Alerts, Closures, and Enforcements
The Food Safety Program notifies the public when conditions at a food facility meet requirements with a “Inspected and Permitted” (Green) Placard or if conditions are unsafe with either a “Consumer Alert” (Yellow) Placard or a “Closed” (Red) Placard. A green, yellow, or red placard must be displayed at the entrance to a food facility.
Green Placard
The “Inspected and Permitted” (Green) Placard is posted when a food facility has met the food safety standards. Food Safety Inspectors post the “Inspected and Permitted” Placard after a successful pre-operational inspection.
Yellow Placard
The "Consumer Alert" (Yellow) Placard is posted when a food facility has high or medium risk violations remaining or recurring. A facility with a "Consumer Alert" placard:
- Is allowed to operate for a temporary period not exceeding ten (10) calendar days.
- May request a reinspection before the end of the ten-day period.
- Will have a reinspection on the tenth day if a reinspection is not requested sooner.
During the reinspection, violations leading to the "Consumer Alert" placard are reassessed. If the violations are corrected, then the green "Inspected and Permitted" placard is posted. If violations remain, the facility is ordered to close and the red "Closed" placard is posted.
Red Placard
The "Closed" (Red) Placard is also posted when:
- An imminent health hazard is identified.
- Violations continue after a pre-suspension hearing.
- Operating without a valid food permit.
- Failing to allow access for inspection after receiving sufficient notice.
It is unlawful to operate a food facility with a "Closed" placard.
Enforcement Actions taken by the ACHD Food Safety Program may also include civil penalties, or monetary fines, that have been assessed by the department for specific violations. See below for alerts and closure notices issued by the Allegheny County Health Department.