Health Department Threatens Pittsburgh-Area Grocery With Closure

PITTSBURGH, PA — The Allegheny County Health Department has issued a consumer alert for Cousins Market, on Laketon Road in Wilkinsburg, for significant health code violations that could lead to its closure.

During an inspection on Tuesday, a live mouse was found on a glue trap between the side exterior door and the merchandising. The inspector killed and disposed of the rodent.

Two decayed and dead mice were observed on a glue trap beneath the kick plate of the front shelving unit.

One bag of jalapeno popper cheese curls was found gnawed at the corner. Half-eaten cheese curl observed behind the compromised package.

Two additional chip packages were found to be gnawed.

Fresh rodent droppings were observed throughout the cardboard display flat containing jalapeno popper cheese curls.

Too many to count fresh and old rodent droppings were found beneath the kick plates of the display shelves in the front of the market.

Fresh rodent droppings also were observed on the floor throughout side storage room and in an empty cardboard display flat directly beneath the adulterated cheese curls.

Among other mandates to curb the infestation problem, the market was ordered to have on-site certified pest control treatment at least once a week.

"Be advised, if conditions do not improve within ten days, the facility will be ordered closed," the report stated.

See the entire inspection report here.