WEST CHESTER, PA — Chester County Health Department inspectors cited food safety and sanitation violations at three licensed food facilities during inspections conducted Thursday, July 16, while 13 other establishments were found to be in compliance with state food safety regulations.
The inspections identified violations involving food temperature control, warewashing procedures, sanitation, plumbing and documentation requirements. The department noted that inspection reports represent conditions observed at the time of the visit and may not reflect a facility’s long-term compliance status.
Margarita’s, 200 Thompson Road, Toughkenamon, received six violations during its inspection. Inspectors cited the use of non-food-grade grocery bags on a tortilla press, improper dishwashing procedures, hot-held mole and salsa measured at 120 degrees instead of the required minimum of 135 degrees, a lack of hand soap at a handwashing sink, the absence of a food thermometer on the truck, and expired chlorine test strips. The report indicated the improperly held foods were reheated during the inspection.
Arrowhead Day Camp’s food service operation, 240 Dutton Mill Road, West Chester, received three violations. Inspectors directed staff to clean a soiled window ledge behind ovens and remove dust and cobwebs from walls, ceilings and ceiling fans. The department also cited the facility for using time as a public health control for ready-to-eat foods without maintaining the required written procedures or documentation.
A follow-up inspection at Two Fish and Five Loaves Community Café, 501 E. Miner St., West Chester, found plumbing issues remained unresolved. According to the inspection report, a plumber was unable to clear a clogged mop sink drain line, and a hand sink beneath pass-through shelves continued to leak. Inspectors instructed the facility to use an upstairs mop sink temporarily and complete the necessary repairs.
The following facilities were inspected and found to be in compliance:
- Camp Sankanac (Food), Spring City
- Chophouse Grille, Exton
- Dante’s Italian Bistro, Phoenixville
- Hissho Sushi at Giant #6291 (East Bradford), West Chester
- Holiday Inn Express, Exton
- Maggie Moo’s Ice Cream & Great American Cookie, Exton
- Parlor Donuts, Berwyn
- The Pour House, Exton
- Robert Fair Caterers Ltd., Exton
- St. Paul’s Baptist Church, West Chester
- Starbucks Coffee Co. #84063, Parkesburg
- Tex Mex Food Truck LLC, Parkesburg
- Tex Mex Food Truck LLC Commissary, Parkesburg
The Chester County Health Department encourages residents to report suspected unsanitary conditions at licensed food facilities by submitting an Environmental Health Complaint through the county’s website. Individuals who believe they became ill after eating at a food establishment should call the department at 610-344-6225 rather than submitting an online complaint.
Support the local news that supports Chester County. MyChesCo delivers reliable, fact-based reporting and essential community resources—free for everyone. If you value that, click here to become a patron today.