WEST CHESTER, PA — Chester County health inspectors cited multiple food establishments Tuesday for violations ranging from improper food temperatures and sanitation deficiencies to evidence of past rodent activity, according to inspection reports released by the Chester County Health Department.
The most extensive list of violations was issued to GIANT Food Store in Thorndale, where inspectors documented problems affecting food storage, equipment sanitation, facility maintenance, and employee hygiene practices.
Among the more significant findings, a bakery dessert display cooler was not maintaining foods at the required 41 degrees Fahrenheit or below, with desserts measured between 44 and 48 degrees. The affected food items were discarded during the inspection, and the cooler was ordered repaired by June 5.
Inspectors also cited the store for offering dented canned goods for sale, expired date-marked deli meats and cheeses, blocked handwashing sinks, empty paper towel dispensers, slow-draining sinks in multiple departments, and extensive cleaning deficiencies in deli, meat, seafood, prepared foods, and Starbucks areas.
At Punch Buggy Brewing Company in Spring City, inspectors conducting an opening inspection cited the facility for inadequate food safety knowledge by the person in charge, structural deficiencies, sanitation concerns, and a cooler that was not plugged in during the inspection.
The report noted repairs were needed throughout the facility, including damaged ceilings, exposed wall openings, unsecured restroom wall panels, and improperly sealed surfaces. Inspectors also ordered cleaning of sinks and the employee restroom.
At Star Gas Mart in Landenberg, inspectors found expired sanitizer test strips and observed rodent-like droppings inside a cabinet beneath a hand sink near the rear entrance.
The facility was also cited after inspectors found two cans of Raid pesticide stored inside the food establishment. According to the report, restricted-use pesticides may only be applied by certified pest control operators. The store was directed to remove the products immediately and provide copies of recent pest control records.
At Xpress Stop in West Grove, inspectors ordered the disposal of temperature-controlled foods after a refrigerator was found operating at 55 to 56 degrees Fahrenheit.
Inspectors reported that sausage and scrapple products were being stored above safe temperatures and discovered two packages of scrapple lacking required labeling information. The food was discarded during the inspection.
The store was also cited for an empty paper towel dispenser in the employee restroom and a hot water heater that was not operating when inspectors arrived. The unit was turned back on during the inspection.
The Chester County Health Department noted that inspection reports represent conditions observed at the specific time of inspection and may not reflect a facility’s long-term food safety performance.
The following establishments were listed as in compliance during inspections conducted June 2:
- 2135 Oxford Beer LLC, Oxford
- Bierhaul Townhouse LLC, West Chester
- Bluebird Distilling Tasting Room, Phoenixville
- Cafe Services at Teva Pharmaceuticals, West Chester
- D’Ascenzo’s Gelato, West Chester
- La Michoacana Ice Cream Inc., Kennett Square
- Mi Pais / Valencia Gomez Enterprises LLC, Frazer
- Pat’s Pizzeria, Kennett Square
- Target #T2496, Exton
- Wayback Burgers, Phoenixville
- Wegmans Food Markets #50, Downingtown
Residents who observe unsanitary conditions at a licensed food facility may submit an Environmental Health Complaint through the Chester County Health Department at https://www.chesco.org/5843. Complaints are investigated and kept confidential.
Individuals who believe they became sick after eating at a food establishment are advised to call the Chester County Health Department at 610-344-6225 rather than submitting an online complaint.
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