Company says LOS concession stands ready to go

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - The company that provides food services to Lucas Oil Stadium said Marion County Health inspectors have given their operation a clean bill of health. The company is addressing dozens of safety citations that include dead rodents and mice droppings in kitchen areas.

During a tour inside the stadium with Centerplate officials, the company said they want folks to know their food and facilities are safe.

Centerplate Spokesman Robert Pascal revealed the main pantry where he said the rodent problem was based. Pascal said they’ve cleaned up the area completely. It's just one of numerous pantries in the stadium where 15 additional inspectors will also examine everyday.

It’s also now current policy for Orkin exterminators to come out every day.

“We have in fact engaged Orkin. They’re coming in every single day for the foreseeable future and doing daily inspections. So we really have amped it up to the highest degree possible to ensure that this problem is eradicated as quickly as possible," said Pascal.

Pascal also showed off one of about 130 concessions stands. He said they’ve all been scrubbed down and disinfected. Centerplate has also posted what appears to be a brand new time and temperature log. Obviously, it's an effort to assure the public that the food within the refrigerator is safe.

Centerplate said it is still looking into what led to the 42 citations.

"Obviously, there will be some disciplinary issues where we have found programs and processes. If they've been ignored, we will take action," Pascal said.

According to Pascal, health department inspectors were at the stadium late Thursday. He said Centerplate has taken aggressive action and, as a result, everything is in the clear.

Centerplate said it has also hired additional in-house inspectors and will continue to work with the health department to ensure food safety. The company also said Colts fans should expect to have a safe, enjoyable environment for Sunday night's game.

"We've been to every single stand. We've done a deep clean, steam-cleaned on every single stand. We continue to review them on a daily basis, so it's an ongoing process," added Pascal.

Centerplate is asking fans to call their 24-hour hotline about any food safety or cleanliness issues. The number is 1-800-578-7378. Centerplate officials also plan to be on site through the weekend.