WEST CHESTER, PA — Chester County health inspectors cited restaurants and food retailers Tuesday for temperature-control failures, improper handwashing, sanitation problems and other food-safety violations, while 12 facilities inspected that day were listed in compliance.
The Chester County Health Department cautions that inspections represent conditions observed at a specific date and time and may not reflect a facility’s long-term sanitation or food-safety status.
At Amma Indian Grocery, 477 Lancaster Ave., Unit 105, Malvern, inspectors found samosas being held between 105 and 112 degrees, below the required minimum of 135 degrees. An open-air produce refrigerator was holding temperature-controlled food at 48 degrees rather than the required 41 degrees or below.
All temperature-controlled products in the refrigerator were removed from display for disposal or return for credit. Inspectors also found an open container of spring rolls in a freezer, which was discarded, and food stored directly on the floor of the walk-in refrigerator.
The Malvern market was also cited because no full-time certified food manager was on site, and the person in charge failed to demonstrate adequate knowledge of the Pennsylvania Food Code. Other findings included missing soap and paper towels at handwashing stations, sanitizer below the required concentration, food residue in a machine, damaged flooring, and improperly labeled packaged food.
At CVS Pharmacy #5064, 335 Lancaster Ave. in Frazer, inspectors found mold buildup on walls and racks inside the walk-in refrigerator and visible buildup on freezer blade guards and around a water fountain mouth guard.
Inspectors also found two dented cans in food storage, refrigeration units without properly positioned thermometers and an outdoor trash container with a rusted-out bottom and broken lid. Trash and debris had accumulated around a cardboard dumpster.
House of India PA at 570 Simpson Drive in Chester Springs was cited for multiple handwashing, food-storage and equipment problems. Inspectors found no soap or paper towels at hand sinks in the kitchen or bar when the inspection began and stopped employees to have them wash their hands.
A bag of raw chicken was thawing at room temperature on the drain board of a three-bay sink and was moved to the walk-in refrigerator. Inspectors also found a leaking walk-in freezer drain or compressor that was producing large accumulations of ice on shelving and the floor.
Other House of India findings included food containers without labels, reuse of single-use five-gallon buckets, food residue on soda nozzles, undated prepared foods, unlabeled chemical spray bottles, and a gap beneath an exterior kitchen door that could allow insects or rodents to enter. Several problems were corrected during the inspection, while others were assigned correction deadlines ranging from 48 hours to 30 days.
At The Pear, 275 Brinton’s Bridge Road in West Chester, raw eggs, butter, cooked potatoes, whipped feta, onion jam, and Raclette were found at room temperature between 60 and 80 degrees rather than at or below 41 degrees.
Inspectors observed an employee drying washed hands on a cloth napkin, another instance of handwashing at a food-preparation sink, and an employee putting on disposable gloves without first washing their hands. Another employee blew into a glove before putting it on and was instructed to discard the gloves and wash their hands.
Raw eggs were stored above ready-to-eat food in a basement walk-in cooler, while raw shrimp was stored above ready-to-eat food in another refrigerator. Both were relocated during the inspection.
The Pear was also cited for preparing food using reduced-oxygen packaging without required written procedures and a Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point plan or confirmation that an exemption applied. Additional findings included residue inside an ice machine, missing date markings, uncovered food, a blocked handwashing sink, and flooring in disrepair.
A follow-up inspection at El Rinconsito Restaurante, 345 Scarlet Road, Suite 15, Kennett Square, found that procedures were not in place to verify prepared foods cooled from 135 degrees to 70 degrees within two hours and to 41 degrees within six hours. The facility was directed to maintain a cooling log, with inspectors warning that failure to follow cooling requirements could result in food being discarded and reinspection fees.
During a follow-up at On the Hook Fish & Chips, 3805 Perkiomen Ave. in Reading, an employee was observed putting on disposable gloves without first washing their hands, while another washed their hands in a three-bay sink instead of the designated handwashing sink.
Inspectors also found soup thawing under hot running water, no chemical sanitizer being used on equipment and utensils after washing and rinsing, a blocked handwashing sink, and cardboard being used as floor covering. The facility was directed to establish written procedures for using time instead of temperature to control certain ready-to-eat foods and to have an additional full-time employee complete an accredited food-manager course.
A follow-up inspection at Willowdale, 115 E. Street Road in Kennett Square, found several items still requiring correction. Inspectors reported several flies in the kitchen after the facility had been treated by a pest-control operator and directed the business to keep doors closed and eliminate the flies.
Willowdale was also awaiting installation of a portable four-compartment sink for an upper-level mobile bar and completion of work involving an ice machine, sink stoppers, restroom trash cans, cleaning, cove base and vent covers.
A CVap cook-and-hold unit and convection oven at Willowdale may not be used until East Marlborough Township approves them, according to the inspection report. A second follow-up inspection was scheduled for Friday morning.
Facilities listed in compliance on Sept. 23 included:
- ARAMARK @ Barkley Elementary School, 320 Second Ave., Phoenixville
- Barnaby’s / West Chester, 15 S. High St., West Chester
- El Nayarit, 520 S. Union St., Unit D, Kennett Square
- Engle Education Center, 107 Schoolhouse Road, West Grove
- Kimberton Whole Foods / Downingtown, 150 E. Pennsylvania Ave., Suite 230, Downingtown
- M & M Dim Sum and HK BBQ Restaurant, 1776 E. Lancaster Ave., Paoli
- Noble Goat, 200 River Station Blvd., Suite B1, Downingtown
- Parkhurst Dining @ Immaculata University, 1145 King Road, Immaculata
- Rancho Brazilian Market, 512 Kimberton Road, Phoenixville
- SH1LL, LLC T/A Brickette Lounge, 1339 Pottstown Pike, West Chester
- Travelin Tom’s Coffee of Downingtown / CCHD #1576, 675 Tower Lane, Unit B, West Chester
- USA Gas, 911 E. Lincoln Highway, Coatesville
Residents who observe potentially 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 call the Chester County Health Department at 610-344-6225.
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