WEST CHESTER, PA — A sweeping round of food safety inspections across Chester County has uncovered a troubling mix of temperature failures, sanitation lapses, expired certifications and even rodent activity, prompting county health officials to take corrective action at a wide range of restaurants, convenience stores and food markets.
The Chester County Health Department released inspection reports from Wednesday, January 14, documenting violations at seven food establishments across the county, ranging from national chains and Chinese takeout kitchens to seafood markets, day care centers and upscale restaurants. Officials emphasized that every inspection represents only a snapshot of conditions on a given day, but said the findings show how quickly small lapses can escalate into public health risks.
At a 7-Eleven store on East Baltimore Pike in West Grove, inspectors found that no person in charge was present when the inspection began and that ingredient and allergen information was missing for self-service baked goods. Even more concerning, the coffee creamer cold well was operating above safe temperature limits, with dairy products measured as high as 48 degrees. The unit was ordered taken out of service until it could be repaired to maintain 41 degrees or lower. Inspectors also cited plumbing leaks, missing paper towels at a handwashing sink, expired sanitizer test strips and a missing freezer door threshold…