News Summary
Georgetown University is facing significant scrutiny as the D.C. Department of Health uncovers 209 health code violations in its dining facilities since March 2021. Important locations like Leo’s and Epi’s reported serious incidents including rodent infestations and unsanitized food practices, alarming students and raising food safety concerns. Despite university assurances of strict cleaning protocols, students remain worried about the safety and hygiene standards of campus dining options.
Georgetown University Dining Locations Under Fire: A Close Look at Health Violations
Washington, D.C. – The dining scene at Georgetown University isn’t just packed with students looking for a quick bite; it’s becoming a hotbed of health concerns that have raised eyebrows across campus. Reports have surfaced that the D.C. Department of Health has identified 209 health code violations across various dining locations at the university since March 2021, and students are not taking this lightly.
Breaking Down the Violations
Among the troubled spots, Leo J. O’Donovan Dining Hall, affectionately known as Leo’s, recorded a staggering 51 violations. The situation at Epicurean and Company, also called Epi’s, isn’t looking much better as it racked up 50 violations. The facilities at Georgetown University Hospital Main Kitchen received 68 violations, marking it as one of the more alarming places for students looking for a meal. Meanwhile, Royal Jacket, another location operated by Aramark, reported 13 violations, with various student-run locations under the Corp facing 27 violations.
What Do These Violations Entail?
What are these violations comprising? The violations range from the presence of rodents and insects to poor food handling practices and food being held at incorrect temperatures. This is not just about a messy kitchen; it’s serious business as these little pests can spread dangerous diseases like mpox, salmonella, and leptospirosis through food contamination. According to the Department of Health, violations are classified into two categories: priority violations, which must be corrected within five days, and core violations, which have a 14-day window for rectification.
The Recent Inspection Findings
The most recent inspection of Leo’s unearthed two priority violations and one core violation linked to unsanitized food contact surfaces and improperly labeled food containers. It’s important to note that Leo’s is deemed a high-risk establishment due to its handling of potentially hazardous food. In addition, inspections have revealed disturbing findings at Leo’s, including mouse droppings, mold, and unclean food surfaces.
Students Voice Their Concerns
The unhygienic state has been backed up by students who have shared their unpleasant dining experiences, which include encountering a cockroach in their food, finding mouse droppings, and even discovering a foreign object in a salad. The health inspection teams have also confirmed rodent activity and dirty equipment at multiple inspections of Leo’s, leaving students feeling unsettled.
Woes at Epi’s and the Hospital’s Cafeteria
Epi’s has not escaped scrutiny, either, with serious infractions including mouse droppings and flies found in food storage areas. Even the cafeteria at Georgetown University Hospital is under fire, with 68 violations spread over just 16 inspections!
Royal Jacket and The Corp’s Locations
Royal Jacket has been flagged for improper food temperature storage and the presence of rodent droppings. The Corp-managed dining locations like Hilltoss and Uncommon Grounds have also faced several violations, including sightings of mouse droppings and issues with food storage. Alarmingly, one student even reported finding a human fingernail in a drink from Midnight Mug, another Corp location.
Food Safety Concerns Persist
With such an array of violations, students are understandably worried about the cleanliness and safety of the dining venues on campus. Even though university officials assert that they have rigorous cleaning protocols and corrective measures in place, many students feel these health concerns remain inadequately addressed. The imbalance between assurance of safety and actual experiences at these dining hall services continues to spark concern.
Final Thoughts
As the dining hall saga unfolds at Georgetown University, students and health inspectors alike seem to share a vision: an urgent need for improved hygiene standards and better food safety practices. With a combination of cleanliness, student health, and institutional pride at stake, the call for action has never been louder.
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Additional Resources
- The Hoya: Health Violations at Georgetown University Dining Locations
- Wikipedia: Food Safety
- PR Newswire: Georgetown Executive Master’s in Humanitarian Crisis & Emergency Management
- Google Search: Georgetown University Health Inspections
- ABC News 4: Hurricane Debby Prompts Alert in Georgetown
- Google Scholar: Health Code Violations in University Campuses
- PR Newswire: Georgetown’s Master’s in AI Management
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Georgetown University
- Hello Georgetown: Aligning IT Goals with Business Growth
- Google News: University Dining Health Violations
Author: STAFF HERE GEORGETOWN
GEORGETOWN STAFF WRITER The GEORGETOWN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREgeorgetown.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Georgetown, Williamson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Red Poppy Festival, Georgetown Swirl, and Christmas Stroll. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and the Downtown Georgetown Association, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and tourism that power the local economy such as local wineries and historic downtown shops. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREaustin.com, HEREcollegestation.com, HEREdallas.com, HEREhouston.com, HEREgeorgetown.com, and HEREsanantonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
