WEST CHESTER, PA — Chester County health inspectors identified unsafe food temperatures, improper cooling practices, inadequate handwashing, and plumbing problems during inspections conducted on October 21, with several establishments required to discard food or restrict operations to address violations.
The Chester County Health Department documented violations at six food facilities during routine and opening inspections. A separate complaint investigation at a Kennett Square-area restaurant resulted in restrictions on food preparation and food truck operations.
Among the findings were cooked chicken held above required refrigeration temperatures, beef and beans kept below minimum hot-holding temperatures, and employees handling food without washing their hands between tasks.
At La Tienda Mexicana Los Juarez, 405 Market Street in Oxford, inspectors documented a repeat hot-holding violation after measuring beef between 121 and 126 degrees and refried beans between 108 and 124 degrees. Both foods had been held for more than two hours below the required 135 degrees and were discarded.
Inspectors also found cooked shredded chicken prepared the previous day at temperatures ranging from 42 to 48 degrees, above the required 41-degree refrigeration limit. The chicken was discarded because it had not been cooled properly.
Raw shell eggs were stored above ready-to-eat foods, creating a cross-contamination risk. Employees moved the eggs during the inspection.
Additional findings included inadequate cleaning of food equipment, improper cooling containers and mops that were not hung to air-dry. Nonworking lights beneath the cooking exhaust hood were replaced during the inspection.
At Hong Kong Chinese Restaurant, 905 East Boot Road in West Whiteland Township, inspectors identified multiple food-handling and temperature-control violations.
Cooked dumplings and lo mein noodles prepared October 19 were found at 44 to 45 degrees, indicating they had not been cooled within required time and temperature limits. Both products were discarded.
A garlic-and-oil mixture held at 55 degrees, rather than 41 degrees or below, was also discarded.
Inspectors observed cooked chicken cooling in containers deeper than four inches, ready-to-eat foods without required date markings, and uncovered food in refrigerators and freezers.
An employee handled money before putting on gloves and preparing an order without washing their hands. Inspectors directed the restaurant to retrain employees on handwashing and cooling procedures.
Other violations included medication and personal belongings stored in food preparation areas, improperly stored utensils, cooking oil containers placed directly on the floor, and a hose extending into a sink in a manner that created a potential backflow hazard.
At Cafe Com Leite, 117 South Main Street in Phoenixville, inspectors restricted the establishment to takeout service because its public restroom was unavailable due to a plumbing problem.
The restaurant cannot provide customer seating until the restroom is repaired and operational.
Inspectors also found mayonnaise stored at room temperature, raw chicken positioned beside raw beef without adequate separation, and several plumbing leaks beneath sinks.
Additional violations involved improperly stored utensils, food left in opened cans, inadequate cleaning, and the absence of sanitizer test strips. Inspectors provided a sample of test strips and directed the establishment to obtain an appropriate testing kit within 10 days.
At Dunkin’, 607 East Market Street in West Chester, inspectors observed employees changing food preparation tasks without washing their hands.
The inspection also identified an ice machine requiring cleaning, improper storage of an ice scoop, and expired strawberry whipped cream cans.
The expired products were voluntarily discarded during the inspection.
The establishment was additionally cited for lacking a properly certified food employee. According to the inspection report, an employee had completed an approved training course but had not applied for Chester County Health Department certification.
At East Ward Elementary School, 435 Washington Avenue in Downingtown, inspectors found that the high-temperature dishwasher failed to demonstrate the required 160-degree sanitizing temperature.
The school’s food service operator, Aramark, was directed to stop using the dishwasher until repairs were completed and to wash dishes in a three-compartment sink or use disposable trays.
Inspectors also found student self-service utensils displayed in a manner that exposed food-contact surfaces to handling and cleaning supplies stored in a handwashing sink.
At The Gables at Chadds Ford, 423 Baltimore Pike, an opening inspection identified a refrigerated food-holding unit operating at 45 degrees, above the required maximum of 41 degrees.
Inspectors directed the establishment to lower the temperature, monitor the equipment, and obtain service if necessary.
The inspection also documented leaking drain lines, inadequate drainage connections, unfinished flooring, unsealed openings, and water-stained ceiling tiles requiring replacement.
A separate complaint investigation at Pokelicious and Bubble Tea, 350 Scarlett Road in the Kennett Square area, identified unauthorized food preparation arrangements involving a food truck and additional preparation space.
The establishment, which inspectors identified as now operating as Big Kahuna Bowls, was using a rear preparation area without sinks and a food truck that lacked running water.
Inspectors determined that the truck could not operate without an appropriate commissary arrangement and directed the operator to stop cooking in the truck and using the additional preparation areas.
Food preparation associated with the truck must instead occur in the restaurant’s kitchen before Big Kahuna Bowls opens, because the restaurant handles raw seafood.
The operator was also instructed to submit a revised operating plan and menu. Officials must determine whether the food truck’s use is permitted by New Garden Township.
The Health Department’s findings reflect conditions observed at the time of each inspection and do not necessarily represent an establishment’s overall sanitation history.
Facilities in Compliance
The following establishments were listed as in compliance during October 21 inspections:
- Applebrook Golf Club — 100 Line Road, Malvern
- Aramark at Mary C. Howse Elementary School — 641 W. Boot Road, West Chester
- Bigfoot’s Express — 2233 Baltimore Pike, Oxford
- Casa Herrera — 2755 E. Lincoln Highway, Thorndale
- Chartwells at French Creek Elementary School — 3590 Coventryville Road, Pottstown
- Gopuff / GoBrands Inc. — 211 Carter Drive, West Chester
- Hillside Elementary School — 507 Howellville Road, Berwyn
- KinderCare / Uwchlan — 200 Whitford Hills Road, Downingtown
- Leaves & Lore — 118 N. High Street, West Chester
- McDonald’s / Uwchlan — 106 Eagleview Boulevard, Exton
- New West Chester Diner — 1147 West Chester Pike, West Chester
- Taqueria Sofia — 2624 Baltimore Pike, Oxford
Residents who observe potentially unsanitary conditions at a food establishment can submit a confidential environmental health complaint through the Chester County Health Department at https://www.chesco.org/5843.
Anyone who becomes ill after eating at a food establishment should contact the department directly at 610-344-6225 rather than using the online complaint form.
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