CHESTER COUNTY, PA — Health inspectors fanned out across Chester County on Tuesday, uncovering a wide range of food safety and sanitation violations at restaurants and food service facilities — findings that officials stress represent a snapshot in time but still reveal recurring risks tied to temperature control, sanitation, and staff practices.
The Chester County Health Department released inspection reports from January 6, documenting violations at multiple licensed food facilities, including restaurants, assisted living kitchens, and take-out establishments. Inspectors cited issues ranging from improperly cooled foods and malfunctioning refrigeration units to sanitation lapses and missing handwashing supplies.
At Arbor Terrace Exton, located at 100 Oaklands Boulevard in Exton, inspectors found food being held above the required 41°F threshold in two coolers, prompting the immediate disposal of temperature-controlled foods and taking both units out of service until repairs are made. Inspectors also cited the absence of soap at a handwashing sink in the memory care kitchen, zero sanitizer concentration at a three-bay sink, and employee personal items stored in food preparation areas.
At Fiesta Taco, 713 East Lincoln Highway in Coatesville, inspectors observed chicken and beef held at 125°F — below the 135°F minimum required for hot holding. The food was reheated during the inspection. Additional violations included unlabeled squeeze bottles, improper reuse of single-use containers for food storage, outdated sanitizer test kits, and water-stained ceiling tiles requiring repair.
In West Chester, Lorenzo’s Steaks & Hoagie, located at 216 East Market Street, was cited for multiple refrigeration and sanitation concerns. Inspectors found raw and ready-to-eat meats held at 55°F, an improperly configured and under-concentrated sanitizer sink, and staff wiping deli slicers without sanitizer. A dented can was removed from dry storage due to botulism risk, and repairs were ordered for a leaking sink and a malfunctioning cooler.
Inspectors reported the most extensive list of violations at Positively Pasta, 351 West Schuylkill Road in Pottstown. Violations included improper cooling of soups left at room temperature, expired milk, unlabeled bulk foods, reused single-use containers, uncovered bread, missing handwashing signage, and widespread cleanliness issues under and behind equipment. Inspectors also cited a lack of demonstrated food safety knowledge by the person in charge and food prepared for farmers markets without required date labeling.
At Post House Restaurant, located at 2458 Baltimore Pike in Nottingham, inspectors documented steam-table foods held below safe hot-holding temperatures, inconsistent date marking of ready-to-eat foods, torn door gaskets on refrigeration equipment, plumbing leaks under a three-bay sink, and dust accumulation inside a walk-in refrigerator. Foods were reheated and corrected during the inspection.
Health officials emphasized that inspections reflect conditions at a specific point in time and may not represent an establishment’s overall compliance history. Residents who observe unsanitary conditions or suspect food safety issues are encouraged to submit a confidential Environmental Health Complaint. Anyone who becomes ill after eating at a food establishment should contact the Chester County Health Department directly at 610-344-6225.
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