a range of violations, including improper food temperatures, missing shellfish identification tags, and inadequate sanitizer levels in a meat preparation area. Cut melons were found held above the required 41°F and were voluntarily discarded, the report stated.
Additional issues at the Paoli grocery store included rusted shelving, a leaking roof over the meat sales floor, malfunctioning equipment, and conditions that could support rodent activity in storage areas. Inspectors also noted that handwashing sinks in public restrooms did not reach the required minimum temperature.
At Montesano Bros Italian Market & Catering in Chester Springs, inspectors reported improper sanitizer concentrations in a dishwasher, unlabeled food items, and refrigeration violations involving dressing stored at room temperature. The report stated those items were discarded on site.
Other violations at the Chester Springs facility included improper warewashing setup, insufficient water temperatures in dishwashing equipment, and maintenance issues such as non-functioning exhaust fans and defective lighting. Several corrective actions were completed during the inspection, including adjusting water heater temperatures.
At Rick Petroleum LLC in Phoenixville, inspectors cited improper hot holding temperatures for cooked chicken, which was found at 116°F instead of the required 135°F or higher. The unit was adjusted during the inspection, and guidance was given to discard food every four hours.
The Phoenixville location also received citations for plumbing leaks, use of unsanitary sponges on food-contact surfaces, malfunctioning equipment, and mold buildup in a walk-in cooler. Structural concerns included cracked floor tiles, soiled ceiling tiles, and missing light shields.
Facilities reported in compliance following inspections included
- Charlestown Elementary School in Malvern;
- Coventryville United Methodist Church in Pottstown;
- CVS #1048 New/North Coventry in Pottstown;
- G Lodge/Schuylkill in Phoenixville (follow-up);
- Jimmy’s BBQ in Frazer (follow-up);
- Joey Chops in Malvern (follow-up);
- King’s Highway Elementary School in Coatesville;
- Kolapasi Indian Canteen in Malvern (opening);
- Morrison Management Specialists at Phoenixville Hospital in Phoenixville;
- Primo Hoagies in Phoenixville;
- Pudge’s Steaks & Hoagies in Pottstown;
- Rita’s Italian Ice in Kennett Square; and
- Twelve’s Grill & Cafe in West Grove (follow-up).
The health department said residents who observe unsanitary conditions at food establishments can file a complaint through its Environmental Health Complaint form at https://www.chesco.org/5843. Complaints are investigated confidentially.
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