TribalElder |
04-09-2015 05:40 PM |
Food inspectors returned to Kauffman Stadium Thursday after dozens of critical health code violations were reported Opening Day.
Concessions at the stadium got a lot of negative attention when disturbing violations came to light during the World Series. While those issues were corrected, additional problems were uncovered this week.
The Kansas City Health Department had inspectors out in force Monday, checking conditions at 21 concession stands. At 15 of those stands, inspectors found critical violations, which means they discovered a problem that could lead to illness, but it’s not imminent.
“Any time we have violations, whether critical or non-critical, we always are concerned,” said Joe Williamson of the Kansas City Health Department’s Code Enforcement unit. “We take appropriate steps to make sure establishments correct those and get those done before any food is served to the public.”
While most of those violations were corrected before inspectors left the stadium Monday, six concession stands were given new inspections Thursday.
The latest violations included workers not cleaning their hands, food not being kept at safe temperatures, hand sanitizer sitting next to ready-to-eat food, improperly stored utensils and workers reusing gloves intended for single use.
None of the violations were as serious as some reported by a food service employee last fall, which included cockroaches and moldy hot dogs.
Fans said they wouldn’t let the news of the latest violations change their plans for stadium snacks.
“I kind of always suspected the hot dogs not to be perfect, so I probably will still have one, probably just a little bit of beer,” said Rachel Leistad.
“I think they’ve fixed it by now,” said Dustin Matthews. “I’m sure they’re good.”
“I do pay attention to what they’re doing, If they’re touching their face, if they’re washing their hands a lot, it’s something you have to pay attention to, because you kind of see what does happen,” said Melissa Keels.
She said she would still have a hot dog at the stadium.
“Probably four,” she laughed.
Inspectors said proper hand washing is one of the critical things they look for and they urge the public to report any violations they see to the city's 311 service website.
Aramark, the company contracted to operate the concession stands, issued a statement that it is working closely with the Health Department to fix any issues.
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