WEST CHESTER, PA — Chester County health inspectors cited four food establishments for multiple violations during inspections conducted July 17, including temperature-control failures, sanitation problems and a cockroach infestation, while nine other facilities were found to be in compliance.
The most extensive violations were documented at Pho Now in Downingtown, where inspectors identified improperly refrigerated food, employee food-safety lapses and sanitation deficiencies that resulted in the voluntary disposal of several food items.
Time- and temperature-controlled foods in the restaurant’s walk-in cooler measured between 44 and 52 degrees, above the required maximum of 41 degrees. Eggs reportedly left at room temperature overnight and spring rolls held at 74 degrees also were discarded.
The health department cited the restaurant for improper cooling procedures, cross-contamination risks involving raw meat storage, an employee’s failure to change gloves after handling raw shrimp, a lack of sanitizer at the three-compartment sink and the absence of food thermometers.
Other violations included a malfunctioning walk-in cooler, missing soap and paper towels at handwashing stations, dirty food-contact surfaces, leaking plumbing, improperly stored food, unlabeled containers and widespread cleaning and maintenance deficiencies.
Inspectors directed all kitchen employees to complete a food-handler course within 48 hours and ordered the facility to enroll a full-time employee in an accredited Certified Food Manager course.
Dutch Country Farm Market in Spring City also received multiple violations after inspectors found temperature-control problems involving butter, refrigerated foods, meat, cheese, milk and cream.
Butter on the cookline measured 91 degrees rather than being held at 41 degrees or below or 135 degrees or above. Foods in an open-air display measured between 42 and 51 degrees, while meat and cheese in a preparation cooler measured 51 and 54 degrees, respectively.
The facility was also cited for improperly date-marked ready-to-eat foods, employees eating in a food-preparation area, children of diapering age in restricted kitchen and storage spaces, inadequate sanitizer concentration, pest-entry points and flies in food-preparation areas.
Inspectors ordered the market to submit plans within three weeks for the installation of a required utility sink and complete the work within an additional two months.
At Cocina La Hidalguense in Kennett Square, inspectors cited improper cooling and holding of cooked rice and beans.
Rice prepared the previous day measured 53 degrees and was discarded after inspectors determined it had not cooled properly. Beans cooling in sealed, deep containers measured 74 degrees and were transferred to shallow containers with their lids removed.
Inspectors also found containers of beans and rice being held at approximately 120 degrees. The facility was instructed to limit the holding period to four hours and mark the containers to ensure proper rotation.
A follow-up inspection at Tio Mexican Restaurant in Berwyn found multiple generations of German cockroaches in the kitchen and serving area.
The restaurant was already working with a pest-control provider, according to the inspection report. Inspectors directed the facility to continue integrated pest-management measures, including intensive cleaning, removal of cardboard, use of dated glue boards, sealing cracks and sanitizing food-contact surfaces.
The following establishments were inspected and found to be in compliance:
- Avondale Fire Co., Avondale
- Buddy’s Burgers, Breast & Fries, West Chester
- Bulldawg BBQ LLC, Quarryville
- Kimberton Fire Company, Phoenixville
- LA International Store Avondale LLC, Avondale
- Landhope Farms No. 1/East Marlborough, Kennett Square
- Oxford Senior Center, Oxford
- Righteous Tap House, West Chester
- Smile Food Inc., doing business as Hostetter Market, Oxford
Residents who witness unsanitary conditions or believe a food facility requires investigation may submit a confidential environmental health complaint at https://www.chesco.org/5843. Anyone who became ill after eating at a food establishment should call the Chester County Health Department at 610-344-6225.
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