WEST CHESTER, PA — Chester County health inspectors cited several food establishments for violations during inspections conducted July 10, including temperature-control failures, sanitation deficiencies, pest activity and a boil water advisory that temporarily affected one restaurant’s operations.
The Chester County Health Department’s inspection reports represent conditions observed at the time of each inspection and are not intended to reflect an establishment’s long-term compliance. Several violations were corrected during the inspections, while others require follow-up action.
Pietro’s Prime in West Chester received the largest number of violations, including multiple food safety issues that resulted in the on-site disposal of temperature-abused foods.
Inspectors found tuna, salmon, lobster, grouper, cream cheese, cut tomatoes, cooked vegetables, and other time/temperature controlled foods being held between 43 and 50 degrees rather than the required 41 degrees or below. Cut watermelon stored at 49 degrees was also discarded.
The inspection also found a prep-top refrigeration unit on the cook line was not maintaining safe temperatures. The restaurant was ordered to discontinue using the unit for cold holding until repairs are completed by July 17.
Additional violations included employees handling ready-to-eat coffee beans with bare hands, raw tuna stored above ready-to-eat lettuce, expired sanitizer test strips, reuse of single-use food containers, unlabeled food containers, food stored directly on the floor, dirty soda gun components, and cleaning chemicals stored above food and food-contact items.
Inspectors also cited the restaurant for thawing vacuum-sealed fish without opening the packaging, lacking required written procedures for using time as a public health control, failing to maintain required HACCP documentation for vacuum sealing operations and blocking a handwashing sink in the bar area.
The facility was directed to discontinue use of its vacuum sealer until inspectors verify compliance with its approved HACCP plan. Inspectors also cited a damaged walk-in freezer floor requiring repair.
At Devereux’s CIDDS Center in West Chester, inspectors cited the facility for food residue inside an ice machine, mold on strawberries, a malfunctioning portion of the kitchen hood ventilation system, inadequate handwashing supplies and several maintenance deficiencies.
Inspectors observed that soap and paper towels were unavailable at one handwashing station, while another sink failed to provide water at the required minimum temperature. Soap, paper towels, and chemical labels were provided or corrected during the inspection.
At Righteous Tap House in West Chester, inspectors documented a significant drinking water issue after finding the facility’s ultraviolet water treatment unit unplugged.
The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection was contacted during the inspection and issued a boil water advisory for the establishment. Health officials reviewed the facility’s emergency action plan and directed the restaurant to comply with the advisory until DEP lifts it.
Inspectors also ordered the disposal of chicken wings being held at 60 degrees, cited expired date markings on prepared dressings and sauces, and identified equipment and plumbing repairs that remain outstanding, including a malfunctioning hot water control at a handwashing sink and leaking drains.
A follow-up inspection at Tio Mexican Restaurant in Berwyn found moderate cockroach activity in enclosed glue traps within food service areas.
According to the inspection report, the restaurant is receiving weekly pest control treatments and was directed to continue those services, submit pest control reports to the Health Department, clean and disinfect affected areas, inspect incoming deliveries for pests and keep food covered during storage.
The following establishments were inspected and found to be in compliance:
- Ashbridge Manor, Downingtown
- BAPS – Shree Swaminarayan Mandir, Downingtown
- Benny’s Classic Pizza, West Chester
- Church of the Good Samaritan, Paoli
- Coatesville Community Food Co-op, Coatesville
- Honey Brook United Methodist Church, Honey Brook
- La Mia Pizzeria (Chef Lou), Chadds Ford
- Mission BBQ Catering, Norristown
- The Biscuit Lady, West Chester
- Victory Brewing Co., Downingtown
- Whiskey Shack, Oxford
The Chester County Health Department notes that inspection reports provide a snapshot of conditions observed at the time of inspection. Residents who observe unsanitary conditions at licensed food establishments may file a confidential complaint through the department, while those who believe they became ill after eating at a food establishment are encouraged to call 610-344-6225. More information is available at https://www.chesco.org/5843.
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