WEST CHESTER, PA — A wave of health inspections across Chester County on Wednesday revealed a range of food safety and sanitation violations at restaurants, grocery store food counters, and institutional kitchens, prompting immediate corrective actions, food disposals, and equipment shutdowns in several cases.
The Chester County Health Department reported that inspections are intended to provide a snapshot of conditions at the time of the visit and may not reflect an establishment’s long-term compliance history. Still, inspectors documented multiple violations tied to improper food temperatures, sanitation failures, labeling issues, and unsafe equipment use.
In West Chester, inspectors cited 9 Prime at 9 North High Street for several critical violations, including biofilm buildup on a soda gun holder, bare-hand contact with ready-to-eat fruits, and improper storage of knives between prep counters. Temperature control issues led to the disposal of pork belly held at 49 degrees Fahrenheit and concerns over a flour breading mixture used with raw calamari that was not properly refrigerated or replaced at required intervals. Inspectors also ordered the restaurant to stop using mechanical dishwashers at the upstairs bar and speakeasy after finding zero parts per million of chlorine sanitizer, well below the required range for pathogen destruction.
In Coatesville, Antojitos Criollos Puertorriqueño on Strode Avenue was cited for hot food being held well below required temperatures, including fried rice and meat items measured between 115 and 122 degrees Fahrenheit. Several foods were discarded during the inspection. Inspectors also flagged unlabeled flan offered for self-service, the use of a residential air fryer in a commercial kitchen, and the placement of a chemical distribution system next to a three-compartment sink, citing contamination risks. The establishment was directed to correct multiple issues immediately and address certification and labeling deficiencies within specified timeframes.
At First Watch Restaurant #231 in Exton, inspectors documented improper cold holding of foods such as soft whip, vinaigrette, greens, and cheese, along with missing date markings on ready-to-eat items. Multiple foods were discarded during the inspection, while others were relabeled or returned to proper temperature control. Additional violations included blocked handwashing sinks, missing handwashing signage, wet-stacked clean equipment, and unclean floor and wall areas throughout kitchen and server spaces.
A change-of-ownership inspection at Glendale Dining Services Inc. at Pocopson Home in West Chester identified sanitizer concentration problems due to a malfunctioning dispensing unit. Staff were instructed to manually mix sanitizer using proper dilution ratios or route items through the dishwasher until repairs were completed. Inspectors also required a kitchen employee to obtain a Chester County Food Manager Certificate within 30 days.
In Phoenixville, inspectors cited Hong Kong Chef at the Giant grocery store on Nutt Road for hot foods held below required temperatures, improperly stored wiping cloths, and extensive cleaning deficiencies involving coolers, freezers, shelves, and floor drains with mold-like debris. A glass panel missing from a hot food display case was also flagged, with responsibility for replacement assigned to the store’s operator.
Saladworks in Exton faced multiple violations after inspectors observed cooked chicken thawing at room temperature, spinach held above safe cold-holding limits, and an ice machine with visible residue. Several foods were discarded, while staff began cleaning and sanitizing equipment during the inspection. Additional issues included damaged cutting boards, missing paper towels at handwashing sinks, unlabeled sanitizer containers, and expired food manager certification.
The Health Department emphasized that all inspections reflect conditions at the time of evaluation and encouraged the public to report unsanitary conditions or potential food safety concerns through its Environmental Health Complaint system. Complaints are investigated confidentially, while individuals who become ill after eating at a food establishment are advised to call the department directly.
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