WEST CHESTER, PA — Chester County Health Department inspectors cited multiple food establishments on July 1, including restaurants in Exton, Malvern, Berwyn and Downingtown where inspectors documented temperature violations, pest activity, sanitation problems and improper food storage.
The county notes that inspections represent a snapshot of conditions observed at the time of inspection and may not reflect an establishment’s long-term food safety practices.
At Merrill Gardens at Arbour Square, 1201 Ward Ave., West Chester, inspectors observed staff in the main kitchen handling soiled food-contact equipment and then handling clean equipment without washing hands and changing gloves. The facility was also cited for drain fly activity in the main kitchen and diner, dirty floors and drains, food-service equipment needing cleaning, and the lack of a Chester County Certified Food Manager.
At Holiday Inn Express, 120 N. Pottstown Pike, Exton, inspectors found raw eggs stored above ready-to-eat foods in two-door coolers. Milk that was not date-marked was discarded during the inspection, and inspectors also cited the facility for missing soap at a handwashing sink, an unclean cranberry juice nozzle and sanitizer concentration below required levels.
At Manam Indian Cuisine, 124-128 Lancaster Ave., Malvern, inspectors found multiple temperature-controlled foods, including sweetened milk, hard-boiled eggs, rehydrated basil seeds, chopped cabbage and cheese, held at 50 to 55 degrees instead of 41 degrees or below. The foods were discarded, and the facility was directed not to use the unit for temperature-controlled foods until it is repaired or replaced and verified by the Health Department.
Inspectors also found raw fish stored above ready-to-eat food, homemade mango lassi kept longer than 24 hours without date marking, utensils stored in water at 89 degrees and knives stored between prep units along the cook line.
At Tio Mexican Restaurant, 680B Lancaster Ave., Berwyn, inspectors found raw meats stored above ready-to-eat salsas and frijoles in a two-door refrigerator. Kitchen staff rearranged the items during the inspection.
Inspectors also observed two live adult German cockroaches on the floor in the kitchen and serving area. The facility was directed to continue working with pest control and use integrated pest-management measures, including deep cleaning, glue boards, sealing cracks and storing open food in airtight containers.
At a follow-up inspection, Han Dynasty, 260 N. Pottstown Pike, Suite 68, Exton, was cited again for food safety management and cleaning issues. Inspectors reported that the facility must install a new wok station, with equipment and installation details approved by the Health Department and West Whiteland Township before changes are made.
The report also cited the person in charge for inadequate food safety knowledge, directed the facility to have a certified food manager on-site during all hours of operation and required professional servicing and cleaning of the hood system.
At Victory Brewing Co., 420 Acorn Lane, Downingtown, inspectors responding to a complaint found that the kitchen and bar needed deep cleaning, including floors, walls, equipment, the cook line, floor drains and storage areas.
The report also cited a leaking pipe near the mechanical warewashing area and noted that the hood system reportedly leaks when it rains, creating potential fire, mechanical and contamination hazards. The facility was directed to repair the warewashing leak within 24 hours and provide an invoice for the hood repair within two weeks.
The following establishments were inspected and found to be in compliance:
- BB’s Grocery Outlet, 2176 Baltimore Pike, Oxford;
- Bodeguita Corp. DBA Tienda Bodeguita, 175 Willow St., Toughkenamon;
- Creekside Cafe at Herr’s, 271 Old Baltimore Pike, Nottingham;
- Crosslands Retirement Community Food, 1660 E. Street Road, Kennett Square;
- CVS Pharmacy #2495, 751 W. Lancaster Ave., Downingtown;
- Dunkin Donuts, 218 Nutt Road, Phoenixville;
- Kennett Launder Center, 130 E. Maple St., Kennett Square;
- King Wok Chinese Restaurant, 1102 Town Square Road, Pottstown;
- Little Bay Caribbean Kitchen, 1495 S. Hanover St., Pottstown;
- Superior Beer & More, 701 Wheatland St., Phoenixville;
- The Woodlands at Phillips Retail Outlet, 1020 Kaolin Road, Kennett Square; and
- Williamson Caterers, 2524 Wyandotte Road, Willow Grove.
Residents who observe unsanitary conditions at a food establishment can submit an environmental health complaint at https://www.chesco.org/5843. Anyone who believes they became sick after eating at a food establishment should call 610-344-6225.
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