Rats and cockroaches: in half of the school canteens of New York found violations

In almost half of New York’s school canteens tested in the 2017 year, at least one critical disruption of work conditions was found that could lead to foodborne illness.

Фото: Depositphotos

This is evidenced by data recently published report.

In 1150 critical violations found in almost 700 canteens, we are talking about the presence of mice, rats, cockroaches, flies and other insects in the rooms where they cook and eat food.

In one school in Brooklyn, a surveyor found live cockroaches and around 600 units of fresh mouse droppings.

In another school, 5, second-graders poisoned themselves after eating lunch in the canteen.

In addition, health inspectors found messy equipment in canteens and a violation of food storage standards after cooking.

1500 flies were discovered in the cafeteria building at a school in Queens.

The US Department of Agriculture requires local health officials to check school canteens at least twice each school year. According to the report, about 1400 urban school canteens were checked at least once, some of them serving more than one school.

During the inspection, inspectors look for signs of vital activity of rodents or insects and check the equipment of the canteen to make sure that food is stored at appropriate temperatures. They also check the process of food processing.

Despite the fact that the city has more than 1 million students in secondary schools, only 15 health inspectors are engaged in checking the status of kitchens and canteens of educational institutions. The city's health department claims that so many inspectors are “enough to do the job”.

The report was published three months after the city began offering free meals to all students of schools, and food for low-income students was paid for under a special federal program.

Michael Asiman, a spokesman for the city’s Department of Education, said that all schools are required to provide safe and clean dining facilities for students.

According to him, the Department of Education works closely with health officials to “immediately investigate and eliminate any violations.”

Read also on ForumDaily:

10 US Cities Suffering from Rat Invasion

Bedbugs return to American homes at an unprecedented rate: what to do

Five features of American schools that will surprise immigrants

Do you want more important and interesting news about life in the USA and immigration to America? — support us donate! Also subscribe to our page Facebook. Select the “Priority in display” option and read us first. Also, don't forget to subscribe to our РєР ° РЅР ° Р »РІ Telegram  and Instagram- there is a lot of interesting things there. And join thousands of readers ForumDaily New York — there you will find a lot of interesting and positive information about life in the metropolis.