The Cafeteria Gets a Passing Grade

After serious violations in the spring, our food service has been upgraded and improved this semester.by Tahira Rhame.Jessica Dann, a City College junior, says that the unsanitary conditions of the City College cafeteria made her sick--literally.  “I had eaten sushi from the cafeteria; it was the only thing I had eaten all day,” says Dann. “After eating it I became so sick. I was vomiting, weak and had sharp pains in my stomach. I couldn’t get out of bed for few days. I haven’t been back since.”There’s a reason Dann is skeptical about the conditions of the cafeteria.  Last semester, our cafeteria received 52 violation points from the New York City Department of Health and Hygiene, including improper use of sanitized utensils, inadequate hand washing facilities, storage, evidence of mice and improper food storage.Since the violations and threats of a boycott of the cafeteria, the administration set up a Student/ Staff Food Advisory committee to check Metropolitan Food Service, which manages the cafeteria. The administration also holds regular scheduled meetings to discuss the quality of food service and dining at CCNY and future advancements.Devon Chance, a staff member from the CCNY cafeteria states, “Since the violations we have gotten stricter when dealing with the food and how it is prepared. We now have higher cleaning standards.”Some students are pleased with the recent improvements, “I do not mind going back in there this semester; they seem to have made significant progress,” says Sheree Williams, a CCNY sophomore. “It’s not great, but it’s much better than last semester. They have new workers who seem to handle the food better.”Camille Sykes, a CCNY senior, agrees that the cafeteria has come a long way since the beginning of the year. “After taking summer classes I have noticed the improvement in the cleanliness and preparation of the food,” she says.  “They are continuing to make an effort to keep the food fresh and healthy for everyone to eat.”Despite the upgrades, some students are not satisfied. “With all the money we pay for tuition our school cafeteria should receive a grade A,” says Shayla Hooper, a senior. “There’s no excuse for it to be unsanitary. We can do better.”