Chester County health inspectors found raw chicken stored above ready-to-eat food at Mercato Ristorante and Bar during a follow-up inspection on Tuesday, Oct. 6, according to inspection results first reported by MyChesCo.

The inspection at 33 W. Market St. also turned up handwashing sinks holding a pizza cutter, utensils and food residue at the server station and Pizza Station. Inspectors directed the restaurant to stop using the sinks for anything other than handwashing.

Mercato was also cited for reusing single-use food containers for storage and for keeping chemical bottles without proper labels. The Oct. 6 visit was a follow-up to a prior inspection, though the county did not specify what triggered the return visit.

Inspectors hit a second West Chester location the same day. At Butler-O'Connor-McCormick, the VFW Post 106 hall at 837 E. Lincoln Ave., they found moderate fruit-fly activity in the main bar and discovered the facility's mop sink had been removed entirely. Gray water was being dumped outside instead.

The VFW post was told to hire a certified pest-control operator, clean bar surfaces and plumbing, remove trash and bottles daily, and reinstall the mop sink. Inspectors also flagged soiled ceiling light shields in the kitchen and rusted shelving above the dishwasher tables.

Eighteen other facilities inspected the same day were listed as in compliance, including Philly Hots Food Truck at 212 S. High St., Steaks West Chester at 698 E. Market St., Two Birds Cafe at 653 Downingtown Pike and West Chester Refillery Station at 54 E. Street Road.

No re-inspection dates were published for either establishment. Residents who see unsanitary conditions at a food establishment can file a confidential complaint with the Chester County Health Department or call 610-344-6225.