"The situation at Safeco Field is unacceptable. We will not allow this to become a chronic problem," said Dr. Alonzo Plough, Director of Public Health - Seattle & King County.

As a result of yesterday's inspections, 2 outdoor food carts were closed due to lack of handwashing facilities and some food was ordered destroyed due to improper preparation. A few establishments received their second citation for the same violation. A third citation will result in closure. This is a "3 strikes and you're out" scenario.

"Volume Services America and the Mariners must resolve these problems immediately," added Plough. "Public Health - Seattle & King County will take all necessary action in order to protect the public's health."

To date, the red critical food safety violations at Safeco Field have primarily involved lack of handwashing facilities and practice. Other violations included improper cooling of food, not heating cooked food to proper temperatures, and storing raw and cooked food together.

For yesterday's inspections, Public Health sent eight food inspectors including one assigned to provide education to food handlers while working. Public Health will continue to work with staff at Safeco Field to address problems, and inspections will be on-going until these issues are resolved.

Public Health's Food Protection Program oversees approximately 9,400 food service establishments, 1,100 meat/poultry/fish establishments, and 2,000 temporary food booths per year. Approximately 33,000 food service inspections are projected for 1999 in addition to another 12,000 education and consultation visits. Public Health typically closes about 100 food service operations each year until their food safety problems are corrected.