Pittsburgh Grocery Closed For Numerous Health Violations

PITTSBURGH, PA — Oh my. Where does Patch even start with this one?

The Allegheny County Health Department has ordered the closure of Global Food Pittsburgh, an African, Caribbean, Latin and American grocery on Penn Avenue in Wilkinsburg, for numerous health violations.

Strap yourself in and get ready for this:

An inspection uncovered evidence of active infestation of rats or mice. There were multiple chewed bags of rice, flours, peas, and cornmeal throughout the store and on all shelf levels. One plantain in an open box of plantains at the front of the facility for sale was gnawed on the end.

Fourteen product bags had chew holes.

Nesting material was observed in food products inside a rice bag and back behind the chest freezer

near the bathroom.

Rodent droppings were observed on the floor throughout the facility, as well as on product, and most shelves.

Two dead mice were observed; one near the meat-bone saw.

There was evidence of active infestation in food preparation and storage areas.

Bugs, both dead and alive, were found on most shelves. Bugs, both dead and alive, were found within multiple product bags.

Fruit flies, too numerous to count, were found around an open box of rotting plantains.

Multiple bags of cornmeal, oat flour, and rice had live and dead bugs inside.

A large bag of rice in plastic inside a burlap bag was chewed in and nesting of the burlap with a clump of droppings inside.

The proprietor put tape on chew holes of various products throughout the store on shelves. Tape on the underside also displayed dead bugs that were present inside the product.

It's unclear when, or if, the grocery will reopen.

If you're brave, see the entire inspection report here.