Congressional Investigation Launched: Unsafe Food Storage Practices at Palo Alto VA Demand Immediate Action

A congressional committee is stepping in after a troubling investigation into food safety at the Palo Alto VA hospital. The focus has shifted to how the VA responded to serious safety concerns.

Earlier this month, we met Dennis Berkowitz, a local restaurateur who was removed from his unpaid role at the VA after he raised alarms. He claimed the hospital was falsifying records and mishandling food. “I stirred up too much trouble,” Berkowitz said, expressing shock at the food quality and safety standards, or lack thereof, at the facility.

His reports didn’t go unnoticed. The House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs took an interest after our coverage. Berkowitz received a call, stating, “They were very concerned.”

In the three months before his dismissal, Berkowitz snapped photos highlighting unsafe food storage conditions. For example, chili was served at 65 degrees, far below the CDC’s safety guidelines. Dr. Michael Stanton, a public health expert from CSU East Bay, emphasized the risks. “This could lead to serious diseases, especially for vulnerable patients,” he noted.

Despite Berkowitz’s attempts to alert the VA, he faced barriers. After the news broke, the congressional committee reached out. They assured him they would investigate. “They were listening. They want action,” he said.

The Palo Alto VA employs over 7,000 people and manages a budget exceeding $1 billion. Yet Berkowitz encountered roadblocks trying to meet with Medical Center Director Jean Gurga. “For months, I was denied access, but now she wants to talk,” he mentioned.

Meanwhile, we’ve seen concerning transparency issues. To get answers, we filed a Freedom of Information Act request. It revealed that the VA’s own records contradicted their earlier claims. For instance, an inspection six months before Berkowitz started indicated serious violations, including unsafe food storage.

Congressman Sam Liccardo, representing Palo Alto, echoed Berkowitz’s concerns. “We are very much engaged in investigating this,” he stated. Dr. Stanton supported the media’s role in bringing these issues to light, indicating it could help prevent health risks.

In response to the mounting scrutiny, Berkowitz received an apology from the VA’s Chief Veterans Experience Officer. However, Berkowitz is more interested in solutions than apologies. “We need change, not just words,” he stressed.

This situation highlights an ongoing struggle with food safety in healthcare settings. Historical patterns suggest that when issues like these are exposed, significant change can follow. According to a recent report from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, over 25% of hospital patients reported food safety concerns.

As we await further updates from the VA, we’re committed to ensuring accountability.

For the latest developments, stay tuned.



Source link

House Committee on Veterans Affairs, veterans affairs, va hospital, palo alto va hospital, food safety, food poisoning, improper food storage, food temperatures, health inspection, 7 on your side, 7oys, consumer, 7oys investigates, va food safety, va food, congress, sierra, abc7, 17245806