WEST CHESTER, PA — Chester County health inspectors found unsafe food temperatures, sanitation problems and equipment issues at several West Chester-area food facilities during Sept. 28 inspections, prompting food disposal, equipment repairs and other corrective actions.
Brother’s Pizza, 670 Downingtown Pike, was cited after various temperature-controlled foods in a salad prep-top cooler registered between 54 and 59 degrees, above the required maximum of 41 degrees. Foods held there for less than two hours were transferred to a walk-in cooler, while the remainder were discarded.
The salad cooler was ordered out of use for temperature-controlled foods until repaired, with an Oct. 5 deadline. Inspectors also found deli meats and cheeses without required date markings and residue on the ice plate inside the ice machine.
Other violations at Brother’s Pizza included breading for raw chicken stored at room temperature, missing or broken wall tiles, clean cutting boards stored directly on the floor, cleaning deficiencies around the dishwasher and a front door propped open.
At Two Birds Cafe, 653 Downingtown Pike, a complaint inspection identified sanitation, storage and maintenance problems. Inspectors found wiping cloths that were not stored in sanitizer solution, an employee jacket placed on top of bread and chemical spray bottles stored with food.
The inspection also documented what the county described as “mold like debris” on cardboard beneath chemical containers above a grease trap. Shelving, hood filters, light shields, kitchen equipment and other areas required additional cleaning and sanitizing.
At West Chester University’s Commons, Freshens & Rammy’s Market, 155 University Ave., inspectors found chicken held at 127 degrees and stir-fried peppers at 120 degrees, below the required 135-degree minimum. Both foods were reheated to 165 degrees after inspectors determined they had been out for less than an hour.
A Freshens prep-top cooler was also unable to maintain foods at or below 41 degrees. Various foods inside registered between 43 and 48 degrees and were discarded, while the facility placed a work order for the equipment. Repairs were required by Oct. 5.
Inspectors also identified two dented food cans in dry storage at the Commons, noting the condition could potentially result in botulism growth. The cans were removed. Other findings included knives with food residue, equipment stored wet or directly on the floor, cleaning deficiencies and seven water-stained ceiling tiles that inspectors ordered replaced.
A follow-up inspection at Buffalo Wild Wings To Go, 1502 West Chester Pike, found gaps around two exterior doors that required repairs to make them tight-fitting and resistant to pests. Inspectors also ordered corrections involving paper-product holders in an employee restroom and a missing dumpster drain plug.
The county listed seven other facilities inspected as in compliance:
Aramark @ Peirce Middle School, 1314 Burke Road, West Chester
Aramark @ Phoenixville High School, 1200 Gay St., Phoenixville
Coatesville Community Market, 266 E. Lincoln Highway, Coatesville
Collegium Charter School, 515 James Hance Court, Exton
Kumamon Ramen, 348 N. Pottstown Pike, Exton
Margarita’s, 200 Thompson Road, Toughkenamon
Stonewall Links, 375 Bulltown Road, Elverson
The Chester County Health Department cautions that an inspection represents conditions at a facility at a particular date and time and may not reflect its long-term sanitation or food-safety status. Residents can submit environmental health complaints at https://www.chesco.org/5843. Anyone who becomes sick after eating at a food establishment should instead call 610-344-6225.
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