PITTSBURGH — A popular Chinese restaurant in Pittsburgh’s Squirrel Hill neighborhood was issued a consumer alert this week after a reinspection found a dozen violations.
“Due to rodent adulterated foods and rodent activity,” Sichuan Gourmet was issued a consumer alert on Thursday, an inspection report from the Allegheny Health Department says.
The inspector notes that “rodent violations persist” within the restaurant. The report goes on to explain that inspectors found multiple dead mice by the wok line and too many to count fresh mouse droppings throughout the facility. Inspectors also saw a box of onions with mouse droppings inside and a box of peanuts with chewed product.
Pests were not the only point of concern in the report; inspectors also say “cleaning in the kitchen is insufficient,” an issue discussed during an inspection the month before.
Specifically, the report highlights a deli slicer blade soiled with food debris and residue, and a buildup of old grease and food debris under the wok line, both of which are repeat issues.
Inspectors say “all areas in the kitchen and both dry storage areas require a thorough deep cleaning.”
Other issues noted during the inspection include dented cans, no discard date labels and various gaps or entry points for rodents in the facility.
For the alert to be removed, Sichuan Gourmet must do the following:
- Remove all rodent droppings from facility (dining room, kitchen, dry storage, warewashing area)
- Disinfect all areas contaminated by rodent droppings
- Monitor foods for adulteration ( droppings, chewed products, nesting material)
- Thoroughly deep clean entire food facility
- Increase pest control frequency to weekly. Place additional monitoring devices and treat ceiling for rodent activity
- Seal all gaps, holes, opening to help prevent rodent entry
- Remove clutter. Provide area for employees to store personal items.
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