WEST CHESTER, PA — Chester County health inspectors identified improper food temperatures, handwashing violations, sanitation problems and possible use of food-storage space as living quarters during Oct. 7 inspections of four establishments, including two elementary school cafeterias.
The Chester County Health Department documented violations at Aramark’s Exton Elementary School operation, El Nayarit Mexican Store #2 in Oxford, Grace’s Cafe in Phoenixville and Sugartown Elementary School in Malvern. Another 14 inspection entries were listed as in compliance, including two entries for the same Coatesville organization.
The findings ranged from refrigerated food held above required temperatures to contaminated equipment, improper storage of raw animal products and maintenance problems.
Aramark at Exton Elementary School
At Aramark’s food-service operation at 301 Hendricks Avenue in Exton, inspectors found milk stored at 48 degrees Fahrenheit in a kitchen cooler, exceeding the required maximum of 41 degrees.
The milk was discarded, and inspectors directed the facility to repair or adjust the refrigeration unit.
Shredded lettuce and carrots labeled for refrigeration were also held at 61 degrees in the serving-line area, well above the required temperature.
The person in charge reported that a replacement unit had been ordered. Inspectors indicated the facility could temporarily use time as a public health control, provided the required logs were completed and retained.
El Nayarit Mexican Store #2
Inspectors documented seven violations at El Nayarit Mexican Store #2, located at 4 S. Third Street in Oxford.
Raw shell eggs were stored above ready-to-eat foods in a three-door refrigerator, creating a potential cross-contamination hazard. The eggs were moved to a lower shelf during the inspection.
Boxes of food were also stored directly on the floor in a walk-in refrigerator and basement rather than at least six inches above the floor as required.
Food-labeling problems included two different desserts, gelatina and carlotas, carrying the same label. Two hard cheeses lacked required product information, including ingredient lists and allergen declarations.
Containers of gelatina and carlotas also lacked required date markings. Inspectors directed the establishment to properly date-mark refrigerated, ready-to-eat foods requiring temperature control and use or discard them within seven days.
Another violation involved furniture and household items in the basement where food was stored.
Inspectors observed a couch, children’s toys and a television, which they characterized as indicating use of the food facility as living or sleeping quarters. The establishment was directed to remove the items.
The facility was also instructed to defrost and clean a chest freezer near the entrance.
Grace’s Cafe
A follow-up inspection at Grace’s Cafe, 273 Schuylkill Road in Phoenixville, identified 15 violations involving food handling, temperature control, cleaning, storage and equipment maintenance.
Inspectors observed food held at 112 degrees Fahrenheit in a steam table, below the required minimum of 135 degrees. The food was voluntarily discarded.
An employee was observed changing tasks without properly washing their hands between activities that could cause contamination. Inspectors also directed management to reinforce handwashing and glove-changing procedures.
Other food-handling problems included a plastic-wrap container placed on top of uncovered food, wiping cloths left outside sanitizer solution and used knives stored on a preparation surface without proper cleaning between uses.
Inspectors found debris on a tabletop can-opener blade and mold-like residue inside an ice machine’s splash guard.
The report also identified improper date marking, unlabeled condiment and bulk-food containers, and open bags of dry goods that needed to be transferred to covered, food-grade containers.
Two insect-spray containers were found inside the establishment, including one near the ice machine and another in a dry-storage room containing food. Inspectors ordered their removal and requested the latest service report from the facility’s pest-control contractor.
Additional violations included a slow-draining handwashing sink, dirty sinks and shelving, unused equipment, improperly stored personal belongings and an absorbent cloth used as shelf lining beneath a cutting board. The cloth was removed during the inspection.
Sugartown Elementary School
At Sugartown Elementary School, 611 Sugartown Road in Malvern, inspectors documented heavy ice accumulation inside a walk-in refrigerator.
The report described the condition as an intermittent problem over several years.
Inspectors directed the facility to remove the ice and make repairs necessary to eliminate the leak or other condition causing the accumulation.
Facilities Listed in Compliance
The following establishments and inspection entries were listed as in compliance on Oct. 7:
- Aramark at Glen Acres Elementary School, 1150 Delancy Place, West Chester
- The Boardroom Restaurant & Bottle Shop, 101 Bridge Street, Phoenixville
- Buffalo Wild Wings To Go, 1502 West Chester Pike, Suite 18, West Chester
- Creekside Cafe at Herr’s, 271 Old Baltimore Pike, Nottingham
- El Rinconsito #3 / CCHD #1173, 345 Scarlett Road, Suite 15, Kennett Square
- El Rinconsito Restaurante, 345 Scarlet Road, Suite 15, Kennett Square
- Gentili’s Pizza, 318 E. Lincoln Highway, Exton
- Glencrest Manor Inc., 115 Glencrest Road, Coatesville
- Honest Indian Restaurant, 299 Swedesford Road, Wayne
- Let’s Do Lunch #1, 487 Devon Park Drive, Wayne
- New Gen. Outreach Fellowship Min., Inc., 101 N. Fifth Avenue, Coatesville
- New Gen. Outreach Fellowship Min., Inc., 101 N. Fifth Avenue, Coatesville
- Technical College High School & County Cup – Brandywine, 443 Boot Road, Downingtown
- White Dog Cafe, 181 Gordon Drive, Exton
The Health Department cautions that inspection reports represent conditions observed at a particular time and may not reflect an establishment’s overall or long-term food safety performance.
Residents who observe unsanitary conditions can submit a confidential environmental health complaint at https://www.chesco.org/5843. Anyone who becomes ill after eating at a food establishment should instead contact the Health Department at 610-344-6225.
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