WEST CHESTER, PA — Chester County health inspectors cited three food establishments on July 6 for violations involving food temperatures, mold-like growth, dishwashing procedures and cleaning issues, according to reports from the Chester County Health Department.
The reports cover inspections at The Pour House in Exton, Buddy’s Burgers, Breast & Fries in West Chester and Valley Forge Trattoria Lounge in Phoenixville.
County officials cautioned that inspection reports are a “snapshot” of conditions observed at a specific day and time and may not reflect a facility’s overall, long-term food safety status.
At The Pour House, 116 N. Pottstown Pike in Exton, inspectors reported that French onion soup had been reheated to 122 degrees for hot holding rather than the required 165 degrees. The soup was reheated to 165 degrees during the inspection.
Inspectors also observed berries with mold-like growth in a walk-in cooler, food held above required cold-holding temperatures in prep units, unlabeled opened containers, residue on a can opener blade and ice machine interior, and several cleaning and maintenance issues. The berries and some temperature-abused food were discarded during the inspection.
At Buddy’s Burgers, Breast & Fries, 13 W. Gay St. in West Chester, inspectors cited the restaurant for reusing single-service ice cream containers to store sliced onions, failing to label squeeze bottles, keeping expired milk on site and improperly setting up a three-bay sink for washing, rinsing and sanitizing equipment.
The report also cited the facility for cleaning issues involving food-contact equipment, floors, floor drains, vents and ductwork.
At Valley Forge Trattoria Lounge, 1130 Valley Forge Road in Phoenixville, inspectors reported raw beef stored above ready-to-eat foods in a walk-in cooler and fish thawing in reduced-oxygen packaging that had not been opened before thawing.
The restaurant was also cited for a low-temperature dish machine that failed to reach required wash temperature and had no detectable chlorine sanitizer in the final rinse cycle. Inspectors directed the facility to wash all dishware in a three-bay sink until the machine is repaired.
Inspectors also cited Valley Forge Trattoria Lounge for expired chlorine test strips, wet wiping cloths stored under a cutting board, residue on soda gun nozzles and a water dispenser, and clean dishware stored on shelves that were not clean to sight and touch.
Seven facilities were listed as in compliance:
- Cloud9 Nutrition LLC in Kennett Square;
- Just Mom’s LLC in Honey Brook;
- MH Enterprises LLC in Kennett Square;
- Nectar in Berwyn;
- Nudy’s Cafe of West Chester;
- Produce Junction Inc. in Exton; and
- Sipp Happens Events in Avondale.
Residents who witness unsanitary conditions or believe an issue requires investigation may submit an Environmental Health Complaint at https://www.chesco.org/5843. Those who became sick after eating at a food establishment should call 610-344-6225.
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