HARRISBURG, PA — Chester County health inspectors cited multiple food establishments across the county for a wide range of food safety and sanitation violations following inspections conducted Friday, January 23, according to reports released by the Chester County Health Department.
The inspections, which serve as a snapshot of conditions at the time they are conducted, covered restaurants, bars, and cafes in West Chester, Oxford, and Exton. Officials emphasized that a single inspection may not reflect an establishment’s long-term compliance history.
At Bored Trading Cafe on West Gay Street in West Chester, inspectors conducting a follow-up visit cited numerous violations, including improper thawing of raw chicken wings at room temperature, cold-holding equipment failing to keep foods at or below 41 degrees, and meats and cheeses stored without required date marking. Inspectors also observed food employees eating and drinking in food preparation areas and noted the absence of a readily available probe thermometer. Several temperature-controlled foods were voluntarily discarded, and the business was instructed to discontinue use of certain refrigeration units until repairs are completed.
The Fraternal Order of Eagles 2666 on South Street in Oxford was cited for storing ready-to-eat cheese sauce without proper date marking, plumbing leaks under a bar-area sink, and keeping food in an open metal can. Inspectors directed staff to discard expired products and transfer foods to appropriate containers.
In West Chester, a follow-up inspection at Pepper Mill on North Chester Road found issues including employees failing to wash hands before donning gloves, soups held beyond safe date limits, and refrigeration units unable to maintain required temperatures. Inspectors also cited damaged floors, taped ceiling tiles, missing handwashing signage, and structural issues near the ice machine that could hinder proper cleaning.
The Adyar Cafe on East Lincoln Highway in Exton recorded the most extensive list of violations. Inspectors documented broken refrigerated drawers, uncovered food in cook-line coolers, multiple items held at unsafe temperatures, and improper storage of utensils and food containers. Several foods, including lentils, rice, heavy cream, and sauces, were discarded during the inspection. Additional concerns included stained ceiling tiles in restrooms, non-food contact surfaces not being cleaned adequately, wet equipment stacked without air drying, and deteriorating stair surfaces leading to upper levels of the facility.
Health officials reiterated that complaints about unsanitary conditions can be submitted confidentially through the county’s Environmental Health Complaint system at https://www.chesco.org/5843. Individuals who become ill after eating at a food establishment are urged to call 610-344-6225 instead of submitting an online complaint.
The Chester County Health Department said all reported complaints are investigated and reminded the public that inspection reports are intended to inform consumers while encouraging facilities to maintain safe food handling and sanitation practices.
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