Pittsburgh Grocery Store Slapped With Consumer Alert

PITTSBURGH, PA — The Allegheny County Health Department has issued a consumer alert for New Young's Oriental Grocery on Forward Avenue in Squirrel Hill.

During an inspection this week, mouse droppings were observed on the floor of the walk-in cooler. Three bait stations were observed inside of the cooler.

Kimchi, pickles, and other food items unidentifiable due to mold were found in jars in the cooler. One of the buckets contained a grey and white mold-like substance and was dated 2019. Seven plastic containers, with labels indicating they were formerly holding kimchi and peeled garlic, were observed with pickles and a pink mold-like substance, dated 2019. The inspector noted that there is a sign indicating “fresh kimchi” posted in the store's retail area.

The inspection report noted that a seafood mix, cooked radishes, and other specialty items are prepared and packaged on site. The facility is not permitted to prepare food as it has no ventilation, no dedicated handwashing sink, no food preparation sink and the 3-bowl sink is blocked for access.

The inside of the walk-in cooler is a patchwork of expansion foam, untreated wood, cardboard, and wooden pallets and is beginning to mold. The cooler's shelves are covered in rust and a mold-like substance.

The grocery remains open while the violations are addressed.

See the entire inspection report here.

Be the first to know what's happening in your community and region. With a free Patch subscription, you'll always be up to date on local and state news: https://patch.com/subscribe.