Popular Pittsburgh Subway Shut Down by Health Department

Allegheny County health inspectors found numerous food safety violations at the Ridge Avenue location.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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The Allegheny County Health Department has ordered the closure of a popular Subway restaurant in Pittsburgh's North Side neighborhood near the Community College of Allegheny County campus. An inspection on Thursday revealed numerous health code violations, including a non-functional walk-in cooler that led to unsafe temperatures for tuna salad, improper food storage, and a buildup of mold-like substance at a hand sink.

Why it matters

Food safety violations at high-traffic restaurants can pose serious public health risks, especially when it comes to perishable items like tuna salad. The shutdown of this Subway location highlights the importance of regular health inspections to identify and address unsafe conditions that could lead to foodborne illnesses.

The details

According to the health department, the walk-in cooler at the Subway location was not functioning properly at the time of the inspection, resulting in the tuna salad being stored at 53 degrees Fahrenheit - more than 12 degrees above the permissible temperature. Many other foods also had to be discarded due to improper time and temperature controls. Inspectors also found a buildup of a black mold-like substance on the caulking and under the faucet of a hand sink.

  • The health department inspection took place on Thursday, February 13, 2026.

The players

Allegheny County Health Department

The local public health agency responsible for inspecting and regulating food service establishments in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania.

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What’s next

The Subway location will remain closed until it can address the identified health code violations and pass a re-inspection by the Allegheny County Health Department.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the critical role that health inspections play in ensuring food safety and public health, especially at high-volume restaurants that serve perishable items. It serves as a reminder for both businesses and consumers to prioritize food safety and sanitation standards.