Consumer alert issued for Upper Lawrenceville Shop 'n Save after inspector finds 12 dead mice
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) — The Shop 'n Save in Upper Lawrenceville was hit with a consumer alert after an inspector found a dozen dead mice.
The Allegheny County Health Department issued the alert for the grocery store on 56th Street after an inspection on Friday in response to complaints.
According to the inspection report, mouse droppings were found on shelves by several items like rice, pasta, gravy, pretzels, potato chips and bread.
"I'm surprised they are still open," said John Steinmetz, who was at the store on Saturday. "I kind of don't want to shop here anymore, not for a while, until they get it cleaned up."
The inspector also said there were 11 dead mice in the "proposed new deli area," which is currently empty, and another dead mouse in a trap by the walk-in cooler.
According to the CDC, there is a range of diseases that can be transmitted both directly and indirectly from rodents.
"I walked into the soup aisle, grabbed some Lipton soup, picked up three boxes, and saw them all over, probably 100 mouse poop on there," Steinmetz said.
The health department said the store was pending administrative actions for similar violations in July and August.
The owner of the store said he bought the place eight years ago and the problems started four months ago. He said the store brought in a new exterminator and is doing everything to fix the problem.
A spokesperson for the Allegheny County Health Department said the owner has 10 days to fix the violations and it will do another inspection. If the store does not fix it, it can be shut down.
When the consumer alert is removed, the health department's website will be updated.
The full statement from the shop's owner can be found below.
"Purchased the store in October 2014. Store had serious issues we were unaware of. Changed pest control companies, problem solved in a couple months. No issues until about 4 months ago. In the plaza 4 store fronts were recently renovated and the pest company said that's were it most likely started from. They have been unable to get under control, so I contacted the landlord this weekend and switched to their pest control company today. The new company assured me with the methods they use my issues will be resolved in one month. From how he explained how their process is different from the previous company I can see why he would tell me that.
"We check and clean the shelves daily, but I'm relying on the paid professionals to help me out also.
"I'm meeting with the health department next Monday to check progress.
"We are genuinely concerned and will be working closely with the new pest control company."
