WEST CHESTER, PA — The Chester County Health Department reported multiple food safety violations at licensed establishments across the county following inspections conducted March 26, including temperature control issues, sanitation deficiencies, and pest activity concerns.
Health officials said inspection results represent conditions observed at the time of each visit and may not reflect long-term compliance.
At Aramark’s main kitchen at Chester County Hospital on East Marshall Street, inspectors reported cold food items, including deli salads, yogurt, and sandwiches, were allegedly held above 41 degrees for an unknown period. Inspectors said some items were discarded and directed staff to ensure proper temperature control and repair malfunctioning cooling units.
Inspectors also reported that time-based food safety controls were allegedly being used without proper documentation, including sandwiches held at 120 degrees without records indicating preparation or discard times.
At D&L Meats at the Oxford Farmers’ Market, a follow-up inspection found the facility must provide proof of enrollment in a food manager certification course by April 2 and obtain certification by June 18. Inspectors also cited the need for a splashguard installation and repairs to a malfunctioning sink drain.
At the Mendenhall Inn on Kennett Pike, inspectors reported multiple violations, including improperly stacked food containers, lack of date marking on refrigerated items, and soups and sauces allegedly stored beyond the seven-day limit. Inspectors also documented a live roach and additional dead roaches in a kitchen area and directed the facility to increase pest control measures.
Additional issues at the Mendenhall Inn included cleaning deficiencies in kitchen areas, water pooling in a refrigerator, and maintenance needs such as installing a door sweep to prevent pest entry.
At Poseidon Asian Cuisine on Paoli Pike, inspectors cited cleanliness issues in refrigeration units, improper labeling of food containers, and the presence of raw fish wrapped in absorbent material. Inspectors also reported deteriorating grout in kitchen flooring and excess debris in the rear lot.
At Sabores de Mi Tierra on East Lincoln Highway in Coatesville, inspectors reported improper food handling practices, including an employee allegedly handling ready-to-eat food without gloves. Inspectors also observed hot foods below required temperatures and a refrigerator operating above safe limits. Food items were discarded, and corrective actions were initiated during the inspection.
At Warwick Child Care in South Coventry, inspectors cited multiple violations, including inadequate food safety knowledge by staff, lack of proper sanitization procedures, missing paper towels at handwashing stations, and equipment that did not meet calibration standards. Officials also reported structural concerns, including exposed wood surfaces that were not sealed or easily cleanable.
The department said complaints about food establishments can be submitted online at https://www.chesco.org/5843, and reports of illness should be made by calling 610-344-6225.
Establishments found to be in compliance during the same inspection cycle were
- Akina Sushi Bar in Paoli;
- Aramark at Chester County Hospital Coffee Kiosk in West Chester;
- Giant Food Store #6301 in Caln Township;
- Lantz Concession at Oxford Farmers’ Market;
- Oxford Barbecue in Oxford;
- Pelican’s Snoballs in Downingtown;
- Scott Middle School in Coatesville; and
- Starbucks Coffee #70750 in Caln Township.
The Chester County Health Department said all complaints are investigated and kept confidential.
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