Bugs, Mold Found in Rangers Ballpark Food Stands

A health department inspection of the Rangers Ballpark in Arlington uncovered more than 100 violations.

According to a report of a May 13 inspection of the 17-year-old stadium, one food stand had 27 demerits, and another had 20.

Ice machines, where inspectors found several small insects, were the most problematic area. An inspector described one ice machine as "filthy and moldy."

Another inspector found gnats in a margarita bucket.

Shawn Maddox, who is in charge of the ballpark's food operations, it can be difficult to operate food stands at an outdoor venue.

"I mean, if you've been to the ballpark, you can see it's open air," he said. "Insects and animals can work their way in."

According to the inspection report, several of the food items were also too hot. One hot dog container reached 202 degrees, and a pizza topped out at 190 degrees.

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Maddox said the food was too hot because it had just been delivered to the ballpark.

But Maddox also said there are no excuses for violations.

"In a public facility, we want to make sure we're doing our best to serve the fans in a safe manner, so we work really close to the health department to take care of those," he said.

Maddox said his crews fixed the violations within one week.

The food stands with violations were cleared by the Arlington health department after a follow-up investigation, he said.

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