Space was tight in the print version today so, in fairness to the sources, I’m going to run full comments about the local sports teams’ reactions to the ESPN Outside the Lines’ investigation of food-safety at all pro-sports arenas in North America. First, here’s the story (rough draft):
ESPN’s “Outside the Lines” program recently examined health-department inspection reports for all 107 professional baseball, basketball, hockey and basketball arenas on the continent. According to ESPN’s report, 29 percent of Citizens Bank Park vendors had critical violations, 33 percent at Lincoln Financial Field and 15 percent at Wachovia Center.
A review of the state Department of Agriculture’s website revealed “visible physical evidence of rodent/insect activity observed in the bar/prep areas” at Citizens Bank Park’s Diamond Club, several fresh/old mouse droppings under 3-basin sink and behind food equipments in prep area” at a Wachovia Center vendor and an improperly cleaned slicer at Lincoln Financial Field.
David Frereich, a spokesman for Aramark, which has concessions at all three said, “Food safety is our top priority. Issues in past reports have been addressed, and any time we learn about issues we take prompt action to investigate and remedy all concerns.”
And, here are comments from food-vendor Aramark and representatives of all the teams …
“Aramark has been a great partner at Citizens Bank Park. In addition to providing on-going extensive food safety training for employees, they address any issues that occasionally arise and take prompt action to correct those issues. Overall, our health inspections have been stellar and we expect that to continue as Aramark takes the well-being of our fans as seriously as the Phillies do.” — Bonnie Clark; Vice President, Communications; The Phillies
“Our agreement with Aramark requires the company to provide food and concession services at the Wells Fargo Center, formerly the Wachovia Center, in strict conformity with the applicable health code and all other laws and regulations. Since the opening of the Spectrum in 1967, Aramark has always made every effort to maintain the highest of health standards at both of our facilities. We are very confident that Aramark immediately and thoroughly addresses any concern raised with respect to food safety, as the health and well-being of our customers is collectively our number one priority.” — Ike Richman; Vice President, Public Relations; Comcast-Spectacor (Flyers and Sixers)
“Aramark is an industry leader in food service operation with a national and international reputation. Aramark has run the food service operation at Lincoln Financial Field since 2005. Under our agreement, Aramark is required to comply with applicable health codes and regulations. Their management team has been committed to obtaining the highest level of food safety, as they know it is critical to our mutual goal of providing high quality service to our fans.” Pamela Browner White, SVP Public Affairs and Government Relations, Philadelphia Eagles
“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. Issues in past reports have been addressed, and any time we learn about issues we take prompt action to investigate and remedy all concerns.” — David Freireich; ARAMARK Communications
“The International Association of Assembly Managers (IAAM) supports quality food service practices for all public assembly venues. Our members strive to provide a quality guest experience in a secure, fun and inviting environment. Quality food service is a priority for our member venues. IAAM knows its member food service providers have thorough, quality assurance practices and well-trained managers working to consistently meet high standards. Communication, training and accountability among venues, concessionaires, health inspectors and employees are important to ensuring that food is safe for consumption. Stadiums and arenas safely serve hundreds of millions of fans annually, and creating memorable experiences for fans has been — and will continue to be — a primary focus for the managers of these venues.” — Dexter King, CFE; President & CEO; International Association of Assembly Managers