CHESTER COUNTY, PA — Chester County health inspectors ordered temperature-controlled foods discarded at a Kennett Square market on Aug. 6 and cited food-safety violations at three other establishments, while 12 additional facilities inspected that day were listed as in compliance.
At D’Erasmo RE DBA Country Butcher, 602 E. Cypress St. in Kennett Square, inspectors found soft cheeses held at 51 to 54 degrees, foods in a cookline bain-marie at 53 to 57 degrees and deli meats and cheeses at 47 to 51 degrees, all above the required maximum of 41 degrees.
The Chester County Health Department directed the business to discard the affected foods and not use the refrigeration units for those products until they can maintain temperatures at 41 degrees or below.
Inspectors also found house-made dressings, sauces and horseradish cheese more than seven days old and directed that those products be discarded. The department noted that cheddar bacon dip made July 31 had been placed into individual containers carrying an Aug. 5 packed-on date and reminded staff that the products may not be sold beyond seven days from the date they were made.
Additional findings at Country Butcher included missing date labels on ready-to-eat foods, a rusty deli-slicer blade, improperly stored panko, foil-lined shelving, cleaning deficiencies and reused single-use shipping containers.
Inspectors also found missing ingredient labels on several products and cited the business for vacuum-sealing and freezing meats without the required commercial vacuum sealer and Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point plan. The department directed the business to submit information for new equipment and begin developing a HACCP plan or stop using the vacuum sealer.
At Black Horse Tavern, 1303 Charlestown Road in Phoenixville, inspectors found raw shell eggs stored above ready-to-eat vegetables, unlabeled food containers and cups being used as food scoops.
The tavern was also cited because burgers and eggs could be served raw or undercooked at customers’ request without a written consumer advisory identifying the affected menu items.
Inspectors found cleaners, sanitizers and other chemicals stored above food and directed the business to move them below food products. A restricted-use pesticide was also being applied by a non-certified applicator, according to the inspection report, and home pesticides were ordered removed from the facility.
Other findings included loose refrigerator and freezer door gaskets, expired sanitizer test strips, residue on a soda gun holster and cleaning needs in a walk-in cooler.
Inspectors also observed stained and wet ceiling tiles in the men’s restroom beneath an air duct, indicating possible condensation. The department directed the tavern to replace the tiles and determine the source of the moisture.
Pakka Spice Indian Restaurant, 4 Tabas Lane in Exton, received findings during a change-of-owner inspection.
Two foods in a two-door cooler were recorded at 45 degrees rather than the required 41 degrees or below. Inspectors noted that other foods in the unit were at compliant temperatures and identified a possible airflow obstruction from a tray above.
The restaurant was also cited for dirty dishes in a food-preparation sink, missing handwashing reminder signs in bathrooms, inadequate access to equipment thermometers and a damaged hood seal.
Inspectors additionally found non-food-contact surfaces needing cleaning, cardboard liners and unnecessary boxes that needed to be removed, and unused equipment remaining in the facility.
The manual warewashing equipment also failed to maintain the required wash-water temperature. Inspectors recorded the water at 102 degrees and falling, below the minimum required 110 degrees, and directed the restaurant to repair or adjust the equipment.
A follow-up inspection at Target T-2905 West Goshen, 985 Paoli Pike in West Chester, found the facility did not have a Chester County Certified Food Manager as required.
Inspectors also found approximately a dozen containers of yogurt with expired dates in refrigerated retail cases and directed the store to remove them. Additional sticker accumulation was found on floors in rear storage areas despite earlier cleaning.
The Health Department listed Evergreen Coffee Co. in Downingtown; Failla’s Pizzeria in Phoenixville; Hemsley House of Paoli/Food in Malvern; Hissho Sushi at Giant #6051 in West Whiteland; Honeygrow in Exton; J’s Water Ice in Oxford; Kennett Square Golf/Country Club; Kildare’s Irish Pub in West Chester; Los Alquisiras Inc. in West Chester; Lupita’s Juice Bar in Kennett Square; Pasquale’s Pizza/West Fallowfield in Cochranville; and Villa Maria House of Studies in Malvern as in compliance on Aug. 6.
The county cautions that an inspection represents conditions observed at a particular date and time and may not reflect a facility’s long-term sanitation or food-safety status.
Residents who observe unsanitary conditions or believe an establishment requires investigation may submit a confidential Environmental Health Complaint at https://www.chesco.org/5843. Anyone who became ill after eating at a food establishment should instead call the Chester County Health Department at 610-344-6225.
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