A new Sports Illustrated report ranked Tropicana Field as the worst in Major League Baseball when it comes to food safety.
The data was compiled by using a list of health inspection records and additional documents from local governments.
The sports magazine cited the average number of violations across the league as 58. The Trop had 241, nearly half those were considered high priority violations.
The report mentions black mold found inside at least one ice bin tested.
The full inspection report can be found here.
Centerplate is the company in charge of food at the Trop, and issued the following statement about food safety at the ballpark:
"The health and safety of our guests is always our top priority. We are committed to excellence in our operations, and rigorously train our staff on proper techniques in food handling and food safety procedures. To this end, we partner with independent food safety experts and local health departments to ensure that our operations adhere to the highest standards. When potential issues arise in our operations, we take immediate corrective action—in 100% of the incidents cited in this report, the situation was immediately rectified in the presence of an inspector and cleared for safe operation.
In addition, we are taking the following steps to ensure food safety at Tropicana Field: in cooperation with the Rays, have an independent food safety inspector conduct an immediate analysis of all concessions operations; designate one additional supervisor on site each night dedicated to food safety; and require all staff to undergo the Centerplate food safety training program, again, this week. We remain committed to providing the highest quality guest experience at each of our venues."
Safeco Field in Seattle ranked at the top of the food safety list.
Two records requests were not fulfilled according to Sports Illustrated, so the list only includes 28 ballparks. You can see that list here.
