Oakland's Lucca Ristorante & Wine Bar customers and patrons are advised to take heed. The Allegheny County Health Department issued a Consumer Alert for the Italian eatery located on South Craig Street. Violations from a recent inspection, as reported by WPXI, highlighted concerns about food safety and sanitation.
The inspection revealed a worrying accumulation of 11 violations, three of which are deemed to pose a high risk of foodborne illnesses. Utensils sat in stagnant water, leaving scallops on a dirty cloth. Not only that but there was also old food residue on a deli slicer and can opener. Moreover, inspectors spotted a black mold-like substance on the inside of an ice machine, and alarmingly, mouse droppings were observed on several food contact surfaces and throughout multiple areas of the restaurant. Repetitive issues with cleaning, sanitation, pest management, and the presence of mouse droppings, which have not been adequately addressed in terms of removal and disinfection—and further compounded by back doors being left permanently open—were also mentioned in the report provided by WPXI.
The restaurant also fell short in several lower-level violations, including staff neglecting to wash vegetables before processing, a sink that lacked hot water necessary for handwashing, and the improper storage of food boxes on the cooler floor. As these concerns remain unaddressed, the establishment awaits re-inspection, and no date for this has been set.
In addition to the findings reported by Audacy, "medium risk" violations were also uncovered, including unlabeled "toxic items" found near both the salad and server stations and the absence of a food protection manager during the inspection. These issues indicate more systemic issues. The Consumer Alert will remain in effect until the restaurant management implements the necessary corrections to meet health code standards.
The full report detailing every sanitation and safety infraction can be viewed online, and updates to the Consumer Alert status are also expected to be posted.
