WEST CHESTER, PA — Chester County health inspectors cited an Exton pizza restaurant for multiple food safety violations during an opening inspection Friday, including the absence of sanitizer for dishwashing, inadequate food labeling practices, and deficiencies involving handwashing facilities.
According to inspection records released by the Chester County Health Department, inspectors identified seven violations at Mimi’s Pizza, located at 31 Marchwood Road in Exton, during a June 12 opening inspection.
Among the more significant findings, inspectors reported that the facility had no sanitizer available for cleaning and sanitizing dishware. Chlorine bleach was purchased and brought to the facility during the inspection, and inspectors were informed that a self-mixing sanitizer system is scheduled for installation next week.
The inspection report also noted that ready-to-eat foods subject to time and temperature controls were being managed without required written procedures, while commercially processed meatballs, cheese, and salad dressings were not properly date-marked after opening.
Inspectors further cited the facility for unlabeled condiment bottles and dry ingredient containers, which can create food identification and food safety concerns.
Additional violations included a front serving area handwashing sink that failed to provide water at the minimum required temperature of 85 degrees Fahrenheit and a restroom door that lacked a self-closing mechanism.
The facility was also directed to obtain a Chester County Certified Food Manager certification within 60 days.
Elsewhere, inspectors documented two violations during a June 12 change-of-owner inspection at La Chiquita Mexican Market, 3185 Limestone Road in Cochranville.
According to the report, inspectors observed food-contact utensils and trays being used despite the facility lacking a required three-compartment sink for manual warewashing. The items were removed during the inspection, and the facility was instructed to use deli tissue for customer handling of bread products and to post appropriate signage.
Inspectors also discarded a container of peeled garlic that had been stored at room temperature because labeling did not indicate whether refrigeration was required. The department instructed the facility to maintain time/temperature-controlled foods at 41 degrees Fahrenheit or below and ensure products are properly labeled upon receipt.
The Chester County Health Department emphasized that inspection reports represent conditions observed at the time of inspection and may not reflect a facility’s long-term sanitation or food safety practices.
Facilities found to be in compliance during inspections included
- Brandywine Valley Active Aging in Coatesville,
- CVS Pharmacy in Nottingham,
- Dulce Monarca in West Grove,
- Fire – Nashville Hot Chicken in West Chester,
- Yori’s Church Street Bakery in West Chester,
- Foresta’s Country Meat Market in Phoenixville,
- Francesco’s Grill in Pottstown, and
- Star Gas Mart in Landenberg.
Residents who observe unsanitary conditions at a food establishment may submit a confidential environmental health complaint through the Chester County Health Department at https://www.chesco.org/5843. Individuals who become ill after eating at a food establishment are advised to call 610-344-6225.
Support the local news that supports Chester County. MyChesCo delivers reliable, fact-based reporting and essential community resources—free for everyone. If you value that, click here to become a patron today.