WEST CHESTER, PA — Chester County health inspectors cited pest activity, unsafe refrigeration and inadequate dishwashing temperatures during July 24 inspections of a child care center, a Parkesburg restaurant and a Downingtown camp food facility.
KinderCare at 400 Skiles Boulevard in Westtown was cited after inspectors reported finding mouse droppings in a container of measuring spoons and along floor-wall junctions, according to the Chester County Health Department. Numerous ants were also observed on three syrup bottles and kitchen walls.
The measuring spoons and syrup bottles were discarded. Inspectors directed the facility to clean and sanitize affected areas, follow recommendations from its pest control provider and submit the pest control report to the department.
The facility was also cited because water in the wash compartment of its manual dishwashing sink measured 102 degrees, below the required minimum of 110 degrees.
Inspectors found quaternary ammonium sanitizer at 100 parts per million in the three-compartment sink and classroom spray bottles, below the required range of 150 to 400 parts per million. The facility switched to chlorine sanitizer during the inspection, with a concentration measured at 100 parts per million.
Additional findings included employee food stored beside food intended for the facility, unclean storage containers and kitchen surfaces, a malfunctioning light, improperly calibrated or nonfunctioning food thermometers and unnecessary equipment requiring removal.
A container of dish soap stored above or alongside equipment was relocated during the inspection.
At Main Street Cafe, located at 321 Main Street in Parkesburg, inspectors found a double-door refrigerator operating at 51 degrees instead of the required 41 degrees or below. Potentially hazardous food stored in the unit was discarded, and the restaurant was instructed to repair the refrigerator immediately.
Inspectors also found ice cream scoops stored in room-temperature water. The scoops were moved to the three-compartment sink during the inspection, and the establishment was directed to use an approved storage or cleaning method.
The handwashing sink used by waitstaff lacked soap and paper towels when inspectors arrived. The supplies were restored during the inspection.
Paradise Farm Camps, located at 1300 Valley Creek Road in Downingtown, was ordered to stop using its mechanical dishwasher after the final rinse failed to reach the required sanitizing temperature.
Inspectors posted an out-of-order notice on the machine and directed the facility to wash utensils and equipment in its three-compartment sink until repairs were completed. The camp was asked to provide the department with a copy of the service invoice.
The facility initially lacked sanitizer for the three-compartment sink, but chlorine bleach was obtained from another campus building and measured at 200 parts per million.
Inspectors also reported mold-like growth inside the ice machine, expired chlorine test strips and clean utensils stored without being inverted to protect them from contamination.
A broken toilet flush handle was replaced during the inspection. The camp was also cited for lacking an employee with a Chester County Certified Food Manager certificate, although an employee had completed a ServSafe food manager course.
Six establishments were listed as in compliance:
- Bell’s Breakaway BBQ & Creamery, 1620 E. Lincoln Highway, Coatesville
- County Cup at the Justice Center, 201 W. Market Street, West Chester
- Craig’s Cat Cafe, 11 Riverside Drive, Spring City
- El Ranchero, 305 W. State Street, Kennett Square
- Origami Asian Fusion, 163 Lincoln Highway, Exton
- St. Anthony’s Lodge, 259 W. Church Street, Downingtown
The Health Department cautions that each inspection reflects conditions observed at a particular time and may not represent an establishment’s long-term sanitation or food safety record.
Residents who observe unsanitary conditions may submit a confidential environmental health complaint at https://www.chesco.org/5843. Anyone who became ill after eating at a food establishment should call 610-344-6225 instead of using the online form.
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