Health Department Shuts Down Pittsburgh Convenience Store

PITTSBURGH, PA — The Allegheny County Health Department has ordered the closure of a Pittsburgh convenience store due to significant health code violations.

The Family Dollar on Hays Avenue in Mt. Oliver failed an Oct. 31 inspection.

Health department employees found two live mice on glue boards underneath the shelves in the chip aisle.

Rodent droppings were observed on the lower shelves in the cereal aisle, in the chip aisle and on a shelf with cough drops.

Inspectors noted that glue boards were placed only selectively throughout the store. None were found in the ramen/canned food and candy aisles.

More than 20 bags of cereal, more than 10 bags of potato chips and more than five bags of animal crackers and other snacks were observed with chew holes or otherwise adulterated by mice, stored with droppings on or around them.

In order for for the store to reopen, the entire store must be reset with products removed from shelves that need to be cleaned and disinfected. No merchandise of any kind can be stored on the lowest shelves throughout the store until the facility is pest free, allowing for better monitoring and cleaning purposes. The entire store must be treated for pests, with comprehensive treatment, including glue boards installed under lowest shelves in every aisle.

A "closed" placard is posted at an establishment when an imminent health hazard is identified at a restaurant or kitchen or if it has been operating without proper permits. It is unlawful to operate a food facility with a "closed" placard.

See the entire inspection report here.