Bartlett Dining Commons failed an April 16 health inspection because of insufficient temperature maintenance, cleanliness, and pest-control measures, according to a report posted last Friday on EveryBlock Chicago.
The dining hall was found to be at “high risk” by the City of Chicago’s Department of Public Health Food Protection Program, though a subsequent re-inspection found the issues resolved several days later.
The initial inspection found evidence of rodents and poor pest prevention methods in several parts of Bartlett.
According to the report, the inspector observed over 20 mice droppings in the first-floor kitchen electrical room, which caused the health inspector to instruct the manager to call an exterminator and to sanitize all surfaces.
The inspector also noted that a loading dock door on the first floor had not been rodent-proofed, and that certain foods were not being maintained at proper temperatures.
For example, the report listed several breakfast foods—including scrambled eggs, hash browns, and veggie sausages—as being stored at temperatures below the food-safe threshold of 140 degrees Fahrenheit. Raw chicken and black beans were also reportedly stored at improper temperatures.
Though the report from the initial inspection noted that most handwashing facilities were easily accessible, an inspector’s comment stated that the sink near the grill and taco station was not accessible and that the paper towel dispenser was not operable.
A subsequent inspection on April 23 stated that floors, walls, and surrounding premises were cleaned and maintained free of litter. Additionally, the rear door had been found rodent-proofed, and mice droppings had been removed.
Dining halls at the University have failed health inspections in the past.
In 2012, a failed health inspection caused Arley D. Cathey Dining Commons to close for several days. Bartlett also failed a health inspection in 2013, after similar risks related to cleanliness and pest-control measures were found.
Update (05/02/18): University spokesperson Marielle Sainvilus said the News Office had no comment as of Wednesday.
