WEST CHESTER, PA — The Chester County Health Department reported multiple food safety violations at licensed facilities across the county following inspections conducted Tuesday, March 24, including issues involving improper food storage, sanitation lapses, and potential contamination risks.
The department said inspection reports represent conditions observed at the time of review and may not reflect an establishment’s long-term compliance status.
Residents can report unsanitary conditions or file complaints through the department’s environmental health portal at https://www.chesco.org/5843. Officials advised individuals who become ill after eating at a food establishment to call 610-344-6225 instead of submitting an online complaint.
At Amma Indian Grocery in Malvern, inspectors cited several violations, including grease and food debris buildup around a basement deep fryer, an unlabeled chemical spray bottle near food storage, and the use of an unapproved fryer without proper ventilation or oil disposal systems. Inspectors also noted pest control chemicals stored near food and structural issues, including deteriorated doors that could allow pest entry.
Authorities said the facility is not approved for food preparation, and staff discarded a contaminated knife during the inspection. The department ordered the removal of the deep fryer and prohibited any cooking in the basement.
At Collective Coffee & Bakery in Glenmoore, inspectors documented food temperature violations, with pork meatballs and smoked salmon held between 47 and 51 degrees instead of the required 41 degrees or below. The items were voluntarily discarded.
Additional violations at the bakery included expired dairy products, lack of soap and paper towels at handwashing stations, improper cooling procedures for hot foods, and a dishwasher sanitizing cycle operating below required chlorine levels. Maintenance issues such as a leaking mop sink faucet, dusty vents, and a water-damaged ceiling tile were also cited.
At Great Valley Little League in Malvern, officials cited the facility for failing to complete an annual well water test for coliform bacteria and for storing insecticide products on-site without a licensed pest control operator. The insecticides were removed during the inspection.
Panaderia Lara, a newly inspected facility in Kennett Square, was cited for multiple violations, including improper food temperature control, lack of date marking on prepared foods, and unsafe storage practices, such as placing raw meats above ready-to-eat items. Inspectors reported that several hot food items were held below the required 135 degrees and were discarded.
Other issues at the bakery included expired sanitizer test strips and unlabeled containers of oil and cleaning chemicals.
At Tienda Mexicana in Oxford, inspectors observed improper food storage, including onions stored directly on the floor, and significant temperature inconsistencies in a refrigerator used for meats. Several meat products were found above 41 degrees and were discarded, and the unit was ordered out of service until repaired.
Structural concerns were also noted, including missing ceiling tiles and wall damage in a restroom area linked to a reported plumbing leak.
Several facilities were found to be in compliance or passed follow-up inspections, including
- Chartwells at West Vincent Elementary School in Chester Springs,
- China Chef in Thorndale,
- CVS Pharmacy in Paoli,
- Downingtown United Methodist Church,
- Fun Dungeon Brewcade & Billiards in Phoenixville,
- Guatemex Market in Oxford,
- Halal Munchies in Malvern,
- Two separate McDonald’s locations in West Chester,
- Park Road Cafe in Chester Springs,
- RDS Vending at West Chester University Graduate Center,
- Sweet Escape Treats in West Chester, and
- Zoetis Malvern Coffee Bar.
The health department said residents can report unsanitary conditions or food safety concerns through its environmental health complaint system. Officials advised individuals who become ill after eating at a food establishment to contact the department directly by phone.
For the latest news on everything happening in Chester County and the surrounding area, be sure to follow MyChesCo on Google News and MSN.