Spoil-your-appetite alert!

Posted by The Editorial Desk / Tuesday, August 17th, 2010

This posting is a bit contrary to my usual objectives to whet a few appetites for local and worthwhile eateries with news, mouth-watering descriptions and informative dining tips.

But today I want to warn you where not to eat: the mall.

According to Markham Heid’s investigations for The Washington Examiner finds health violations at various DC area malls – including mice in the Pentagon City Fashion Center and cockroaches at Ballston Common Mall.

Malls have their own set of difficulties with health regulations as the neighboring non-food vendors are not held to the same standards or inspections.  A clothing store or electrical outlet has a shipment incoming and bingo! – critters have found a loophole into their wildest dining dreams.  Is it me, or does this present a great argument for the sanitary advantages of food trucks?  Restaurants on wheels can just kick off unwanted fugitives and skid away from infested areas.

Should you wish to check up on your local mall or the pizza place down the street, the Virginia Department of Health posts inspection results regularly.

-Jamel Daugherty

Tags: ballston common mall, health violations, mall food courts, markham heid