ESPN's "Outside the Lines" reviewed health department inspection reports for food and beverage outlets at all 107 North American arenas and stadiums that were home to Major League Baseball, National Football League, National Hockey League and National Basketball Association teams in 2009. At 30 of the venues (28 percent), more than half of the concession stands or restaurants had been cited for at least one "critical" or "major" health violation. Such violations pose a risk for foodborne illnesses that can make someone sick, or, in extreme cases, become fatal.ScoreboardGourmet surely sees the theoretical value in inspections but the public needs to understand there are many different categories of violation, some not particularly severe. The public also needs to understand that home kitchens are generally way more ripe for problems than restaurant kitchens. Really. That said, this article nicely points out inconsistencies in inspections reporting (inspecting Chicago ballparks on non-game days). And, let's also remember the grossness of all food that been in someone else's hands. Oh yes I'm talking about you, local supermarket deli guy who never changes his gloves.
Check out the story by ESPN's Paula Lavigne: What's Lurking in Your Stadium Food?
