WEST CHESTER, PA — Chester County health inspectors cited multiple food establishments Wednesday for temperature control failures, sanitizer violations, and improper food storage practices, with one Thorndale restaurant receiving more than 20 separate violations tied to food safety and sanitation compliance.
According to inspection reports released by the Chester County Health Department, Happy Days Family Bistro in Thorndale was cited for violations involving improperly cooled foods, expired milk products, sanitizer concentration failures, inadequate refrigeration temperatures, and misuse of handwashing sinks during a May 27 inspection.
Inspectors observed milk, juice, iced tea, and dairy toppings held between 47 and 49 degrees in a Coca-Cola cooler, sliced cheese stored at 65 degrees on a cook line, and hard-boiled eggs, tomatoes, and beets in a salad bar above required cold-holding temperatures. Staff discarded multiple food items during the inspection.
The report also cited cooked turkey cooling improperly in thick plastic-wrapped portions inside a walk-in cooler and pasta cooling at room temperature at 88 degrees rather than remaining above 135 degrees or rapidly cooling to safe storage temperatures.
Health officials additionally cited the restaurant for sanitizer concentration problems in both dishwashing equipment and three-compartment sinks, lack of sanitizer test strips, improper reuse of single-use containers, missing floor tiles, leaks near cooking equipment, unlabeled food containers, and employee belongings stored throughout the facility.
Dollar Tree #08337 in Kennett Square was cited for a malfunctioning hot-water handle at an employee handwashing sink, ice accumulation in a walk-in freezer, and missing covered trash cans in restroom areas. Inspectors noted the trash-can violation was corrected onsite.
Papa John’s Pizza (WC) in West Chester received follow-up violations involving dirty handwashing and prep sinks, rusted shelving above a three-bay sink, and holes around an exterior alley door that inspectors stated could allow pest entry.
Inspectors at The Red Sombrero @ Shops at Longwood in Kennett Square cited the restaurant for sanitizer failures in its low-temperature dishwasher, leaks at a three-compartment sink, improper food storage practices, and use of a handwashing sink for utensil storage.
The report stated no chlorine sanitizer was detected during the dishwasher’s final rinse cycle. Until repairs are completed, inspectors directed the restaurant to use a three-compartment sink for warewashing.
The health department emphasized that inspections represent conditions observed at the time of inspection and may not reflect a facility’s long-term compliance status.
The following establishments were listed as in compliance following May 27 inspections:
- Brothers Food Truck / CCHD #1223 in West Chester
- China One in Kennett Square
- Common Good Pizza & Tap / CCHD #1224 in Malvern
- Limoncello Auxiliary in West Chester
- SpringHill Suites Hotel – Exton in Exton
- The Lost Cow Steaks & Taps / CCHD #1192 in Malvern
Residents wishing to report unsanitary conditions or request an investigation may submit a complaint through the Chester County Health Department at Environmental Health Complaint Form or call 610-344-6225 if they became sick after eating at a food establishment.
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