WEST CHESTER, PA — The Chester County Health Department reported multiple food safety violations at three establishments following inspections conducted Thursday, April 2, according to inspection reports released by the agency.
The department noted that inspections represent conditions observed at the time of the visit and may not reflect long-term practices.
Concert Penn Oaks LLC in West Chester was cited for several violations, including improper food storage and sanitation concerns.
Inspectors reported raw beef stored above ready-to-eat foods, creating a risk of cross-contamination, and noted dented cans and expired food products in storage areas. Vacuum-sealed fish was also observed thawing improperly and was discarded.
Additional violations included missing handwashing supplies, unclean food-contact surfaces such as an ice machine and soda equipment, and damaged flooring in food preparation areas. The facility also lacked a certified food manager, as required by county regulations.
Roots Cafe in West Chester was cited for improper food safety procedures and equipment issues, including expired dairy products and inadequate temperature control.
Inspectors found arugula stored above the required temperature and discarded the product during the inspection. The facility was also cited for lacking proper labeling on food containers, not maintaining required sanitizer concentrations, and failing to provide a written consumer advisory for undercooked foods.
Other violations included the absence of a lock on an outdoor freezer, improper utensil storage, expired sanitizer test strips, and structural concerns such as damaged flooring and gaps in exterior doors that could allow pests to enter.
At The Jockey Tavern in Malvern, inspectors documented violations related to food temperature control and sanitation practices.
Food items, including garlic butter and prepared foods, were held at unsafe temperatures and discarded during the inspection. Inspectors also observed improper cooling methods and cross-contamination risks from raw meats stored with ready-to-eat foods.
Additional issues included unclean equipment, worn cutting boards, unlabeled chemical containers, and improper drying of food-contact surfaces.
Several establishments were found to be in compliance, including
- Aari’s Soft Pretzels in Coatesville,
- Black Cat Café in Devon,
- Frank’s Pizza in Malvern,
- Highland Orchards in West Chester,
- Milton’s Pizza & Pasta in Coatesville,
- Sage Mediterranean Cuisine in Phoenixville,
- Spring City Citgo in Spring City,
- Taco Bell in Phoenixville, and
- Wawa in Westtown.
The health department said residents who observe unsanitary conditions or believe an issue requires investigation can submit a complaint at https://www.chesco.org/5843 or call 610-344-6225 if they become ill after eating at a food establishment.
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