For Ernesto Mendoza, the State Fair of Texas is more than just a fun event; it’s a cherished memory. “I’ve been coming here since I was a kid. It holds a special place in my heart,” he says.
Now, Mendoza is a senior sanitarian, part of a team that inspects food vendors at the fair. Each day during the fair’s 24-day span, he checks various concession stands to ensure food safety. “I check that food temperatures are correct, and employees have proper certifications,” he explains.
In his fourth year on the job, Mendoza typically conducts around 20 inspections each day. Last year, the City of Dallas reported over 900 inspections at the fair, covering 277 acres with approximately 250 vendors. Each vendor gets inspected up to four times during the event.
On a recent Monday, he visited Tacos and Tequila, a popular spot serving fish tacos and fruity drinks. The place was buzzing with customers, all eager to grab a bite. Mendoza began his inspection with a routine hand wash, only to discover an issue: the handwashing station wasn’t operational. This was promptly resolved after he contacted the stand owner.
Many vendors, like Anthony Bednar, appreciate the inspectors. “I don’t stress about them. They’re here to help keep our community safe,” Bednar says. He views inspections as constructive feedback rather than criticism. If issues arise, vendors are given the chance to fix them before facing penalties. “We’re held to high standards because we’re feeding 2.5 million people in just 24 days,” he adds.
The importance of food safety at large events cannot be overstated. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), foodborne illnesses affect about 48 million Americans each year. Ensuring proper inspections during events like the State Fair is crucial for public health.
As social media trends surge during the fair, many people share their experiences online. Posts about favorite foods and fun memories create a vibrant conversation, emphasizing the community’s connection to the event. This shows just how much events like these bring people together while keeping safety at the forefront.
In today’s world, food inspections have become essential, not only to comply with regulations but to ensure trust and safety in the food we consume. It’s a vital service that many, like Mendoza and Bednar, take seriously.
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Dallas, State Fair of Texas
