WEST CHESTER, PA — A Downingtown pizza restaurant was cited for multiple food safety violations during a June 1 inspection by the Chester County Health Department, including improper food cooling practices, temperature-control issues, and potential cross-contamination risks.
Lione’s Pizza in Downingtown received the most extensive list of violations among facilities inspected Monday, according to county records.
Inspectors observed chicken soup that had not been cooled to required temperatures within mandated timeframes. The soup, which had been prepared 24 hours earlier and measured 47 degrees Fahrenheit during the inspection, was discarded by management.
Health officials also found several refrigeration units holding food above the required 41-degree threshold. Salads, pasta salads, fruit salad, and heavy cream were among the products affected, with some items discarded and inspectors ordering repairs to malfunctioning equipment.
Additional violations included raw eggs stored above ready-to-eat foods, raw chicken stored above raw beef, unlabeled food containers, improperly cooled cooked onions, dirty food-contact surfaces, inadequate sanitizer concentrations, and employee food and personal items stored in food-preparation areas.
Inspectors also noted an expired Chester County certified food manager certificate.
At No. 1 China Xiong’s Restaurant in West Chester, inspectors responding to a complaint documented uncovered oil drums and moderate fly activity in the exterior refuse area. The facility was directed to secure lids and implement pest-control measures.
Square Bar in West Chester was cited for several food-handling and sanitation violations, including employees washing hands in a three-compartment sink instead of a designated handwashing sink.
Inspectors also found expired date-marked deli meats, food debris on a deli slicer, biofilm inside an ice machine, buildup on soda gun holders, and grease accumulation throughout portions of the kitchen. Some corrective actions were taken during the inspection.
At West End Fire Co. #3 in Phoenixville, inspectors cited maintenance and sanitation issues in public restrooms, including overflowing trash, peeling paint, damaged wall surfaces, and an empty paper towel dispenser.
Facilities found to be in compliance during June 1 inspections included El Comalito Mexican Taqueria in West Chester; Fraternal Order/Eagles 2666 in Oxford; Giovanni’s Pizzas in Elverson; Jersey Mike’s Subs in Parkesburg; Knights of Columbus Rev. Wm. Fenerty Council 7208 @ St. Joseph Church in Downingtown; Malvern Food LLC in Malvern; On The Hook Fish & Chips in Reading; and Papa John’s Pizza in Berwyn.
The Chester County Health Department notes that inspection reports represent conditions observed at a specific date and time and may not reflect a facility’s long-term food safety performance.
If you witness unsanitary conditions or believe a food establishment requires investigation, complaints may be submitted through the Chester County Health Department at the Environmental Health Complaint Form. Individuals who become ill after eating at a food establishment are asked to call 610-344-6225 rather than submit an online complaint.
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