WEST CHESTER, PA — Health inspectors cited a range of sanitation and food safety violations at multiple Chester County food establishments during inspections conducted Thursday, January 22, according to reports released by the Chester County Health Department.
Officials stressed that inspections represent a snapshot of conditions observed at the time and may not reflect an establishment’s long-term compliance history.
Among the locations cited was Cracker Barrel Old Country Store #509 on East Lancaster Avenue in Downingtown, where inspectors documented numerous violations. They included unlabeled squeeze bottles on the cook line, expired milk offered for sale, improper storage of utensils, and food held above required temperatures. Inspectors also noted mold-like buildup inside an ice machine, missing air duct covers in food preparation areas, wet-stacked equipment that had not been air-dried, and a malfunctioning two-door cooler near the fryers. Management corrected several issues during the inspection, including discarding expired milk and restoring access to blocked handwashing sinks.
At Panaderia y Taqueria Morelos on West Cypress Street in Kennett Square, inspectors found food debris in all compartments of a three-bay sink, grease buildup on cooking equipment, and improper cooling of prepared food that was later discarded. Additional violations included an open septic tank lid behind the building, an unlabeled bleach spray bottle, medicines stored near food, a leaking hand sink, and a broken, grease-covered chargrill that inspectors ordered not to be used until cleaned and repaired.
A follow-up inspection at Sang Tong Thai on West Cypress Street in Kennett Square revealed continued concerns. While most cleaning and organization had been completed, inspectors reported roaches in multiple life stages on floors and glue boards. An exterminator treated the facility the previous day, and adjacent upstairs apartments were also treated. Due to ongoing pest activity, the restaurant was ordered to remain closed to allow the treatment to take effect. Inspectors also cited grease buildup behind cooking equipment and a leaking mop sink faucet.
The health department reminded residents that unsanitary conditions or potential food safety hazards can be reported through its Environmental Health Complaint system at https://www.chesco.org/5843. Complaints are investigated and kept confidential. Anyone who becomes ill after eating at a food establishment is urged to call 610-344-6225 instead of submitting an online complaint.
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