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Pittsburgh KFC at North Hills Mall Faces Salmonella Alert

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  Published in Health and Fitness on Thursday, December 11th 2025 at 15:03 GMT by Patch
      Locale: Pennsylvania, UNITED STATES

Popular Pittsburgh Mall Eatery Slapped With Consumer Alert

A consumer alert was issued today by the Pennsylvania Department of Health (PDH) targeting the fast‑food outlet that sits in the heart of the Pittsburgh mall scene. The alert—released in partnership with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)—warns shoppers that certain chicken‑based menu items sold at the chain’s location in the North Hills Mall may be contaminated with Salmonella Enteritidis. The alert is a precautionary step aimed at protecting public health while investigators determine the scope of the contamination.

What the Alert Covers

According to the PDH’s release, the consumer alert specifically concerns the “KFC Original Recipe Chicken” and “KFC Chicken Nuggets” sold at the North Hills Mall location. The alert lists the following details:

The alert recommends that anyone who has purchased or consumed the affected products immediately washes hands thoroughly, avoids cross‑contamination in the kitchen, and watches for symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal cramps, fever, and vomiting. If any of these symptoms appear, consumers are advised to seek medical care promptly.

The FDA’s consumer alert—linked within the PDH posting—provides a downloadable PDF that lists the affected product codes, batch numbers, and the precise dates of distribution. It also includes instructions for disposing of contaminated food and the contact details for reporting any suspected cases of foodborne illness.

The Response of the Eatery

KFC’s corporate office released a statement saying it is “working closely with the PDH and FDA” to investigate the incident. The statement noted that the outlet has stopped serving the implicated menu items pending the outcome of a thorough internal review. The chain also announced that it will provide a free replacement meal for any customer who presents proof of purchase from the affected dates.

The mall’s management, represented by North Hills Shopping Center, has added a notice to the mall’s website and posted signs throughout the food court urging shoppers to be aware of the consumer alert. “We take the safety of our guests very seriously,” said a spokesperson. “The mall is cooperating fully with health authorities and will provide updates as more information becomes available.”

Context and Comparison to Previous Alerts

This is not the first time a Pennsylvania mall eatery has been subject to a consumer alert. In January 2023, the state issued a similar warning for a McDonald’s franchise in the South Hills Mall due to a potential Listeria monocytogenes contamination in its salad bar. That alert prompted a temporary closure of the salad bar and a recall of certain lettuce batches. According to the PDH’s “Foodborne Illness Surveillance Dashboard,” cases of Listeria associated with the South Hills McDonald’s were below the level of clinical significance, and no severe illnesses were reported.

The Salmonella alert at North Hills is being monitored closely. Health officials are conducting traceback studies to determine whether the contamination originated from a specific supplier or a processing facility. Early indications suggest the issue may be linked to a batch of frozen chicken purchased from a regional distributor that also supplies other fast‑food chains in the Pittsburgh area. If the contamination is confirmed to be widespread, additional recalls could be issued, potentially affecting more outlets across the state.

What Shoppers Should Do

Consumers who have eaten at the North Hills Mall KFC or purchased the affected products are advised to:

1. Check the product code on any leftovers or packaging. The PDH’s PDF includes the product codes and batch numbers.
2. Dispose of any remaining food in a sealed bag and hand it in to the mall’s food court security for proper disposal, or discard it in the trash.
3. Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
4. Watch for symptoms such as fever, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. If any symptoms appear, seek medical attention and notify the PDH’s hotline at 1‑800‑XYZ‑1234.
5. Contact KFC if you purchased the product and wish to claim a free replacement meal or refund.

The PDH’s consumer alert is free of charge and can be downloaded from the department’s website. It also includes a section on “What to Expect” and “When to Seek Medical Care.” In addition, the FDA’s consumer alert page provides an overview of Salmonella risks and prevention strategies for both consumers and foodservice operators.

Looking Ahead

While the investigation is still ongoing, the PDH has asked that consumers remain calm and to follow the recommendations outlined in the alert. “Foodborne illnesses are a serious concern, but by acting quickly and following proper hygiene practices, the risk can be minimized,” the PDH spokesperson said.

The PDH will continue to provide updates as new information emerges. The state is also encouraging all food service establishments—especially those in high‑traffic mall environments—to review their food safety protocols and ensure that all suppliers are compliant with the latest FDA and USDA guidelines.

For now, the primary takeaway for Pittsburgh shoppers is to be vigilant. The consumer alert, while unsettling, is a testament to the state’s commitment to safeguarding public health and its readiness to act swiftly when a potential risk is identified. The PDH and FDA’s combined efforts should help to contain any further spread of Salmonella and provide peace of mind to the community as the investigation unfolds.