CHESTER COUNTY, PA — Chester County health inspectors cited a range of food safety and sanitation violations during inspections conducted on February 2, raising concerns at several restaurants and food establishments across the county, according to the Chester County Health Department.
The inspections, which serve as snapshots of conditions observed on the day of review, identified problems involving improper food temperatures, contamination risks, equipment cleanliness, and facility maintenance. Health officials stressed that inspection results do not necessarily reflect an establishment’s long-term compliance record but are intended to inform the public about current health and safety conditions.
At Mister Wok Chinese Kitchen on West Lincoln Highway in Downingtown, inspectors noted multiple violations during a follow-up inspection, including employees eating in food preparation areas, fried chicken held at unsafe temperatures, uncovered food in walk-in coolers, and raw poultry stored above ready-to-eat items. Inspectors also cited the reuse of single-use containers, grease buildup under cooking equipment, and a leaking pipe beneath a wok station that caused water to pool on the kitchen floor.
California Tortilla in Exton was cited for unlabeled food containers, hot foods held below required temperatures, and multiple plumbing leaks, including at a Vulcan oven and beneath a three-compartment sink.
At Habanero Taco Express in Downingtown, inspectors observed biofilm buildup inside an ice machine, reuse of single-use containers, failure to date-mark ready-to-eat foods, improperly labeled prepackaged desserts, and mops not being hung to air dry. Additional violations included damaged storage containers used for dry goods.
Primo Hoagies in Toughkenamon was cited for improper date marking of grab-and-go foods, inadequate cleaning of food contact and non-food contact surfaces, and failure to regularly disassemble and sanitize a slicer. Inspectors also required replacement of a worn door gasket on a sandwich prep unit.
At Wasabi II in West Chester, inspectors reported improper use of dishcloths and paper towels in direct contact with food, reuse of single-use containers, unclean equipment at the sushi station, and improper storage of personal items alongside food and food-contact equipment. Cooked sushi rice observed during the inspection was discarded.
A change-of-owner inspection at Wendy’s on Eagleview Boulevard in Exton resulted in numerous citations, including food residue on fry baskets and pans, improper food storage using bread crates, extensive cleaning deficiencies throughout the facility, plumbing issues in the women’s restroom, a clogged mop sink drain, and the absence of a properly certified food manager on site.
The Chester County Health Department encourages residents to report unsanitary conditions or potential food safety concerns by submitting an Environmental Health Complaint at https://www.chesco.org/5843. Complaints are confidential and investigated by the department. Individuals who believe they became ill after eating at a food establishment are urged to call 610-344-6225 rather than submit an online form.
Health officials emphasized that corrective actions are typically required following inspections and that establishments are expected to address cited violations to maintain compliance with county and state food safety regulations.
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