WEST CHESTER, PA — Chester County health inspectors cited multiple food establishments on May 28 for violations ranging from improper food temperatures and cross-contamination risks to sanitation deficiencies, while 16 facilities were found to be in compliance during routine inspections.
Among the establishments receiving the most extensive inspection reports was Malgudi Cafe in Exton, where inspectors documented dozens of violations, including cooked rice held at 80 degrees Fahrenheit instead of the required 135 degrees or higher, food stored in a detergent container, improper pesticide use, missing food thermometers, blocked handwashing stations, evidence of pests, and refrigeration and sanitation deficiencies throughout the facility.
Inspectors ordered the disposal of improperly stored foods, required correction of sanitizer concentrations, and cited the restaurant for using residential-grade Instant Pot appliances in a commercial kitchen.
At Vito’s NY Style Pizza & Grill in Spring City, inspectors found meatballs held at 70 degrees Fahrenheit instead of the required hot-holding temperature, cooked foods stored above safe refrigeration temperatures, raw beef stored above ready-to-eat bread, mold on food containers, and a deli slicer with food residue.
Several food items, including cooked chicken, beef, onions, butter, and garlic oil, were discarded during the inspection after being found at temperatures between 44 and 53 degrees Fahrenheit.
Lily’s Kitchen in Malvern was cited for handwashing violations, bare-hand contact with ready-to-eat food, improper food storage practices, moldy produce, dented food cans, and the absence of a probe thermometer used to verify cooking temperatures.
During the inspection, employees discarded spoiled coconuts and improperly handled food, corrected labeling issues, and cleaned and sanitized contaminated equipment.
At Carly Foglia Nutrition at Artisan Exchange in West Chester, inspectors observed ground turkey thawing in standing water, salmon thawing in unopened vacuum-sealed packaging, improperly stored salad dressing requiring refrigeration, and food items lacking required date markings.
Inspectors ordered the disposal of the thawed salmon and cited the facility for cleaning and maintenance deficiencies in kitchen and warewashing areas.
Malgudi Cafe, Vito’s NY Style Pizza & Grill, Lily’s Kitchen, and Carly Foglia Nutrition accounted for the most significant food safety concerns identified during the inspection cycle.
Other facilities receiving violations included Popeye’s in West Goshen, where inspectors cited equipment and floor maintenance issues; Sipp Happens Events in Avondale, where a cooling unit failed to maintain required temperatures; and Wawa in Kennett Square, where inspectors found refrigerated grab-and-go foods being held between 49 and 50 degrees Fahrenheit due to a malfunctioning display case.
The affected Wawa products, including prepared salads and pasta dishes, were removed for disposal during the inspection, and inspectors ordered repairs before the unit could be returned to service.
The Chester County Health Department noted that inspection reports represent conditions observed at the specific time of inspection and may not reflect a facility’s long-term compliance status.
The following facilities were listed as being in compliance during inspections conducted on May 28:
- ACME Markets #721, Phoenixville
- Brown Betty BBQ, Kennett Square
- Child and Career Development Center, Coatesville
- East Vincent United Church of Christ, Spring City
- Giant Food Store #6477, Frazer
- Las Vegas Pizza, West Chester
- Living God Lutheran Church, Honey Brook
- Mizuna Catering, West Chester
- Pastry Ville LLC at Artisan Exchange, West Chester
- Pokelicious and Bubble Tea, Kennett Square
- Rita’s Water Ice, Phoenixville
- She By Sipp Happens Events, Kennett Square
- Stanley K. Landis/CCIU, Coatesville
- The West Bradford Market, West Chester
- Trinity Presbyterian Church, Berwyn
- Whole Foods, Exton
Residents who observe unsanitary conditions at food establishments may submit an Environmental Health Complaint through the Chester County Health Department at https://www.chesco.org/5843. 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.
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