Health Inspections Reveal Sanitation Issues at Chester County Eateries

A recent series of health inspections across Chester County, conducted on January 5, 2024, uncovered significant sanitation lapses and temperature control failures at several prominent food establishments. The Chester County Health Department aims to inform the public about food safety conditions at licensed facilities, including restaurants and senior living dining operations. The inspections resulted in corrective orders, with some establishments required to dispose of food immediately.

The inspection at Burger King #26281 in London Grove Township revealed extensive cleaning deficiencies. Inspectors noted grease buildup behind the cookline, dirty floor drains, and unclean restroom fixtures. Additionally, food was found stored directly on the floor of a walk-in freezer, and the restaurant lacked proper written procedures for using time instead of temperature to control ready-to-eat foods. Plumbing leaks and loose restroom fixtures were also documented, prompting the establishment to address these issues and improve sanitation practices.

Inspectors identified more serious temperature control violations at Freedom Village at Brandywine in Coatesville. Multiple refrigeration units were found operating above the required 41°F threshold, with one unit in the memory care dining area recorded at 43°F and another in the kitchen at 48°F. This led to the immediate disposal of potentially hazardous foods and a prohibition on using affected refrigeration units until repairs were made. The health department also recommended that the facility replace a residential-grade refrigerator with a commercial unit within three months.

Additional violations at Freedom Village included dusty non-food contact surfaces, inadequate lighting in exhaust hoods, and the absence of a Chester County–certified food manager. A high-temperature dishwasher failed to reach the required 160°F sanitizing temperature, forcing the kitchen to switch to manual sanitization methods or disposable serviceware until the issue is resolved.

In West Chester Borough, Old Original Nick’s faced a dishwasher sanitizer failure, with inspectors detecting zero parts per million of chlorine in the final rinse cycle, significantly below the required range of 50 to 100 ppm. The establishment was also operating without a certified food manager, necessitating training and certification to rectify the violation.

Moreover, Snap Custom Pizza in West Whiteland Township received multiple violations related to food labeling, date marking, and cold holding temperatures. Inspectors discarded sauces held at 50°F and found house-made items exceeding approved date-marking limits. Cleaning deficiencies were observed in dry storage and preparation areas, with damaged seals at sinks and service tables requiring repairs.

The Chester County Health Department has urged residents to report unsanitary conditions or suspected food safety issues through the county’s confidential environmental health complaint system. Anyone who becomes ill after eating at a food establishment is advised to contact the department directly for prompt follow-up.

All establishments cited during the inspections are required to correct violations within specified timeframes and will be subject to follow-up inspections to verify compliance. This initiative underscores the importance of maintaining food safety standards and the health department’s commitment to public health in Chester County.