Critical food safety violations up at Royals games this year
Critical food safety violations up at Royals games this year, health department says
By Patrick Fazio, Oct 27, 2015 KHSB
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Critical health violations are up this season at Kauffman Stadium concession stands compared to last season.
2015: 146 critical violations on 176 inspections
2014: 129 critical violations on 167 inspections
The Kansas City Health Department tells us inspectors plan to visit Aramark food stands at Kauffman during the World Series home games.
As 41 Action News first investigated in May, critical violations at Kauffman Stadium have nearly doubled since 2012.
As a follow-up to our investigation, we discovered health inspectors have cited Aramark food stands at Kauffman for numerous observations of, “Potentially hazardous hot food was not maintained at temperatures in accordance with the Food Code,” as well as these critical violations since May:
Improper Handling
“Observed cashier scooping ice with hands from ice machine”
“Dishwasher did not wash hands before touching the clean dishes” (twice)
“Observed popcorn being stored in black trash bag (instead of food grade bag)” (twice)
Mold/Black Residue
“Mold on top interior of ice machine.”
“Mold on keg lines”
“Soda fountain dispensers were found to have build up of black residue”
Pest Control Problems
“Dead flies in ice scoop bucket”
“Dead roach behind hotbox near entrance”
“Rat feces observed under (soda) cooler and hot box”
“Evidence of pests with chewed foam inside (soda) dispenser”
“Gnats at front area by sink”
Other critical violations cited at Kauffman Stadium food stands since May include improperly trained Aramark employees: “Out Of Compliance Food Handler Card audit… No certified manager in the food service area at the time of inspection.”
Health Dept. Response
“The Health Department food safety inspectors will continue inspecting the food service operations at the stadium during the World Series to ensure the food being served is safe. All violations in previous inspections have been addressed with the food management company. All critical violations have been corrected either on site or during follow up inspections.” – Naser Jouhari, manager with the Kansas City Health Department.
Our previous investigation also found despite the increase in critical violations, no customers had filed complaints with the Kansas City Health Department.
Since our report in May, the Kansas City Health Department tells us they have received two complaints about Kauffman Stadium but have not shut down any Aramark food stands.
Aramark Response
“Our team at Kauffman Stadium has worked closely with the Kansas City Health Department throughout the entire season to ensure the food we serve at The K is safe to eat. We are proud of our food safety record and look forward to continuing to provide fans an enjoyable dining experience during the World Series.” – David Freireich, Aramark spokesman.
http://www.kshb.com/news/local-news/critical-food-safety-violations-up-at-royals-games-this-year-health-department-says