Claims Scapegoating Of Health Sanitarian;

In Taco Bell Case
Claims Scapegoating Of Health Sanitarian


A union activist last week accused the media of unfairly attacking the new Public Health Sanitarian who inspected the Kentucky Fried Chicken/Taco Bell Feb. 22 found to be infested with rats.

FITZ REID: Sanitarian did all she could. Screaming headlines Feb. 23 attacked the "dumb" inspector who failed to close the fast-food restaurant after cameras captured rats running through the store. But union activists say that the new inspector is being scapegoated, and that her supervisor failed to give her the authority to shut the restaurant's doors. Officials at the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene said that they are investigating both the supervisor and the Sanitarian, who is on administrative duty.

'She Cited the Restaurant'

"The Sanitarian's report, which is a public record and which was given to the press," said Fitz Reid, a delegate for Local 768 of District Council 37, which represents Public Health Sanitarians, "shows that she did indeed identify a very serious rodent condition and that she cited the restaurant."

The Sanitarian told Mr. Reid that she did not want to speak to reporters, because of the negative coverage.

Mr. Reid said he agrees that the restaurant deserved to be closed, but that without authority to perform a complete inspection, it was not possible for the inspector to find the violations that would warrant such action. Instead, the worker was ordered to do an initial inspection, which is limited in scope.

"She does not have the authority to do more," said Mr. Reid. "Only a supervisor can close a restaurant, and a worker can be disciplined if she goes beyond what is ordered."

DHMH officials said the supervisor is being investigated for failing to order a complete inspection. They are also investigating the Sanitarian for performing an inadequate inspection.

The department is also reviewing policies to ensure that all inspectors can go into a restaurant and come out with the same score, according to a spokeswoman. In a letter to Food Service Inspectors, DHMH Commissioner Thomas R. Frieden noted the extensive media coverage and said, "Much of the criticism of our restaurant inspection procedures and staff is unwarranted."

DC 37 officials said they could not yet take a position on the case. "We haven't received any notice of disciplinary action being taken against the member," said DC 37 spokesman Rudy Orozco, "so we are not commenting at this time."

Rat Activity Identified

The initial inspection performed Feb. 22 includes four violations. The report reads, "Rat activity present in that approximately 25 to 31 fresh rat excreta observed under cash register in front of food prep/service area." It notes similar conditions in the food storage area and in the kitchen. Further, it says, "Facility conditions conducive to the existence of pest life observed in that one large hole approximately 15 inches observed on ceiling ..."

DHMH officials point to an inspection the following day that led to the restaurant being closed as possible evidence of the inspector failing to do her job. But union officials note that the next-day examination was done by a supervisor who performed a complete inspection.

Mr. Reid added that Sanitarians perform more than 1,000 restaurant inspections per week and that there has not been a promotional exam for Supervisor for at least eight years. He said he hoped DHMH would examine the evidence without being influenced by the press coverage.

"Our Public Health Sanitarian, a proud member of Local 768, believes that this media circus is totally out of proportion to her actions," said Mr. Reid, "and I think any fair-minded person would agree."