Squirrel Hill's Took Took 98 Faces Shutdown Due to Serious Health Violations

In a surprising turn of events, a popular Thai street food spot in Pittsburgh's Squirrel Hill neighborhood had to close its doors temporarily. The reason? A health inspection revealed a serious rodent problem and numerous food safety violations. The Allegheny County Health Department stepped in and ordered the closure of Took Took 98 on Murray Avenue. Despite the restaurant's claim on Facebook that they had fixed all the issues, the closure order remained in effect over the weekend. The inspection report painted a grim picture. It listed 14 food safety violations, with four being high risk and three considered imminent risks. Additionally, there were five general sanitation violations. The lack of trash bins and clutter in the basement were cited as factors contributing to the rodent infestation. Rodent droppings were a major concern. They were found everywhere, including in a large container of cooked rice and on a wiping towel at a prep table. The report mentioned that there were "too many to count" droppings on the kitchen floors, especially behind an ice machine and the cookline. Even the basement storage room had droppings on shelves, the floor, and sealed containers of food. To make matters worse, a recently dead mouse and two decaying mice were found in the basement. Food safety risks were also a significant issue. Foods were stored improperly, with raw meats and seafood placed on top of other foods. For instance, raw shrimp was found resting on cases of scallions on top of a case of bok choy. Other examples included raw ground pork on top of uncovered eggs and a pan of raw pork behind a pan of raw tofu in water. To reopen, the restaurant needs to remove all dead rodents, droppings, and adulterated foods. A thorough cleaning and disinfection of the premises is also required. Moreover, the staff needs retraining in food handling, storage, and cleaning. The owner was advised to hire an additional certified food protection manager. This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining high standards of cleanliness and food safety. It's crucial for restaurants to regularly inspect their premises and ensure that they are providing a safe dining experience for their customers.