CEO says food safety will improve at LOS

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - The head of the company that provides food services to Lucas Oil Stadium said the food consumed there is safe. The company is reacting to dozens of safety violations including dead rodents and mice droppings in stadium kitchen areas.

Centerplate CEO Desmond Hague and his team arrived at Lucas Oil Stadium Thursday.

"This is the first time that senior management of my organization has been made aware of any issues within Lucas Oil Stadium," said Hague.

They arrived to address about 42 food safety violations, dead rodents, mice droppings and $3,900 in fines served up by Marion County food safety inspectors at the stadium.

"We want to assure our fans, particularly our Colts fans and customers, that the food will be safe," said Barney Levengood, executive director of the Indiana Convention Center.

Hague said Centerplate has launched an internal investigation. He said they've stepped up exterminations and they've brought in 15 of their own inspectors to look over all 137 suites and 131 concessions stands at the stadium.

"We're evaluating all procedures and training processes right now to make sure where are the missteps, where can we improve our game," said Hague.

In addition, Hague said they're bringing in another general manager from Denver to oversee things. What that may mean for current management remains unclear.

Hague said not all food safety violations issues rise to the awareness of upper management, but this one did.

"I think it's really important that we go through the full investigation and the right and appropriate actions will be taken. I think that we need to understand before I jump to any conclusions," said Hague.

Hague said Centerplate serves about 85 million fans at various venues nationwide. They're currently setting up a hotline for fans to call if they see food safety issues at the stadium. The number is 1-800-578-7378.