WEST CHESTER, PA — A sweeping round of health inspections Friday uncovered a disturbing pattern of pest infestations, sanitation failures, and food safety violations across multiple food operations in and around West Chester, prompting urgent cleanup orders and emergency pest control calls.
The Chester County Health Department reported violations at gyms, cafés, food trucks, and church-based kitchens during inspections conducted January 9, emphasizing that each visit represents only a snapshot in time but that conditions found that day posed clear risks to public health.
At the Community Dinner kitchen inside Cornerstone Christian Fellowship on West Gay Street, inspectors documented what they described as a “multi-generational cockroach infestation” concentrated around the three-bay sink, hand sink, and grease trap. The person in charge contacted a pest control company during the inspection, and service was scheduled for the same day. Inspectors ordered the facility to provide a copy of the exterminator’s report and to thoroughly clean all food and non-food contact surfaces, remove clutter, and fix leaking plumbing beneath the sink.
The same infestation was found in multiple food operations operating inside the Cornerstone complex, including Pause Cafe and Philly Hots. Inspectors again reported active cockroach populations and required immediate pest control service and deep cleaning in all kitchen areas.
The infestation extended to the Philly Hots food truck, also inspected that day, where inspectors found the same multi-generational cockroach activity near sinks and grease traps, along with cluttered, unclean surfaces.
At Apex Fitness Bar inside LA Fitness in West Goshen, inspectors cited improper storage of staff food and personal items mixed with customer food, a leaking blender rinse sink that was out of order, missing public inspection postings, and baked goods being sold without ingredient or allergen information. Health officials ordered the café to stop selling baked goods until full ingredient and allergen disclosures are provided.
Pause Cafe at the county health department building on South Church Street was also cited for heavy clutter, dirty surfaces, and the same type of cockroach infestation found at the Cornerstone kitchens, again concentrated around plumbing and grease traps.
At Telangana Spice Kitchen in Exton, inspectors found multiple sanitation and equipment issues and ordered the operator to apply for Chester County Certified Food Manager credentials within seven days, even though the manager is already ServSafe certified through 2030.
The Chester County Health Department reminds the public that inspections reflect conditions observed at the time of the visit but encourages residents to report suspected unsanitary conditions through an Environmental Health Complaint. Anyone who becomes ill after eating at a food establishment is urged to call 610-344-6225 so investigators can respond quickly.
All complaints are confidential, and officials say every report is investigated as part of the county’s effort to protect diners from foodborne illness and unsafe kitchen conditions.
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