WEST CHESTER, PA — The Chester County Health Department reported multiple food safety violations following inspections conducted Wednesday at several licensed food establishments across the county.
Health officials said inspection reports represent conditions observed at the time of inspection and may not reflect a facility’s long-term sanitation or food safety practices.
Inspectors documented violations at restaurants and food retailers in Oxford, Kennett Square, Avondale, and West Chester.
At Hong Kong Chinese Restaurant, located at 318 E. Market St. in Oxford, inspectors cited repeat violations involving inconsistent date-marking of ready-to-eat foods stored in a walk-in refrigerator.
Inspectors also observed foods stored uncovered in refrigeration units, raw chicken stored directly on the cooler floor, and knives kept between table edges where they could not be easily cleaned or sanitized.
Additional violations included employee medication stored above a food preparation area, loose door gaskets on refrigeration equipment, and food items stored above safe temperature limits in a bain-marie unit.
According to the report, several temperature-controlled foods including raw chicken, shrimp, pork, and noodles measured between 44°F and 48°F.
Those foods were discarded during the inspection and the refrigeration unit’s thermostat was adjusted.
At Kennett Quick & Fresh Mart, located at 536 S. Union St. in Kennett Square, inspectors found improperly cooled rice stored in a walk-in cooler at 71°F.
The rice was discarded during the inspection.
Inspectors also cited the facility for failing to sanitize dishes properly during cleaning and for milk and creamer stored at temperatures between 47°F and 48°F at a coffee station.
Those items were also discarded.
Other violations included the absence of drain plugs for a three-compartment sink and paper towels placed on restroom surfaces rather than in a dispenser.
At Perkins Restaurant, 954 Gap Newport Pike in Avondale, inspectors reported that chicken noodle soup stored in a walk-in refrigerator had not cooled to safe temperatures within the required time frame.
The soup measured between 57°F and 62°F and was discarded.
Inspectors also cited the restaurant for plumbing issues, including a leaking faucet at the three-compartment sink and a clogged mop sink that was cleared during the inspection.
Additional violations included a broken paper towel dispenser and missing wall tiles near the mop sink.
The most extensive list of violations was reported at Taqueria Mi Ranchito, located at 303 W. Boot Road in West Chester.
Inspectors observed several food safety violations, including improper handwashing practices by employees, raw animal products stored above ready-to-eat foods, and foods stored uncovered in refrigeration units.
Inspectors also reported ham, chorizo, and bacon held between 47°F and 58°F rather than at or below the required 41°F.
Those foods were stored above the fill line of the prep unit, which inspectors said is not designed for cold holding.
Additional violations included the use of non-food-grade containers such as hardware store buckets and storage bins for food storage, the absence of sanitizer test strips for dishwashing chemicals, and cleaning chemicals stored in unlabeled spray bottles.
Inspectors also found food stored directly on the floor, employee beverages in food preparation areas, and medications stored above food and equipment.
The report also noted that the facility did not employ a certified food manager as required by county regulations.
Health officials said residents who observe unsanitary conditions at food establishments can submit complaints through the Chester County Environmental Health Complaint system at https://www.chesco.org/5843 or call 610-344-6225 if they become ill after eating at a food facility.
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