WEST CHESTER, PA — Chester County health inspectors cited multiple restaurants and food businesses for food safety violations during inspections conducted July 7, including expired food, improper holding temperatures, inadequate sanitization, and certified food manager deficiencies, according to the Chester County Health Department.
The most significant findings were documented at Dante’s Italian Bistro in Phoenixville following a complaint inspection, where inspectors cited widespread sanitation concerns, mold-like debris on food, expired foods, improper date marking, unclean food-contact surfaces, chemical storage issues, and evidence of flies throughout the facility. Inspectors noted numerous food items were voluntarily discarded during the inspection.
At Chophouse Grille in Exton, inspectors documented multiple temperature violations involving cold- and hot-held foods, sanitizer concentrations exceeding approved limits, two dishwashers failing to dispense required sanitizer, improper handwashing by an employee handling raw shrimp, and an expired Chester County Certified Food Manager certification.
Inspectors at ACME Markets in West Goshen found expired refrigerated food products, including Bob Evans mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese, and hot dogs, along with sanitation issues and the absence of a Chester County Certified Food Manager.
China Palace in West Goshen was cited after inspectors observed cooked rice, cooked chicken and raw eggs being held at improper temperatures, food stored outdoors, improper storage of employee food, and fresh produce that was not being washed before preparation.
The Fairfield Inn & Suites in Kennett Square was ordered to stop using its dishwasher after inspectors found it was dispensing no sanitizer. The facility also was cited for lacking a Chester County Certified Food Manager, which inspectors identified as a repeat violation.
At Kennett Square Golf & Country Club, inspectors cited improper storage of raw eggs and fish above ready-to-eat foods, improperly cooled and date-marked foods, refrigeration units unable to maintain safe temperatures, multiple warewashing deficiencies, and the absence of a county-certified food manager. Several food items were discarded during the inspection.
Restaurant Alquisiras in Coatesville was cited for missing date labels on prepared foods, unlabeled containers, a damaged food thermometer, and a dishwasher that was not dispensing chlorine sanitizer.
Umami Asian Bistro in Lionville, inspected following a change of ownership, received citations for improper cooling practices, inadequate sanitizer concentrations in both its three-compartment sink and dishwasher, use of a non-commercial refrigerator for food storage, reuse of unapproved containers, and several labeling and employee beverage violations.
Fortes’ Italian Specialties in Trainer, which underwent an opening inspection, was cited for lacking refrigeration thermometers, food thermometers, sanitizer test strips, food-contact sanitizer, and for holes in the floor that require sealing before operation.
Facilities found to be in compliance during inspections included Bridgeside Deli & Grille in Phoenixville, Chipotle Mexican Grill in Kennett Square, Kimberton Golf Club, Lupita’s Juice Bar, Schneider Parish Center, Shellbark Hollow Farm Store, and Tous Les Jours in Wayne.
The Chester County Health Department notes that inspection reports reflect conditions observed at the time of inspection and may not represent a facility’s long-term food safety practices. Concerns about food establishments can be reported to the department through its Environmental Health Complaint process or by calling 610-344-6225 for suspected foodborne illness.
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