Amore Pizza in Lewes shut down after health inspectors found rodent infestation

LEWES, Del. – A popular pizzeria in Lewes was closed by the health department after inspectors found a rodent infestation.

Amore Pizza, located at 20750 John J Williams Highway in Lewes, was closed Wednesday following a routine health inspection where officials with the Delaware Division of Public Health’s Office of Food Protection found a rodent infestation along with several other health code violations.

Three live mice were found stuck to glue traps near the pizza oven, according to the health inspection report that 47 ABC News acquired through a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request.

Mouse feces was found throughout the kitchen, in all areas, during the course of the inspection, according to the report. Heavy food debris and grease was also found on food-contact surfaces in the kitchen.

Officials also spotted cardboard that was re-used as shelf liners that was saturated with food debris and mold, according to report, along with other food debris and grease that was found on walls, floors, ceilings, shelves, and equipment inside the establishment.

During the course of the inspection, the report states that officials also observed chemical bottles that were stored near clean wares and food.

The restaurant was ordered to immediately close due to the observance of imminent health hazards (mouse infestation), according to the report. In order to reopen they will have to take aggressive pest control measures along with sealing any holes in the floors, walls, and ceilings, even small holes, the report specified.

Officials also ordered the restaurant to conduct a deep cleaning of the facility, from top to bottom, and to increase the frequency of their routine cleaning moving forward, according to the health inspection report.

Multiple attempts to reach officials at the restaurant for comment were unsuccessful.