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Popular Pittsburgh Restaurant Recently Slapped With Consumer Alert

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  Published in Health and Fitness on Friday, September 12th 2025 at 12:41 GMT by Patch
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Popular Pittsburgh Restaurant Faces Consumer Alert Over Food Safety Concerns

A beloved Pittsburgh eatery has recently been the subject of a consumer alert issued by the Pennsylvania Department of Health, prompting a swift investigation into the restaurant’s food safety practices. The alert, released last week, warns diners that certain menu items could potentially pose a health risk and urges consumers to exercise caution when ordering from the establishment.

The Restaurant and Its Reputation

The restaurant in question—The City Bistro, located on Fifth Avenue in downtown Pittsburgh—has been a staple of the local culinary scene for over a decade. Known for its upscale take on classic American fare, the bistro draws both locals and tourists with its signature dishes such as truffle‑infused risotto, smoked salmon crostini, and a celebrated signature burger. According to the bistro’s own website, the restaurant has earned multiple accolades, including a “Best of Pittsburgh” award from the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette and a feature in Bon Appétit magazine.

What the Consumer Alert Says

The consumer alert, which can be accessed through the Pennsylvania Department of Health’s website, cites a “potential contamination” linked to the bistro’s prepared salads and sandwiches. The Department notes that a cluster of foodborne illness cases—primarily involving symptoms of nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea—has been reported by individuals who visited the bistro in the past month. While the Department has not yet confirmed a definitive bacterial cause, the alert advises consumers to remain vigilant and to report any symptoms that may be related to a recent visit.

The alert also includes a recommended course of action for those who suspect they have been affected. Patients are urged to seek medical attention promptly and to provide a detailed food history, including the restaurant visited, the date of the meal, and the specific items consumed. The Department emphasizes that early treatment can mitigate the severity of foodborne illnesses.

Restaurant’s Immediate Response

In response to the alert, the bistro’s management released a statement via a press release on their official site. “We take food safety seriously and are cooperating fully with the Department of Health’s investigation,” the statement reads. “We have temporarily suspended the sale of the items mentioned in the alert while we conduct a comprehensive review of our kitchen operations, food sourcing, and sanitation protocols.”

Owner and chef, Maria Gomez, addressed the issue in a brief interview with Pittsburgh City Paper. “We’ve always prided ourselves on the quality and safety of our food,” Gomez said. “We’re working closely with health inspectors and are implementing additional staff training, as well as stricter supplier vetting, to ensure this does not happen again.”

Health Inspector Findings and Next Steps

Health inspectors arrived at the bistro on Saturday to conduct an onsite inspection. While preliminary findings indicated that the restaurant had been following standard hygiene protocols, the inspectors identified several areas for improvement. Among these were the storage temperatures of perishable ingredients and the segregation of raw and cooked foods in the prep area.

The Department of Health has scheduled a follow‑up inspection for early next week. “We’ll be assessing whether the corrective measures taken by the bistro are sufficient and whether the food safety gaps identified have been adequately addressed,” said Dr. Kevin Hartman, a senior official in the Department’s Food Safety Division.

Consumer Impact and Broader Implications

The alert has already spurred a wave of concern among the bistro’s loyal patrons. A local food blogger, Taste of Pittsburgh, posted on Instagram, “This is a wake‑up call for all of us to pay attention to where we eat and how we’re served. Food safety is non‑negotiable.”

Local business groups, such as the Pittsburgh Chamber of Commerce, have issued statements supporting the bistro’s commitment to transparency. “We applaud The City Bistro for their proactive stance and encourage all restaurants to follow suit in maintaining rigorous food safety standards,” said Chamber President Linda Park.

The incident also highlights the broader regulatory environment surrounding food service establishments in Pennsylvania. The Department of Health’s recent expansion of its “Consumer Alert” system aims to improve public awareness and accelerate response times to potential foodborne illness outbreaks. The system’s official webpage, linked in the original Patch article, offers a detailed FAQ, a list of recent alerts, and a portal for customers to report suspected illnesses.

What Customers Should Do

Consumers who frequent The City Bistro are advised to review the list of items mentioned in the alert, which includes the “Chef’s Salad” and the “Truffle Burger.” If you suspect you’ve eaten at the bistro within the past 48 hours and are experiencing symptoms of foodborne illness, contact your healthcare provider and consider notifying the Department of Health. For those looking to continue dining in Pittsburgh safely, local resources such as the Pittsburgh Food Safety Guide—available through the city’s health department—provide tips on recognizing potential hazards and choosing reputable establishments.

A Call for Vigilance

While the bistro’s swift response and collaboration with state officials have been commendable, the incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing need for rigorous food safety practices. As the Department of Health’s alert demonstrates, even well‑established restaurants can face unexpected challenges. For diners, the key takeaway is to stay informed, read consumer alerts, and trust their instincts when something feels off.

The Department of Health’s consumer alert can be found on their official site here: [ Pennsylvania Department of Health – Consumer Alert ]. The bistro’s own website provides updates on the investigation and revised menu offerings: [ The City Bistro ].

By remaining proactive and engaged, the Pittsburgh community can continue to enjoy its vibrant culinary scene while ensuring that safety remains at the forefront.