Consumer Alert Slapped On Well-Known Pittsburgh Restaurant

PITTSBURGH, PA — The Allegheny County Health Department has issued a consumer alert for Las Velas, located Downtown in Market Square, for several health code violations.

An inspection Tuesday found that raw meats, cooked shredded chicken, and tamales in a walk-in cooler were being stored at unsafe temperature between 49 and 50 degrees. The food had to be discarded.

The cooler was found to have an ambient air temperature of 56 degrees. The restaurant was ordered to discontinue using it until it can maintain food temperatures 41 degrees. The cooler is expected to be serviced; the health department has threatened to close the place if it is not.

The kitchen was found to be hot and smoky. It had in place an Ansul pull down tag from 2024. An Ansul pull down tag refers to the safety seal or tamper tag on a commercial kitchen's fire suppression system. Pulling its handle manually discharges the fire suppression agent.

Restaurant personnel said the eatery is in the process of being re-tagged.

A restaurant with a consumer alert placard is allowed to operate for a temporary period not exceeding 10 days.

Another inspection is conducted either prior to the expiration of the temporary period upon request of the eatery owner or on the tenth day.