Bella Cucina Foods at 3 N. 5 Points Rd. was closed this week after Chester County health inspectors cited the Italian meat and grocery market for 23 violations including evidence of someone living in the store. The surprise inspection came after the department received a complaint alleging the store was in a state of “general filth” and that there was evidence someone had been sleeping there. 

Among the cited violations: 

• Staff not washing hands as required.
• Several sinks did not have either soap or paper towels. 
• An employee was seen chopping chicken for a prepared salad with bare hands. 
• Expired and “unwholesome” ready-to-eat foods left in the refrigerators.
• Merchandise in the grab-and-go cooler was not being kept cold enough. This food was discarded. 
• Moderate fly activity was observed throughout the facility.
• Dirty conditions were found in the interior and exterior of all food service equipment including sinks, tables, countertops, shelves, refrigerators, freezers, cooking equipment, storage containers, floors, walls, ceilings, and the grease trap.
• Trash overflowing the dumpsters onto the surrounding pavement and grassy areas.
• Soiled rags were found piled on floors, around refrigerators, and throughout other areas of the facility. “Soiled rags must be stored in a sanitary manner until laundered,” the report read.
• Bedding, a recliner chair, and clothing were observed in the grocery. 

“Due to the nature and number of the violations listed above, the CCHD has determined that an imminent health hazard is present,” the report reads. “The facility was required to cease all food service operations IMMEDIATELY and CLOSE THE FACILITY,” it continues.

The grocer is not allowed to reopen until the violations are corrected and they receive a satisfactory health inspection.

You can read the full report here. Search for Bella Cucina Foods.

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Originally published on Sept. 13, 2024 as of Sept. 17 no follow-up inspection had been conducted.

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