The always excellent Chicago Reporter informs us that the annual mass tourist migration known as the Taste of Chicago is basically the foulest thing ever. If you’ll recall, last year the Taste was struck by an outbreak of salmonella— so this year the Reporter has gathered some disgusting statistics and anecdotes guaranteed to make you think twice before buying those tickets.
The Reporter obtained copies of the Chicago Department of Public Health’s daily inspection reports for the vendors who are returning to this year’s event after participating at last year’s event, which attracted 3.6 million visitors. The Reporter found that in 2007:
* More than 85 percent of the 67 food vendors had violations during their onsite inspections.
* Of the 57 vendors with violations, the average number of violations per restaurant was four.
* Nearly 40 percent of all violations occurred during the first three days of the festival.
* One restaurant, Star of Siam, was cited for storing an open container of vinegar next to an open container of bleach. Another, La Justicia, was cited for storing enchilada sauce in a container that read “dish soap.”
The Reporter also said that 10 people will be filing lawsuits against Pars Cove Restaurant in connection with the salmonella outbreak that may have sickened up to 790 people at the taste last year. The salmonella was eventually traced back to some contaminated hummus.
Leaving A Bad Taste [Chicago Reporter]
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A similar event here in Honolulu (Flavors of Honolulu) has been going off in one form or another for over 15 years with no health code violations that I know of. Generally it’s tasty and not too crowded, but this made me wonder if the Dept of Health is keeping a close eye on the event. Hmmm.
testing, testing?
I remember working at a BBQ booth serving customers during the Taste of Chicago. The booth was so small and crowded. It was difficult keeping things cleaned and organized all the time. The heat also made it unbearable to work there. Sweat from the cook’s covered head still managed to get on the meat. It really didn’t matter if I made a comment, or not, the food was going to be served. I do want to point out that if your eating a deep fried snickers at the Taste, you really aren’t worrying about the food.
@Eryk: Amen to that. Besides, it’s better to support the local neighborhood festivals going on during the summer, if you’re going to go to any outdoor events at all.
Me, I’ll take a quiet day on the beach, followed by beer & brats back home, over the Taste no matter what.