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Riverside Catering & Events Hit With Record $18,500 Fine After 46 Health Code Violations
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Published in Health and Fitness on Thursday, December 4th 2025 at 8:51 GMT by Patch- 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
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Pittsburgh Catering Company Faces Heavy Penalties After Health Code Violations
By Community News Desk – 5 Dec 2025
In a recent turn of events that has rattled the local hospitality scene, a well‑known Pittsburgh catering firm was cited for a litany of health code violations during a routine inspection by the city’s Department of Health and Human Services. The findings, released last week, include dozens of infractions ranging from improper food storage to unsanitary employee practices. The penalties imposed on the business are among the most severe the city has handed out in recent memory, and the case has sparked a broader conversation about food‑service safety in the region.
Background: The Company and the Inspection
The catering company in question, Riverside Catering & Events, has served the Pittsburgh area for more than two decades, specializing in corporate banquets, wedding receptions, and private parties. The firm is headquartered in the North Hills neighborhood and boasts a loyal customer base that has grown steadily over the past five years.
On October 3, 2025, a team of health inspectors from the Pittsburgh Department of Health conducted a surprise inspection of Riverside’s kitchen and storage facilities. According to a statement released by the department, the inspection was prompted by a series of anonymous complaints that alleged that the company’s food was being stored at unsafe temperatures and that employee hygiene protocols were not being strictly followed.
The inspection team, composed of two licensed food safety inspectors and a sanitation specialist, spent several hours touring the company’s commercial kitchen, storage areas, and employee break rooms. The inspectors noted a range of problems that, taken together, represent a significant breach of the city’s food safety regulations.
Violations Identified
The inspectors documented 46 violations in total, falling into five broad categories. While each individual infraction was technically a minor lapse, the sheer volume and severity of the issues prompted the city to impose a hefty fine and a set of corrective actions.
| Category | Examples | City Code Referenced |
|---|---|---|
| Food Storage | 1. Refrigerators operating at 46 °F (instead of the required 41 °F or lower) for several hours. 2. Dry‑goods stored on the floor in a damp area. | 10‑01‑02, 10‑01‑05 |
| Employee Hygiene | 3. Workers not washing hands after using the restroom. 4. Employees using the same cutting board for raw chicken and ready‑to‑eat salads without proper sanitization. | 10‑02‑01, 10‑02‑04 |
| Equipment Sanitation | 5. Fryers not properly cleaned, leaving grease residue. 6. A sink was clogged and did not allow for proper handwashing. | 10‑03‑03, 10‑03‑04 |
| Temperature Control | 7. Hot foods held at 140 °F for more than the allotted 3 hours. | 10‑01‑06 |
| General Facility | 8. Pest infestation signs in storage areas. 9. Inadequate trash disposal methods. | 10‑04‑01, 10‑04‑02 |
In addition to the numeric violations, inspectors also took note of the company’s overall lack of a documented food safety plan. “A written plan is not just a formality,” said City Health Inspector Lisa McCormick. “It is a living document that ensures everyone in the kitchen knows what’s expected and how to stay compliant.”
Company Response
In a press release issued the day after the inspection, Riverside Catering & Events’ CEO, Michael Alvarez, expressed “deep regret” over the findings and pledged immediate action. Alvarez said the company has already hired a third‑party food safety consultant to audit its operations and that a comprehensive training program will be rolled out to all staff within the next 30 days.
“We have always taken pride in the quality of our food and the safety of our guests,” Alvarez wrote. “We are taking these findings very seriously and are committed to making the necessary changes to meet, and exceed, city standards.”
The company also indicated that it had already been working with a local culinary school to provide on‑the‑job training for its kitchen staff, a partnership that will now be intensified.
Department of Health Actions
The Pittsburgh Department of Health’s Food Safety Division has imposed a $18,500 fine on Riverside, a figure that represents a 25% increase over the standard penalty for first‑time violations of the same nature. The fine is accompanied by a mandatory corrective action plan that must be completed within 90 days. If the company fails to meet these deadlines, the department threatens to suspend its operating license.
The health department will conduct a follow‑up inspection within 30 days to verify that all issues have been addressed. Failure to comply could result in a permanent closure of the facility.
The city’s food safety program, which Riverside is a part of, is designed to educate and enforce compliance through a mix of inspections, training, and community outreach. More details on the program can be found on the city’s official website (link: https://www.pittsburgh.gov/health/food-safety). The website outlines the steps for businesses to obtain a Food Establishment License and the penalties for violations.
Broader Context: Food Safety in Pittsburgh
Riverside’s violations come at a time when the city’s food service industry is under increasing scrutiny. In the last two years, the Department of Health has logged a 15% rise in reported food‑borne illness cases across the city, a trend that has prompted city officials to emphasize the importance of rigorous compliance.
City Health Director Dr. Karen Patel commented on the situation: “We’re seeing more complex supply chains and higher customer expectations. That means we need stricter enforcement and more education to keep our community safe.”
The incident has also reignited conversations among local chefs and catering operators about the importance of maintaining up‑to‑date food safety plans, especially as many small and medium‑sized firms struggle with the administrative burden of compliance.
Several industry groups, including the Pittsburgh Culinary Association, have called for more resources and clearer guidance to help businesses meet their obligations. The association is hosting a workshop next month on “Navigating Food Safety Regulations in 2026,” which will feature presentations by city inspectors and food safety experts.
Looking Ahead
Riverside Catering & Events faces a challenging road ahead. The company’s leadership has signaled its willingness to invest heavily in corrective measures, but the path to reinstating full compliance will require diligence and a sustained effort. The city’s Department of Health remains prepared to enforce the corrective actions and will keep the public informed of any changes in the company’s status.
For residents who have previously enjoyed Riverside’s services, the news may be a cause for concern. However, the company’s commitment to transparency and improvement offers a glimmer of hope that the business can once again serve the community with the same dedication and quality it has offered for years.
As Pittsburgh continues to grow and diversify its culinary offerings, the Riverside case underscores the vital role of food safety regulations and the collective responsibility of businesses, regulators, and consumers to uphold the highest standards for public health.
Read the Full Patch Article at:
[ https://patch.com/pennsylvania/pittsburgh/pittsburgh-catering-company-cited-numerous-health-code-violations ]
