WIVB Buffalo reports that the Buffalo Niagara Convention Center drew a crowd of hundreds of pizza lovers Monday, looking for protection against possible exposure to hepatitis A. Casa Di Pizza, a popular Elmwood Avenue restaurant in Buffalo, had a server diagnosed with the disease on Friday. The Erie County Health Department encouraged 1,500 – 2,000 patrons to receive vaccinations if they ate at the restaurant or banquet room between March 9th and March 19th — Monday they vaccinated 766 people. The bar and take-out service were not involved with the server in question.
WIVB also reported on inspection records at Casa Di Pizza going back to 2013 that showed the business has been cited for violations before.
· In September 2014, health department inspectors cited Casa-Di-Pizza for 6 violations, including one critical for food not maintained at proper hot holding temperatures. A follow- up inspection later in the month found no violations;
· In February 2014, inspectors cited the business for eight violations, including two critical. Again, food not maintained at a proper hot holding temperature was cited. A follow-up inspection in March found no violations;
· In August 2013, the restaurant was hit with eight violations, including six critical. Once again, food not maintained at a proper hot holding temperature was among the violations listed. A re-inspection the following month found no violations;
· In April 2013, inspectors acting on a complaint found one violation for adequate hair restraint not used by persons in food preparation area. A follow-up inspection three weeks later found no violations.