WEST CHESTER, PA — A meat vendor operating at the Oxford Farmers’ Market was cited for multiple food safety violations after inspectors found refrigerated foods stored at unsafe temperatures and evidence of inadequate food safety practices during a June 11 inspection.
According to the Chester County Health Department, D & L Meats at the Oxford Farmers’ Market received the most significant violations among food establishments inspected that day, including temperature-control failures affecting numerous potentially hazardous foods.
Inspectors reported that a refrigerated display unit was operating between 35 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit and contained products exceeding the required 41-degree limit, including hot dogs, kielbasa, cheeses, spreads, cream cheese, butter, and deli meats. All temperature-controlled foods found above 41 degrees were discarded during the inspection.
The inspection report noted significant ice accumulation inside the refrigeration unit. Inspectors ordered the business not to use the equipment for temperature-controlled foods until repairs are completed and documentation of service is provided.
Additional violations included thawing meat products at room temperature, improper storage of raw sausage above ready-to-eat foods, food residue on deli slicers, missing date markings on repackaged cheese and fruit spreads, and excessive raw animal food debris on facility floors.
Inspectors also cited the business for lacking a Chester County Certified Food Manager and determined that the person in charge did not demonstrate adequate food safety knowledge during the inspection.
Elsewhere, a follow-up inspection at Dutch Valley Market in Glenmoore identified unresolved violations involving the absence of a required handwashing sink in the front service area, inadequate handwashing facilities associated with an on-site portable toilet, pest-entry concerns, and labeling deficiencies on packaged foods.
Health officials also reported that the facility did not employ a certified food protection manager, though an employee had completed the required training and was in the process of obtaining county certification.
A follow-up inspection at Papa John’s Pizza on East Gay Street in West Chester found several remaining maintenance-related violations, including rusted shelving above a three-bay sink, deteriorated caulking around the sink, and holes in an exterior door that could allow pest entry.
The following establishments were listed as being in compliance during inspections conducted on June 11:
- Palermo’s Pizza, Phoenixville
- Avondale Presbyterian Church, Avondale
- Carly Foglia Nutrition at Artisan Exchange, West Chester
- City Gate Mission, Coatesville
- El Limon Mexican Taqueria, Phoenixville
- Humpty’s Dumplings, Sharon Hill
- Juice Pod, Downingtown
- North Star Orchard Market Stand, Cochranville
- Oxford Lions, Nottingham
- Paleteria y Botanas El Nevado LLC, Coatesville
- Root Down Brewing Company, Phoenixville
- Stonewall Links, Elverson
- Trinity Presbyterian Church, Berwyn
The Chester County Health Department noted that inspection reports represent conditions observed at the time of inspection and may not reflect an establishment’s long-term compliance status.
Residents who observe unsanitary conditions or believe a food establishment requires investigation may submit an Environmental Health Complaint at https://www.chesco.org/5843. Complaints are investigated confidentially. Individuals who become ill after eating at a food establishment should call the Chester County Health Department at 610-344-6225 rather than submitting an online complaint.
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