Walnut Grill Fox Chapel issued consumer alert after inspector finds 11 dead mice

FOX CHAPEL, Pa. — A chain American restaurant’s Fox Chapel location was hit with a consumer alert after a recent inspection.

Walnut Grill Fox Chapel was issued the alert on Thursday. An inspection report posted by the Allegheny County Health Department states inspectors found 15 violations throughout the facility, including three considered as high risk for causing foodborne illness.

One of the high risk violations identified is for pest management. Inspectors say they found rodent droppings throughout the facility, including in prep areas, food storage areas, at the bar and on food contact surfaces. They also found 11 dead mice, saw a live mouse in the seating area and nesting materials in an ice machine.

Inspectors ordered the restaurant to remove all droppings and dead rodents, clean and disinfect all affected areas, increase professional pest control and seal pest entry points.

A Walnut Grill spokesperson sent Channel 11 a statement that says they addressed all the department’s concerns and the consumer notice was removed less than 24 hours after it was issued. The statement reads:

We apologize to our guests and community and acknowledge the recent health citation which we take seriously. The health and safety of our guests and team have been our top priority since we opened our restaurant almost 20 years ago. We addressed the issue promptly and thoroughly. Our team actively worked with health authorities to rectify the issue as well as further training for our team. On Friday, February 28th at approximately 3:00pm, the citation was removed. “One of the best follow-up-walk-thru inspections I have ever seen,” was the response of the health official.

Click here for the full inspection report.

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