Pittsburgh's Lenten Fish Fries Fast Approaching

ALLEGHENY COUNTY, PA — With the Lenten season arriving on Feb. 22, the Allegheny County Health Department is reminding fish fry sponsors that they must have a valid food permit for temporary fish fries.

Sponsors that do not already have a valid food permit must complete a temporary permit application and provide the permit fee to the health department no later than Feb. 8.

“Seasonal fish fries are a great part of the region’s cultural identity,” Otis Pitts, the health department's deputy director for food safety, housing and policy, said in a statement.

“It is important that seasonal fish fry organizers follow proper food safety handling procedures to make sure their patrons do not get sick from the food they serve. Working with the health department's food safety program will help fish fry organizers do just that.”

Applications and payments may be submitted online. The fee for a temporary permit is $50 for for-profit organizations and $45 for nonprofits.