Health Department Closes Commissary Used By Pittsburgh Day Care Chain

PITTSBURGH, PA — The Allegheny County Health Department has ordered the closure of a Pittsburgh commissary kitchen used by a Pittsburgh day care chain after numerous health violations were found during a Thursday inspection.

The Hospitality Consulting & Supply Food Service Management kitchen used by Brightside Academy on Bates Street in Oakland was shut down. According to its website, the academy operates five locations in Pittsburgh - including Downtown, Squirrel Hill and East Liberty - as well as in McKeesport, McKees Rocks, North Versailles and Jeannette.

The inspection revealed three decomposed dead mice on glue traps in the basement, as well as rodent droppings on a shelf with clean chafing dishes and plastic wrap, on a shelf under the food prep sink, in clean silverware containers and throughout the basement.

There also was a lack of hot water to properly clean and sanitize food contact surfaces and utensils, a lack of hot water to properly wash hands and improperly labeled toxic items.

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

Brightside Chief Operating Officer Toya Cornelious issued the following statement Monday in response to the report:

"I’d like to clarify that the commissary kitchen referenced in the health department’s report
is not owned or operated by Brightside Academy. This kitchen is managed by an independent third-party vendor, and it is not located within any of our Brightside Academy locations.

"Additionally, we have not identified any issues related to food quality or safety in the food provided to our locations. Our team is dedicated to maintaining high standards for the meals and snacks we serve to the children and families in our care.

"We understand that there may have been an error on the health department’s form, as a point of reference from almost a decade ago, and we are currently working with the relevant parties to ensure this is addressed."

See the entire inspection report here.