Health Department Orders Popular Pittsburgh Restaurant Closed

PITTSBURGH, PA — The Allegheny County Health Department has shut down the Asian restaurant Took Took 98, on Murray Avenue in Squirrel Hill, for numerous health code violations.

An inspection on Thursday revealed two freshly dead mice on a glue board in the kitchen while food was being prepared.

Additionally observed was the following:

5-10 old rodent droppings along the wall behind the ice machine.5 fresh rodent droppings on the base of a meat grinder stored along the cookline.10 fresh rodent droppings on the lid of a bulk bin containing sugar.10-20 fresh rodent droppings inside the handles of the above bulk bin.2 fresh rodent droppings inside a “clean” plastic food container.Less than 5 fresh rodent droppings on the rusted shelves, in between ceramic mugs.30-50 fresh and old rodent droppings located in the rear corner of the kitchen, next to the rear exterior door.20-30 fresh rodent droppings observed on the top shelf of the service counter nearest to the kitchen.Fresh rodent droppings throughout shelves in the dry storage area, including on top of and

directly beneath containers of food.

Fresh rodent droppings around and behind the upright freezers in the basement storage

space.

Too many to count fresh rodent droppings observed on a shelf in the front basement utility room.One fresh rodent dropping observed on the lexan lid above a bin of uncooked rice.Too many to count rodent droppings observed in the hollow beneath the pedestal sink in the women’s rest room.

One bag of rice in the basement was observed with gnawed open packaging and sitting on top of fresh rodent droppings.

Employees were seen cleaning up rodent droppings. The inspector continued observing employees after the rodent dropping removal was completed. Those employees did not handle food, but no gloves were changed or hands washed.

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