Pittsburgh Grocery Store Slapped With Consumer Alert

PITTSBURGH, PA — The Allegheny County Health Department has issued a consumer alert for Lotus Food Co, an Asian grocery store on Penn Avenue in the Strip District, for numerous health code violations.

During a Nov. 21 inspection, approximately eight to 10 dead mice were found on various floors in the building. Numerous rodent droppings were found on floors one through five. There was evidence of various materials and food products being gnawed. Nesting material was discovered in the shipping department, as were rice beetles.

"Evidence suggests that pest issues are chronic," the inspection report states. "(The) facility is under contract with a licensed company however, pest control is inadequate due to clutter, and inaccessible areas."

Dead crabs were mixed in with live blue crabs.

The inspection revealed the store is not sanitizing food equipment, utensils, and food contact surfaces in the tofu kitchen. The handwashing station in the tofu kitchen was blocked by rodent snap traps in the sink compartment.

Food residue was present at a sushi kiosk. There was a "severe foul odor" in the first-floor seafood cooler.

A restaurant with a consumer alert placard is allowed to operate for a temporary period not exceeding 10 days. Another inspection is conducted either prior to the expiration of the temporary period upon request of the eatery owner or on the 10th day.