WTOP: Verizon Center health violations among worst in U.S.
WASHINGTON – A study of health inspections at stadium food vendors across the United States found the Verizon Center to have some of the worst health violations in the country.
The report, conducted by ESPN, finds every food vendor inside the home of the Capitals, Wizards, Mystics and Georgetown University basketball to be in violation of health codes. The report found at least 10 vendors with mice droppings in food preparation areas.
The only other stadium in the United States to have as many health violations as the Verizon Center is Tropicana Field in Tampa Bay, Florida, which is the home of Major League Baseball’s Tampa Bay Rays.
Captials and Wizards’ owner Ted Leonsis responded to the report on his blog:
“I was surprised by ESPN’s recent industry-wide report and ratings related to the cleanliness of professional sports venues, including Verizon Center. Since we acquired Verizon Center from Washington Sports and Entertainment six weeks ago, we have been planning and making improvements. Please be assured that we take the complaints of our customers extremely seriously, and quality and cleanliness are paramount.”
Aramark, one of the companies in charge of the Verizon Center’s concessions, released a statement Monday:
“Food safety is our top priority. We have rigorous employee training and quality assurance processes, and we continuously invest to enhance our food safety training, resources and safeguards. Any time we learn of potential issues we take prompt action to investigate and remedy all concerns. Issues raised in past reports were addressed and receive our continued attention.”
The report found 25 percent of vendors at Nationals Park to be in violation of health codes. The report specifically cites a critical violation at one location that did not have a D.C.-certified food manager’s card.
RFK Stadium was not measured in the report.
from WTOP
Ok. Scary and Disgusting!!!!!!!