Health officials ordered a Subway restaurant in Pittsburgh to close after inspectors discovered multiple critical violations, including nonfunctional refrigeration and food stored at unsafe temperatures. The closure follows a Thursday inspection of the Subway at 950 Ridge Ave., where workers found tuna salad measuring 53 degrees inside a malfunctioning walk-in cooler four hours after preparation. Multiple other items exceeded the 41-degree safety threshold, raising concerns about potential foodborne illness risks.

The inspection revealed additional issues, including a lack of a certified food protection manager and a buildup of a "black mold-like substance" near sink fixtures. Inspectors also noted the absence of an internal thermometer in the cooler, complicating temperature monitoring. These violations fall under Allegheny County's high-risk categories, which prioritize immediate corrective action to prevent public health hazards.

Subway's Pittsburgh location now faces potential fines and operational delays while addressing the violations. The incident highlights ongoing challenges in maintaining food safety standards across franchise locations, particularly in older establishments with aging infrastructure. Local health officials emphasized that repeated violations could lead to permanent closure.

This closure underscores the importance of rigorous temperature controls in food service operations, especially during peak summer months. Customers who purchased food from the restaurant before the inspection may face health risks, though no illness reports have been confirmed. The case serves as a warning to other quick-service chains about the consequences of inadequate refrigeration systems.