Dead Mouse, Unsafe Temps: Inspectors Cite Chester County Restaurants

Food Safety Inspections

WEST CHESTER, PA — Health inspectors cited multiple food safety and sanitation violations at several Chester County food establishments during inspections conducted February 4, according to reports released by the Chester County Health Department.

The inspections, which cover restaurants and food service facilities open to the public, documented a range of issues involving food temperature control, sanitation, equipment maintenance, and pest activity. Health officials cautioned that inspections represent a snapshot in time and may not reflect an establishment’s overall compliance history.

At Giorgio’s Pizza & Subs in Exton, inspectors cited violations including improper hot and cold holding of food, with fried onions held below required temperatures and sliced turkey stored at room temperature. Raw eggs were found stored above ready-to-eat foods, and inspectors reported that time was being used instead of temperature to control food safety without required documentation. Additional issues included dirty non-food contact surfaces, blocked handwashing sinks, and damaged wall and ceiling materials.

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At Nottingham Inn Restaurant in Nottingham, inspectors observed multiple temperature control violations in the main prep kitchen, including turkey gravy, beef gravy, queso cheese sauce, and rice held well above safe temperatures. Several items were discarded, while others were reheated during the inspection. The inspection also found hand sinks blocked or lacking soap, plumbing leaks, excessive sanitizer concentration in a dishwasher, and unclean surfaces in food preparation and ice machine areas.

Inspectors at Saucey’s Pizza in West Chester documented extensive violations, including improper date marking, bare-hand contact with ready-to-eat food, inadequate cold holding of meats and cheeses, and lack of sanitizer test strips. The report also cited poor food safety knowledge by management, unclean equipment and surfaces, food stored directly on the floor, and the discovery of a dead mouse in the basement dry storage area. The mouse was removed during the inspection, and staff indicated the facility uses regular pest control services.

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A change-of-ownership inspection at Wilkes Pizza & Steaks in Spring City identified numerous violations, including lack of cold water at a handwashing sink, reuse of single-use containers, leaking plumbing fixtures, improper storage of personal items with food, overflowing trash and grease debris, missing paper towels at hand sinks, and unclean food storage and cooler areas.

Health officials emphasized that food safety violations are addressed during inspections and that many issues were corrected on site. However, repeated or serious violations may require follow-up inspections or enforcement actions.

Residents who observe unsanitary conditions or believe a food safety issue requires investigation are encouraged to submit an Environmental Health Complaint at https://www.chesco.org/5843. Complaints are investigated and kept confidential. Individuals who believe they became sick after eating at a food establishment are advised to call 610-344-6225 rather than submitting an online form.

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