WEST CHESTER, PA — A series of food safety inspections conducted on January 28 revealed widespread violations at restaurants, grocery stores, and cafés across Chester County, including one Exton restaurant that was temporarily shut down and multiple facilities cited for sanitation, temperature control, and equipment failures.
The Chester County Health Department reported follow-up, routine, and complaint-based inspections at establishments ranging from sit-down restaurants to supermarkets and coffee shops. Health officials stress that inspections represent conditions observed at the time of the visit and may not reflect long-term compliance.
In West Chester, Aventura at Pembroke was cited during a follow-up inspection for multiple sanitation issues, including dirty food-contact equipment, dented canned goods intended for use, and unclean floors, walls, and refrigeration shelving. Inspectors also cited the facility for lacking temperature verification labels on a high-temperature dishwasher.
In Honey Brook, Bicer Foods LLC, operating as Wimpy & Dee’s, was cited for uncovered and improperly labeled food, ice buildup in a freezer requiring repair, food stored directly on floors, and widespread cleaning deficiencies throughout prep and cooking areas. Several violations were corrected on site, while others were ordered fixed within specific timeframes.
A complaint inspection at the Dunkin’ Donuts in New Garden resulted in citations for extensive water damage caused by roof leaks. Inspectors documented damaged ceiling panels and paint above food service areas, noting that the front counter had been closed the previous day due to leaks. The operator was ordered to provide proof of a roofing contract within 30 days and complete repairs within 60 days, weather permitting.
At Giant Food Store #6023 in Phoenixville, inspectors placed a deli department dishwasher out of service after finding heavy grease and food debris buildup. The store was required to switch to three-compartment sink washing until repairs and approval by the Health Department. Inspectors also cited improper hot-holding temperatures for cooked chicken, expired retail food, plumbing issues, and extensive floor, wall, and equipment sanitation problems throughout the bakery, deli, and chicken preparation areas.
The most serious enforcement action occurred at Hakata Exton, where inspectors determined the person in charge lacked adequate food safety knowledge at the start of the inspection. The restaurant was temporarily closed until critical violations were corrected and management arrived on site. Inspectors cited improper food temperatures, unsafe glove use, spoiled produce, raw meats stored above ready-to-eat foods, misuse of single-use containers, inadequate sanitizer levels, and numerous sanitation and equipment violations. The facility was allowed to reopen after corrective actions, but was ordered to retrain staff and address remaining deficiencies.
In Devon, Pour Richard’s Coffee Company was cited for equipment maintenance issues, including a freezer not defrosted since 2023, unclean food-contact surfaces, exposed wood near dishwashing areas, and potential rodent harborage in the basement. Inspectors also cited improper chemical storage near food areas.
Health officials encourage residents to report suspected unsanitary conditions by submitting an Environmental Health Complaint at https://www.chesco.org/5843. Anyone who becomes ill after eating at a food establishment is advised to call the Chester County Health Department at 610-344-6225 rather than submitting an online complaint.
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