Food truck found operating without permit

The Cousins Maine Lobster food truck operating in Richland last week was ordered to close by the Allegheny County Health Department — for operating without a permit.

However, a week later, Annalisa Sangiovanni, an administrator for Cousins Maine Lobster’s Pittsburgh franchises, said the issues have been remedied.

“Our original Pittsburgh truck was down, and now our Pitt truck is back,” she said.

A replacement truck operated in the meantime while the violations were being fixed, according to Sangiovanni.

The popular national food truck brand got its start in 2013 on “Shark Tank.” It brings Maine-sourced lobster to local neighborhoods.

“Maine Eats” include the Maine Roll, Connecticut Roll, Lobster Bisque, New England Clam Chowder and the Lobster Tail & Tots, according to the food truck’s website.

Pittsburgh’s location of Cousins Maine Lobster travels around the Western Pennsylvania region for various events and appearances, the website says.

According to the listing posted Dec. 2 on the health department’s Consumer Alerts and Closures page, violations included inadequate cleaning and sanitization, inadequate plumbing for a critical fixture, as well as operating without a food permit.

Cousins Maine Lobster’s Pittsburgh food truck had to acquire a valid permit before being able to operate once again, the health department said in its inspection. The food truck must also display a valid health permit in a location visible to the public.

The health department’s website still lists the food truck in the “closures” section as of Tuesday.

Sangiovanni said it’s operating as scheduled.