PA Inspectors Cite Gas Station Hot Dogs, Mayo As Unsafe In Chesco

CHESTER COUNTY, PA — Those gas stop hot dogs need to be heated to 165 degrees before they're put on that roller, Pennsylvania food inspectors told the operators of Exxon Food Shoppe in Phoenixville.

A July 13 inspection by the state Bureau of Food Safety found 18 violations at the Valley Forge Road Exxon shop. It said cold hot dogs were being placed directly onto the roller for hot holding, rather than being reheated to 165 degrees, first. The business was told to reheat all hot dogs, sausages, or other meats first, then place them on the hot-holding roller at 135 degrees.

Also noticed at the Exxon Food Shoppe was a squeeze bottle of mayonnaise was sitting out at room temperature as a condiment for hot dogs and sausages. The shop was advised to discard the bottle immediately and refrigerate all condiments at 41 degrees or colder.

The shop was also in violation of the state's requirement to employ someone who is a Certified Food Manager. The inspectors noted, "The Person in Charge does not have adequate knowledge of food safety in this food facility as evidenced by this non-compliant inspection."

Another gas and food retailer received 17 citations on July 15. Sunoco A Plus Market at 1453 S. Hanover Street, was cited as having a rodent infestation problem.

Inspectors said, "The inside of all cupboards in the entire facility, especially those at floor level, have mouse droppings, debris, garbage, and spills that need to (be) thoroughly cleaned."

A description explains there was debris throughout the establishment. But the rodent issue was noted at length. "This facility is not taking adequate measures to control rodents. Mouse droppings were found in nearly all floor-level cupboards, and along the floor/wall junctures in several areas. Chew marks were observed on holes along the wall behind the cupboard holding the drink equipment," the report said.

The inspector found food spills and overflowing garbage bins full of food waste in multiple cupboards, with signs of rodents feeding.

The report also made note that "Large amounts of dead insects were found in the electrical room of the store."

The 7-Eleven Store at 200 Nutt Road in Phoenixville was cited for leaving those grab-and-go sandwiches in the cooler past their sell-by date.

Inspectors noted mold-like debris build-up in a self-serve soda ice chute. The store received 10 citations in the July 12 inspection.

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