WEST CHESTER, PA — Chester County health inspectors identified food-temperature violations, excessive sanitizer concentrations and sanitation deficiencies at two food facilities during inspections conducted Friday, October 9, while 12 other establishments were listed in compliance with county food safety requirements.
The Chester County Health Department documented 14 violations at Flavor Spot in Spring City and three at Tiano Cuisine at Trinity Assembly of God in West Chester. The findings involved food handling, refrigeration, equipment sanitation and facility maintenance.
The inspections provide a record of conditions observed at the time of each visit rather than a determination of an establishment’s long-term food safety performance.
Flavor Spot — Spring City
Flavor Spot, located at 625 New Street in Spring City, received 14 violations involving food-temperature controls, sanitizer concentrations, equipment and food preparation practices.
Inspectors found that caramelized onions and bacon jam had not been reheated to the required internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit within two hours before hot holding. Both products were discarded.
The inspection also identified cut tomatoes that had been prepared and stored at room temperature before being placed in a refrigerated preparation unit using a double-pan arrangement.
Inspectors directed the facility to cool foods prepared at room temperature to 41 degrees before placing them in the preparation unit and to discontinue double-panning.
The facility was also using time rather than temperature to control certain ready-to-eat foods without the written procedures and documentation required to verify when those foods must be discarded.
A separate violation involved chlorine sanitizer measured at 2,000 parts per million, a concentration inspectors determined was not approved for sanitizing food-contact surfaces under applicable federal regulations.
The facility was instructed to adjust or dilute the sanitizer. According to the inspection report, employees would temporarily use manually diluted sanitizing tablets.
Inspectors also found that the establishment lacked chlorine test strips needed to verify sanitizer concentrations.
Other violations involved food storage and handling. Clean dishes were stored beside a handwashing sink beneath soap and paper towel dispensers, creating a potential contamination risk.
A utensil was found inside the handwashing sink, which is required to be reserved exclusively for handwashing. The utensil was removed and cleaned during the inspection.
Inspectors additionally documented an improperly stored flour scoop, unlabeled containers of oil, water and spices, and noncommercial-grade storage containers used in direct contact with dry ingredients.
A single-use container had also been washed and reused as a food scoop, contrary to requirements prohibiting reuse of disposable containers for direct food contact.
Structural deficiencies included exposed wooden surfaces in a basement preparation room and wooden ceilings in food preparation and warewashing areas that did not meet requirements for durable, smooth, nonabsorbent finishes.
Inspectors directed the facility to sand and seal affected wood surfaces and apply washable paint where necessary.
The report also identified an employee who had completed an approved food safety training course but had not applied for Chester County Health Department certification. The facility was instructed to complete the application by November 3.
The inspection findings included several immediate corrective actions, including discarding improperly reheated food and removing the utensil from the handwashing sink. The report does not establish that every cited deficiency was corrected during the inspection.
Tiano Cuisine at Trinity Assembly of God — West Chester
Tiano Cuisine at Trinity Assembly of God, located at 1022 Pottstown Pike in West Chester, received three violations involving refrigeration equipment, temperature monitoring and business registration records.
Inspectors measured a refrigerator temperature of 50 degrees Fahrenheit, exceeding the maximum required temperature of 41 degrees.
The refrigerator contained no food at the time of inspection, according to the Health Department.
The facility was directed to repair the unit and monitor its temperature. Inspectors also required an accurate thermometer inside the refrigerator.
A separate administrative violation involved the facility’s business name.
Inspectors determined that the operation had changed its name to Alabaster Catering without updating Chester County Health Department records. The facility was instructed to contact county support staff to correct the registration information.
Twelve Facilities Listed in Compliance
The Chester County Health Department listed the following 12 establishments in compliance during inspections conducted October 9:
- 7-Eleven Inc., DBA A Plus 40308 H — 8955 Gap Newport Road, Avondale, PA 19311
- A-Mart II — 1947 E. Lincoln Highway, Coatesville, PA 19320
- Bonefish Grill #0302 — 460 W. Lincoln Highway, Exton, PA 19341
- CVS #1805 / Caln — 101 Reeceville Road, Coatesville, PA 19320
- Damas Mediterranean Grill (New Owner) — 260 N. Pottstown Pike, Exton, PA 19341
- El Rincon Criollo 2 (The Latin Corner 2) — 13 Riverside Drive, Spring City, PA 19475
- Engle Education Center (Includes County Cup) — 107 Schoolhouse Road, West Grove, PA 19390
- La Fortuna Mexican Delicias / CCHD #1581 — 3565 Schuylkill Road, Spring City, PA 19475
- Monday Morning Meal Prep LLC @ AE — 208 Carter Drive, Unit 13B, West Chester, PA 19382
- Paradocx Vineyard @ Flint Hill — 1833 Flint Hill Road, Landenberg, PA 19350
- The Local — 324 Bridge Street, Phoenixville, PA 19460
- The Social @ Downingtown — 541 W. Lancaster Avenue, Downingtown, PA 19335
Inspection Findings and Public Health Reporting
The Chester County Health Department conducts inspections of licensed food establishments, including restaurants, grocery stores, convenience stores, school cafeterias and other facilities that prepare or distribute food to the public.
County officials caution that inspection reports reflect conditions observed at a specific date and time and may not represent an establishment’s overall sanitation or food safety record.
Violations can involve immediate food handling concerns, equipment deficiencies, structural maintenance requirements or administrative compliance issues. Individual findings do not necessarily indicate that an establishment has been ordered to close.
Residents who observe unsanitary conditions or believe a food establishment requires investigation can submit a confidential Environmental Health Complaint through the county’s website at https://www.chesco.org/5843.
Individuals who believe they became ill after eating at a food establishment should instead contact the Chester County Health Department at 610-344-6225.
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