WEST CHESTER, PA — The Chester County Health Department cited multiple food establishments across Chester County for food safety and sanitation violations during inspections conducted Friday, May 8, including improper food storage, expired products, inadequate sanitization, and employee hygiene issues.
The inspections covered restaurants, grocery stores, school kitchens, and convenience food operations. The department said inspection reports represent conditions observed at the time of inspection and may not reflect an establishment’s long-term compliance status.
At Giant Food Store #6116 / Thornbury in West Chester, inspectors observed discolored and rotten bags of baby carrots in the produce area, frozen pork thawing in standing water, and refrigerated lobster tails labeled with expiration dates extending to March 2027.
The person in charge told inspectors the lobster labeling issue resulted from employee error. Inspectors directed staff to remove the product and revise date labels.
The Hickman in West Chester received multiple violations involving food storage, sanitation, equipment maintenance, and facility conditions across several kitchens.
Inspectors reported raw eggs stored above mixed fruit in a satellite kitchen, expired pudding prepared on-site, missing refrigerator thermometers, and employees stacking wet food equipment before air drying. Additional violations included a leaking sink, dirty kitchen surfaces, and an expired Chester County Certified Food Manager certificate.
At Penn Street Pizza Inc. DBA Domino’s Pizza in Kennett Square, a follow-up inspection found the business temporarily using an electric kettle to maintain hot water while repairs were made to the water heater.
Inspectors measured the dishwashing sink water at 113 degrees Fahrenheit and ordered the business to complete water heater repairs by noon on Tuesday, May 13, and schedule a re-inspection.
T-Swirl Crepe in Phoenixville was cited for numerous violations tied to employee practices, sanitation, and food handling procedures.
Inspectors reported wet wiping cloths left outside sanitizer solution, employees failing to change gloves between tasks, unlabeled condiment containers, mold-like debris inside an ice machine, and blocked handwashing sinks. The inspection also noted a lack of soap at one handwashing station and improper washing of drink containers in a food preparation sink.
The inspection report stated the person in charge did not demonstrate adequate knowledge of the Pennsylvania Food Code during questioning by inspectors.
At The Biscuit Lady in West Chester, inspectors cited the business for expired milk, unlabeled squeeze bottles, improper food storage, and the use of time as a food safety control without written procedures approved by the health department.
Inspectors also found raw shell eggs stored above ready-to-eat foods, honey butter and icing held overnight at room temperature despite manufacturer instructions requiring refrigeration, and sanitizer concentrations below required levels in the warewashing sink.
Additional violations included missing soap and paper towels at handwashing sinks, insufficient basement lighting, and a rear exterior door gap that inspectors said could allow pests to enter the building.
The following establishments were listed as in compliance during inspections conducted Friday:
- 1200 Morris Micro Market in Wayne
- Aramark @ Marsh Creek 6th Grade Center in Downingtown
- Aramark @ Shamona Creek Elementary School in Downingtown
- Aramark Micro Market @ Charles River Labs in Wayne
- Bonchon / West Chester in West Chester
- Chadds Ford Winery in Chadds Ford
- Homestead Studios on Main in Parkesburg
- Marchwood 3 LLC in Exton
- McDonald’s #2159 / WG in West Chester
- Mendenhall Inn in Mendenhall
- Nottingham Elementary School – Food in Oxford
- Rita’s Water Ice of Oxford in Oxford
- Starbucks Coffee Co. #84390 in Downingtown
The Chester County Health Department said residents who observe unsanitary conditions at licensed food facilities can submit confidential complaints through the county’s Environmental Health Complaint portal at Chester County Environmental Health Complaint Portal. Residents who become ill after eating at a food establishment are instructed to call 610-344-6225.
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