WEST CHESTER, PA — Chester County health inspectors cited a Phoenixville restaurant for improper handwashing, unsafe egg storage, and other sanitation violations on October 16, 2026, while a follow-up inspection at a Malvern elementary school identified persistent refrigeration concerns.
The Chester County Health Department documented multiple violations at King Chef 5318 Inc., located at 278 Schuylkill Road in Phoenixville, including raw eggs stored at 78 degrees Fahrenheit and an employee failing to wash their hands between separate tasks.
Inspectors found the eggs in their carton on top of a refrigerated food preparation unit. The eggs were voluntarily discarded during the inspection.
The department also reported uncovered containers of assorted foods stacked inside the preparation unit, a knife stored between refrigerated equipment, and a large pot being washed in a food preparation sink rather than a designated warewashing area.
Additional sanitation concerns included inadequate cleaning around the handwashing sink, fryers, and three-compartment sink. Inspectors also observed used absorbent cloths being taken to a vehicle outside the restaurant.
A used fly strip was hanging above a food preparation area, while openings around the front screen door presented potential pest-entry concerns.
Inspectors directed the restaurant to label chemical containers, discontinue reusing food cans and single-use containers, replace improvised scoops with food-grade utensils, and remove unused equipment from the kitchen restroom area.
The report also identified water-stained ceiling tiles requiring replacement and a mop bucket containing wastewater. The wastewater was discarded, and a hose attached to the mop sink was removed during the inspection.
At Sugartown Elementary School, located at 611 Sugartown Road in Malvern, a follow-up inspection identified heavy ice accumulation inside a walk-in refrigerator.
According to the department, ice was present on shelving, food boxes, and floors. Inspectors directed the facility to remove the buildup and make repairs to eliminate the underlying leak or ice accumulation.
The reports do not establish whether the remaining violations at either facility were subsequently corrected.
The department also reported that 12 other food establishments were in compliance during inspections on October 16:
- Aramark at Fugett Middle School, 500 Ellis Lane, West Chester
- Canteen Avenue C at Penn State Great Valley, 30 E. Swedesford Road, Malvern
- Chubby Shark Playroom, 446 Lancaster Avenue, Suite K, Malvern
- CVS Pharmacy #1159/East Bradford, 760 Miles Road, West Chester
- Grove United Methodist Church, 490 W. Boot Road, West Chester
- Hangry Bear Creamery, 660 E. Cypress Street, Suite 101, Kennett Square
- Homewood Suites/East Whiteland, 12 E. Swedesford Road, Malvern
- KFC-Taco Bell/West Whiteland, 104 N. Pottstown Pike, Exton
- Malgudi Cafe, 410 W. Lincoln Highway, Exton
- Phoenixville Cafe, 106-108 Bridge Street, Phoenixville
- RDS Market at WCU BPMC, 50 Sharpless Street, West Chester
- Wawa #118/East Caln, 1083 E. Lancaster Avenue, Downingtown
The Health Department cautions that inspection reports reflect conditions observed at a particular time and do not necessarily represent an establishment’s long-term food safety performance.
Residents who observe unsanitary conditions can submit a confidential environmental health complaint at https://www.chesco.org/5843. Anyone who becomes ill after eating at a food establishment should instead contact the department at 610-344-6225.
Support the local news that supports Chester County. MyChesCo delivers reliable, fact-based reporting and essential community resources—free for everyone. If you value that, click here to become a patron today.