WEST CHESTER, PA — A sweeping round of food safety inspections across Chester County has uncovered a troubling mix of temperature failures, sanitation lapses, expired certifications and even rodent activity, prompting county health officials to take corrective action at a wide range of restaurants, convenience stores and food markets.
The Chester County Health Department released inspection reports from Wednesday, January 14, documenting violations at seven food establishments across the county, ranging from national chains and Chinese takeout kitchens to seafood markets, day care centers and upscale restaurants. Officials emphasized that every inspection represents only a snapshot of conditions on a given day, but said the findings show how quickly small lapses can escalate into public health risks.
At a 7-Eleven store on East Baltimore Pike in West Grove, inspectors found that no person in charge was present when the inspection began and that ingredient and allergen information was missing for self-service baked goods. Even more concerning, the coffee creamer cold well was operating above safe temperature limits, with dairy products measured as high as 48 degrees. The unit was ordered taken out of service until it could be repaired to maintain 41 degrees or lower. Inspectors also cited plumbing leaks, missing paper towels at a handwashing sink, expired sanitizer test strips and a missing freezer door threshold.
Downingtown’s Mister Wok Chinese Kitchen was cited for a long list of violations that included uncovered food in storage, raw meat thawing in standing water, food stored directly on the floor and rodent droppings in a dry storage area. Inspectors also observed employees eating in food preparation areas and found that single-use containers and utensils were being washed and reused, a practice that can introduce contamination. The owner told inspectors that licensed pest control had been contacted, and the area was ordered cleaned.
At A Fresh Land and Sea Food Market in Exton, inspectors found food contact surfaces that were not clean to sight and touch, expired and undated retail food on shelves, and a container of prepared vegetables that contained a dead insect. Multiple ready-to-eat foods were discarded because they were held beyond safe date-marking limits, and staff were told to retrain on handling and labeling procedures. The butcher area also drew scrutiny for deeply scored cutting boards, rusted and taped utensils, and damaged walls and floor tiles that could not be properly cleaned.
The Child and Career Development Center in Coatesville was cited for missing date marks on grab-and-go foods, rusting refrigerator racks, a dirty ice chute, chemical cleaners stored above sinks and damaged ceiling tiles in the student café.
At Limoncello Chester Springs, inspectors found sliced tomatoes held at 49 degrees, improperly labeled food containers, leaking plumbing, dishwashers failing to reach proper sanitizer levels and wash temperatures, and a lack of clear menu disclosures for undercooked foods. Several pieces of equipment were ordered out of service until repairs could be completed.
Tacos 2 Go in West Grove was flagged for severe temperature control issues, including mayonnaise, butter and shredded cheese held as high as 64 degrees. Inspectors also discarded rotting pineapple, cited the restaurant for reusing single-use containers, blocked hand sinks, lack of hot water, and raw meat stored in plastic bags without leak-proof protection.
The Salty Cow in West Chester was ordered to remove an unused freezer, properly label prepackaged ice cream sandwiches for customer takeout, and provide sanitizer test strips at the three-bay sink.
Health officials reminded the public that inspections are designed to protect consumers and that most violations can be corrected quickly when operators follow food safety rules. Anyone who observes unsanitary conditions or believes an illness may be linked to a food establishment is urged to submit a confidential Environmental Health Complaint or call 610-344-6225.
The department said continued monitoring and follow-up inspections will determine whether the cited facilities have brought their operations back into compliance.
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