WEST CHESTER, PA — Chester County health inspectors cited a wide range of food safety and sanitation violations at restaurants, hotels, breweries and food service facilities across the county during inspections conducted Thursday, February 5, according to reports released by the Chester County Health Department.
The violations, documented during routine inspections, ranged from foods held at unsafe temperatures and improper storage practices to dirty food-contact surfaces and inadequate sanitizing equipment. Health officials stressed that inspections represent a snapshot in time and may not reflect an establishment’s overall compliance history.
At Eurest Dining at the DePuy Synthes facility in West Chester, inspectors found food containers stored directly on the floor of a walk-in freezer and eggs, spinach and salad dressings held above the required 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Inspectors also noted that clean equipment had been stacked while still wet, prompting staff retraining.
In Exton, Florida Coal Fired Pizza LLC was cited for multiple critical issues, including prosciutto, tomato sauce and chicken wings held well above safe temperatures. Several items were discarded during the inspection. Inspectors also found food residue on a deli slicer, blocked handwashing sinks, unlabeled ready-to-eat garnishes, and the absence of a county-certified food employee.
Guatemalan Restaurant El Venado #2 in Malvern was cited for hot foods held far below the required 135 degrees, raw eggs stored above ready-to-eat produce, and inadequate sanitizer levels in its dishwasher. Inspectors also reported missing soap at a handwashing sink and labeling violations on packaged bread.
At Hotel Warner in West Chester, inspectors found potentially hazardous foods stored in refrigerators that were not maintaining safe temperatures, leading to the voluntary disposal of food. Additional violations included dirty soda gun equipment, improperly cleaned coffee pots, and dry goods stored directly on the floor.
Mayday Coffee & Shop, also in West Chester, was cited for dairy products held above safe temperatures, malfunctioning dishwashing equipment with no detectable sanitizer, plumbing leaks, and a back door that did not adequately protect against pests.
Victory Brewing Co. in Downingtown was cited for a long list of violations, including improper cooling of cooked onions, bare-hand contact with bread, blocked handwashing sinks, and multiple sanitizer failures in dishwashing equipment. Inspectors also noted dirty food-contact surfaces and the reuse of single-use containers.
The Health Department urged residents to report unsanitary conditions or suspected foodborne illness. Environmental Health complaints can be submitted confidentially online at https://www.chesco.org/5843. Anyone who becomes sick after eating at a food establishment is advised to call 610-344-6225 rather than submitting an online form.
Health officials reiterated that inspection findings are meant to inform the public while giving establishments the opportunity to correct issues and improve food safety practices.
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