Squirrel Hill's Took Took 98 Faces Shutdown Due to Serious Health Violations
A Surprising Turn of Events
In a shocking development, a beloved Thai street food restaurant in Pittsburgh's Squirrel Hill neighborhood was compelled to shut its doors temporarily. The reason? A health inspection uncovered a severe rodent problem and numerous food safety violations.
Health Department Steps In
The Allegheny County Health Department intervened and ordered the closure of Took Took 98 on Murray Avenue. Despite the restaurant's assertion on Facebook that all issues had been resolved, the closure order remained in effect over the weekend.
Inspection Report Reveals Grim Details
The inspection report detailed 14 food safety violations, including:
- 4 high-risk violations
- 3 imminent risks
- 5 general sanitation violations
Key issues included:
- Lack of trash bins
- Clutter in the basement
- Rodent droppings found everywhere
Rodent Droppings Found in Multiple Locations
Rodent droppings were discovered in alarming places, such as:
- A large container of cooked rice
- A wiping towel at a prep table
- "Too many to count" droppings on kitchen floors
- Behind an ice machine and the cookline
- Basement storage room (on shelves, floor, and sealed containers of food)
Dead Mice Found in the Basement
The inspection also uncovered:
- A recently dead mouse
- Two decaying mice
Food Safety Risks Identified
Improper food storage was a major concern, with raw meats and seafood placed on top of other foods. Examples included:
- Raw shrimp on cases of scallions, which were on top of a case of bok choy
- Raw ground pork on uncovered eggs
- A pan of raw pork behind a pan of raw tofu in water
Steps Required for Reopening
To reopen, the restaurant must:
- Remove all dead rodents, droppings, and adulterated foods
- Conduct a thorough cleaning and disinfection of the premises
- Retrain staff in food handling, storage, and cleaning
- Hire an additional certified food protection manager
A Reminder of Food Safety Standards
This incident underscores the critical importance of maintaining high standards of cleanliness and food safety. Regular inspections and adherence to safety protocols are essential to ensuring a safe dining experience for customers.