WEST CHESTER, PA — Chester County health inspectors cited multiple food establishments Sunday for violations involving food temperature control, sanitation, handwashing and equipment maintenance, according to inspection reports released by the Chester County Health Department.
The inspections, conducted Sunday, May 18, covered restaurants and food service businesses across Chester County, including locations in Pottstown, West Chester and Phoenixville.
At King Wok Chinese Restaurant, inspectors documented multiple food safety violations, including moldy garlic and food containers in a walk-in cooler, unlabeled food containers and cooked vegetables held between 70 and 76 degrees rather than the required 41 degrees or below.
Inspectors also observed cooked chicken cooling while covered in a walk-in cooler, food stored in rusted wire baskets and direct contact with cardboard, and the reuse of single-use containers including tofu containers, cans and takeout containers.
Additional violations at the Pottstown establishment included food stored beneath a leaking compressor unit, missing date labels on ready-to-eat foods held longer than 24 hours, insufficient hot water at the three-bay sink and a rear screen door with gaps that could allow pest entry.
At Papa John’s Pizza, inspectors cited employees for failing to wash hands after handling a cellphone before preparing food.
The West Chester restaurant also received violations for rusted shelving above the three-bay sink, unclean food-contact equipment including a can opener and cookie cutters, and holes in an exterior alley door that inspectors determined could allow pests to enter the facility.
Inspectors at Rita’s Water Ice documented a lack of hot water at a handwashing sink behind the front counter and the absence of soap at another handwashing station.
The Phoenixville location also was cited for unclean handwashing sinks, improperly stored wiping cloths, an unlabeled bulk sugar container and a leaking faucet at the mop sink.
The facility additionally was cited for failing to maintain a Certified Food Manager, with inspectors giving the business 10 business days to provide proof that a full-time employee enrolled in an approved certification course.
Several facilities were listed in compliance following inspections, including Birchrun Hills Farm @ Phoenixville FM in Phoenixville, Microtel Inn & Suites in West Chester and Turkey Hill Minit Markets #109 in Downingtown.
The health department noted inspection reports represent conditions observed at the specific date and time of inspection and may not reflect the long-term operational status of a facility.
Residents who witness unsanitary conditions or believe a food safety issue requires investigation may submit a complaint through the Chester County Health Department’s Environmental Health Complaint portal at Chester County Environmental Health Complaint Form or call 610-344-6225 to report illnesses linked to food establishments.
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