CHESTER COUNTY, PA — Routine food safety inspections conducted by the Chester County Health Department on December 29 uncovered a range of sanitation and maintenance violations at several local food establishments, highlighting issues that inspectors stress represent conditions observed at a specific moment in time rather than a restaurant’s overall track record.
At China Xiong’s Restaurant, located at 2 North Five Points Road in West Chester, inspectors cited multiple sanitation concerns. Equipment including a steel dumpling maker, meat grinder, and scoops used for dry storage containers were found in need of cleaning and sanitizing. Inspectors also ordered the disposal of sponges at a three-bay sink, noted improper storage of employee food alongside restaurant items, and found food stored in open metal cans inside a refrigerator, a practice prohibited once cans are opened.
More extensive violations were documented at Plaza Azteca Mexican Restaurant, 186 Onix Drive in Kennett Square. Inspectors discarded carnitas that exceeded the allowable seven-day holding period for temperature-controlled foods. Other issues included an employee beverage stored above a prep table, improper thawing of vacuum-packaged fish that was subsequently discarded, and visible food debris on kitchen equipment. Inspectors also cited structural and maintenance concerns, including damaged floor drains, low grout between tiles, missing sanitizer at a three-compartment sink, plumbing leaks at handwashing sinks, and the need for extensive cleaning and recaulking throughout kitchen areas.
At RSD 81 Baltimore Pike Donuts LLC in Avondale, inspectors identified problems affecting both food safety and facility upkeep. Violations included uncovered ice bins in a walk-in freezer that were ordered discarded, cracked food containers, lack of sanitizer test strips, missing soap and paper towels at handwashing sinks, and ice buildup on freezer walls and ceilings. Inspectors also cited leaking plumbing fixtures, debris around the dumpster area, and the absence of a required certified food manager on staff.
Health department officials emphasize that inspections are snapshots of conditions observed on the day and time of inspection and may not reflect an establishment’s long-term sanitation practices. Facilities are generally required to correct cited violations, and follow-up inspections may be conducted to verify compliance.
Residents who observe unsanitary conditions or believe an issue requires investigation are encouraged to submit an Environmental Health Complaint, which is investigated confidentially. Those who believe they became ill after eating at a food establishment are advised to call the Chester County Health Department directly at 610-344-6225 rather than submitting an online complaint.
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