Health inspectors in Chester County, Pennsylvania, uncovered a series of food safety violations at several local establishments during inspections carried out on March 4, 2024. The findings, released by the Chester County Health Department, highlight significant concerns regarding sanitation and food handling practices across various restaurants and bars in Downingtown, Phoenixville, and West Chester.
The inspections aimed to assess conditions at the time of evaluation and do not necessarily reflect the establishments’ long-term compliance records. Among the locations inspected, the **Downingtown Bowling Palace** on East Lancaster Avenue received multiple citations for violations. Inspectors noted that the ice machine had unclean interior surfaces, the sanitizer concentration in a three-bay sink was improper, and opened condiments, such as mustard and grated parmesan, were stored at room temperature contrary to safety guidelines. Additionally, personal food items belonging to employees were found stored alongside food intended for customers in prep coolers. Some issues were resolved on-site, including the disposal of improperly stored items and adjustments to sanitizer levels.
In Phoenixville, the **Liberty Union Bar & Grille 2** was cited for a range of violations related to food storage, labeling, and general cleanliness. Inspectors found raw chicken stored above uncovered ready-to-eat foods and a lack of date marking on time/temperature-controlled items. Further issues included damaged cooler gaskets, food stored directly on the floor, and significant grease accumulation on surfaces. Inspectors also discovered mold-like debris on ceiling vents and noted that chemical containers were not labeled. While some violations were corrected during the inspection, others were assigned timelines for remediation.
The most extensive list of violations was reported at **Taqueria Los Poblanos LLC** on Hannum Avenue in West Chester. Inspectors cited improper food storage practices, including raw meat placed above ready-to-eat foods, and a lack of soap at handwashing sinks. Instances of employees wearing gloves without washing their hands were also observed. Notably, inspectors identified multiple occurrences of time and temperature abuse, along with the improper thawing of reduced-oxygen-packaged fish. Other concerns included the use of non-food-grade containers, inadequate lighting in storage areas, missing ceiling tiles, pest entry points, and a non-functioning mop sink. Several food items were discarded during the inspection, and the establishment’s staff was instructed to obtain essential cleaning supplies before resuming operations.
Officials expressed concern regarding the knowledge of food safety among staff at the West Chester location. The person in charge was found lacking sufficient understanding of food safety protocols, prompting the requirement for additional staff to complete food handler certification from an ANSI-accredited program. The facility was also cited for not displaying a valid Chester County Health Department Certified Food Manager certificate in a prominent location.
The Chester County Health Department encourages the public to report any unsanitary conditions or concerns by submitting an Environmental Health Complaint through their website. Complaints are confidential and investigated thoroughly. Individuals who suspect they fell ill after dining at any of these establishments are urged to contact the health department directly.
Officials reiterated that inspection reports serve to inform the public about current health and safety conditions and should be viewed as part of an ongoing compliance process rather than definitive assessments of an establishment’s overall operations.
