WEST CHESTER, PA — Chester County health inspectors cited two West Chester restaurants during follow-up inspections July 22, identifying improper food cooling, sanitation lapses and other conditions requiring correction.
King’s Garden Restaurant, 308 S. High St., was cited after inspectors observed fried chicken cooling in a large, deep container inside a walk-in cooler. The chicken, dated July 21, measured between 43 and 45 degrees and was discarded.
County inspectors reported that potentially hazardous food must cool from 135 degrees to 70 degrees within two hours and reach 41 degrees within an additional four hours. Thin layers or other methods that allow food to cool rapidly are required.
The restaurant was also cited after an employee rinsed a rice scoop without completing the required washing, rinsing and sanitizing process.
Additional violations involved painted kitchen ceiling tiles that could not be properly cleaned, unsealed wood blocks supporting a metal table and the absence of an active certified food manager.
The person in charge did not correctly answer food-safety questions, according to the inspection report. The county directed another employee to complete a food-manager course and submit certification.
Kooma Sushi Bar and Lounge, 123 N. Church St., was cited after inspectors found fish thawing inside unopened reduced-oxygen or vacuum packaging. Inspectors directed the restaurant to open the packaging before thawing to allow oxygen to enter.
Prepared sauces requiring temperature control and held for more than 24 hours were not marked with preparation or discard dates, according to the report.
Inspectors also found employee medication on the cookline, an uncovered employee beverage in the warewashing area and insect gel bait above food preparation, storage or warewashing areas. The medication was moved during the inspection.
Sanitizer in the three-compartment sink measured 150 parts per million, below the manufacturer’s required range of 200 to 400 parts per million. Staff adjusted the concentration to 200 parts per million.
Several kitchen handwashing sinks lacked working soap dispensers because the batteries had failed. Soap was supplied during the inspection.
Seven other establishments inspected July 22 were listed as in compliance:
- Butterscotch Coffee Shop in Birchrunville;
- D Town Market Inc. in Downingtown;
- Dosthi Bandi LLC Commissary in Malvern;
- KJ Foods in West Chester;
- MOD Pizza at Gateway Shopping Center in Wayne;
- Papa John’s Pizza in Thorndale; and
- Urban Scoop in Exton.
The Chester County Health Department cautions that each inspection reflects conditions observed at a specific time and may not represent a facility’s long-term sanitation or food-safety record.
Residents may submit confidential environmental health complaints at https://www.chesco.org/5843. Anyone who became ill after eating at a food establishment should call 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.