WEST GROVE, PA — A Giant Food Stores location in West Grove discarded deli meats and cheeses during a May 12 inspection after a refrigerator storing temperature-controlled foods was found operating at unsafe temperatures, according to the Chester County Health Department.
Inspectors reported the deli department refrigerator at Giant Food Store #6045 on West Baltimore Pike was measuring 56 degrees Fahrenheit, with roast beef, provolone cheese, and pepper jack cheese ranging from 47 to 52 degrees. The report said all temperature-controlled foods inside the unit were discarded during the inspection.
According to the inspection report, investigators determined the refrigerator had been accidentally unplugged. The unit was reconnected during the inspection and later observed operating at 40 degrees.
Health inspectors also cited the store for expired milk products found in a reach-in cooler. One container of Horizon Organic Whole Milk dated April 30 and one container of Nature’s Promise Organic Fat Free Milk dated May 10 were removed from sale during the inspection.
Additional violations included standing water inside a deli refrigerator, leaking plumbing at a produce wash sink, and produce wash sanitizer measured at 0 parts per million before a new sanitizer container was installed onsite.
Inspectors also reported maintenance issues in customer restrooms, including disabled hot water supply valves in the women’s restroom and a loose sink faucet in the men’s restroom. The hot water was restored during the inspection.
The health department additionally cited the store for sanitation concerns, including areas requiring cleaning and organization near the mop sink room and beneath bakery fryers.
The Chester County Health Department noted that inspection reports represent conditions observed at the time of inspection and may not reflect a facility’s long-term operational status.
The following establishments were listed as “In Compliance” in inspections released Tuesday:
- Brick and Blaze Pizza Co. — Spring City
- Chipotle Mexican Grill — Parkesburg
- Compass One @ Vanguard Atwater — Malvern
- Fairfield Inn @ Great Valley — Berwyn
- Hoods BBQ & Catering — Unionville
- Ice Cream West Chester — West Chester
- Kinder Care Learning Center / East Pikeland Food — Phoenixville
- Nalan Indian Cuisine — Downingtown
- Octorara Area High School – Food — Atglen
- Patelmo’s Pizzeria — West Chester
- Rita’s Italian Ice of Downingtown — Downingtown
- Street Cart Bagels — Phoenixville
- Susan’s Wedding Cakes and Sweets FMV @ AE — West Chester
- Taichi Tea Inc. — Exton
- Turkey Hill Minit Markets #097 — Coatesville
- The Valley House — Malvern
Residents who witness unsanitary conditions at food establishments may file a confidential complaint through the Chester County Health Department’s Environmental Health Complaint portal at Chester County Environmental Health Complaint Form. Individuals who become sick after eating at a food establishment are asked to call 610-344-6225 instead of submitting the online form.
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