5 Eateries Cited For Health Violations In Tredyffrin, Easttown This Month

Five restaurants and food establishments in the Tredyffrin-Easttown area failed their health inspections this month, according to reports from the Chester County Health Department.

The inspections uncovered issues ranging from improperly stored food, to wastewater leaking from an ice cream truck, to a toothbrush and toothpaste found on food shelving.

Inspections are considered a "snapshot" of each business for the time and date they're conducted. Violations are recorded on the spot, but they're often corrected before the inspector leaves.

But restaurants deemed "out of compliance" may be required to pass a follow-up inspection, pay fines and/or temporarily close to address the issues — depending on the severity of the violations.

Inspections are conducted by the Chester County Health Department, and more information can be found here. (Re-inspection results aren't always readily available in the public database, which is state-operated.)

Here are the local establishments cited in October:

Pho Wayne

180 W. Swedesford Road, Devon — Inspected Oct. 15

Inspectors cited Pho Wayne for 20 violations, including five foodborne illness risk factors — two of which were repeat violations.

Among the findings:

• Raw chicken was stored above ready-to-eat foods in multiple refrigeration and freezer units. The issue was corrected during the inspection.
• Bean sprouts were held at 46 degrees, above the required maximum of 41 degrees. The sprouts were discarded. This was a repeat violation.
• A deli slicer had food residue, and several trays and bowls had been left soiled overnight.
• A handwashing sink was blocked by a dolly cart, and its paper towel dispenser was empty. Both issues were corrected on-site.

The health department said a new license could not be issued until the violations were corrected and the renewal application was processed. A follow-up inspection could be conducted within three weeks of the Oct. 15 inspection.

The Bakery House

35 W. Lancaster Ave., Paoli — Inspected Oct. 21

The Bakery House, which opened in Paoli last month, was cited for 14 violations, including four foodborne illness risk factors during a 30-day post-opening inspection.

Among the findings:

• Cooked chicken breast intended for chicken salad was not being cooled within required time limits.
• Cooked chicken was found cooling in large containers more than 4 inches deep in a walk-in refrigerator, while additional cooked chicken was left cooling at room temperature.
• A front handwashing sink was being used to rinse utensils and scrubbers instead of exclusively for handwashing.
• Food-contact surfaces and utensils were not being immersed in sanitizing solution for the required 30 seconds.
• Food thermometers were not readily available on both levels of the establishment.

The health department said a follow-up inspection could be conducted within two weeks.

This inspection doesn't pertain to The Bakery House's longstanding shop in Bryn Mawr.

Donut House

312 Swedesford Road, Berwyn — Inspected Oct. 23

Donut House was cited for five foodborne illness risk factors, including problems involving food temperatures, sanitizing procedures and handwashing facilities. There were 14 violations overall.

Among the findings:

• Specialty donuts requiring temperature control were held at 68 degrees in a front display case, above the required maximum of 41 degrees. Inspectors directed the business to discard the donuts by 2 p.m. that day.
• The facility was not properly sanitizing equipment and was not using sanitizer. An employee obtained bleach during the inspection and set up the washing sink.
• Personal items, including a toothbrush, toothpaste and lotion, were stored on shelving near food.
• A handwashing sink was blocked by chairs and bins and lacked soap and paper towels.
• The business was using time rather than temperature to control certain ready-to-eat foods without the required written procedures or documentation.
• Single-use sugar containers were being reused to store pistachios.

The health department said a new license to operate could not be issued until the violations were corrected. A follow-up inspection was expected within 20 days.

Waynesborough Country Club

440 Darby Paoli Road, Paoli — Inspected Oct. 28

Waynesborough Country Club was cited for six foodborne illness risk factors during an inspection of its kitchens, bars and other food service areas. There were 16 violations overall.

Among the findings:

• Moldy cream cheese stored past its expiration date was discovered in the upstairs kitchen and discarded during the inspection.
• Expired Bang Bang sauce and three dented food cans were found in storage.
• Partially cooked roast beef was stored directly on top of raw beef. The partially cooked meat was discarded.
• Hot dogs on a roller grill were held at 133 degrees, below the required minimum of 135 degrees. They were discarded and replaced.
• Thick-cut bacon was held above the required maximum temperature of 41 degrees and was discarded.
• Reduced-oxygen-packaged fish was not being handled according to required procedures.
• A bar drain had buildup and possible blockage contributing to drain fly activity.

Several violations were corrected during the inspection.

The health department said a follow-up inspection would be conducted to verify compliance. The club's license would not be issued until outstanding violations were corrected and applicable fees were paid.

Handel's Ice Cream Truck

573 Lancaster Ave., Berwyn — Inspected Oct. 8

Inspectors cited Handel's Ice Cream Truck for a wastewater disposal violation.

Gray wastewater was observed leaking from the truck. Inspectors directed the operator to repair the leak and ensure wastewater was contained in the vehicle's holding tank rather than discharged onto the ground.

The violation was required to be corrected by Oct. 22.

The report noted that food in the freezers was solidly frozen and hot water was available at the required temperature. No foodborne illness risk factors were identified during the inspection.

The health department said a license to operate would not be issued until the violation was corrected, with a follow-up inspection planned within one to two weeks.

The inspection doesn't pertain to any findings at the brick-and-mortar Handel's ice cream shops.