6 days Ago By Samantha Davis
Oakland's popular Pizza Romano has come under scrutiny after a recent health inspection by the Allegheny County Health Department unearthed unappetizing conditions, including rodent droppings throughout the facility. According to an inspection report cited by CBS News Pittsburgh , food preparation areas, spaces behind refrigerators, and even cash counters weren't spared from the vermin invasion, a sure sign of poor sanitation standards that could put patrons at risk. The health department issued a consumer alert to the Atwood Street pizzeria after discovering 17 violations, including three high-risk ones.
This alert signals that the restaurant is failing to meet basic food safety standards . Audacy reported that not only did inspectors find "numerous rodents droppings to all parts of the facility," but they also noted the presence of "exposed green bait," indicating a failed attempt at self-regulated pest control. Employees were witnessed not adhering to glove-change protocols during and at the conclusion of the inspection.
The pizzeria's cleanliness came into question with high-risk violations, including a meat slicer and other equipment found with old food debris. Employees were also seen eating on food contact surfaces, breaking sanitation rules meant to protect customers. The Allegheny County Health Department oversees about 8,500 food facilities, including restaurants and food trucks, to promptly catch and address such issues.
As noted on the health department’s website yesterday afternoon, Pizza Romano remains under a consumer alert. Businesses are usually given a chance to fix violations and pass re-inspection to have the alert lifted, with status updates provided regularly. Concerned patrons can view the full inspection report on the Health Department’s website, which details the issues found and the steps required for compliance and lifting the alert.
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