The dining room at Newman Hall, located on the University of Illinois campus, has closed following a recent health inspection. Authorities issued a red placard, indicating serious, uncorrected health violations. Residents now have alternate meal options as the facility addresses the issues.
Key Takeaways
- Newman Hall's dining room received a red placard and is now closed.
- Violations included improper handwashing, unsafe food temperatures, and incorrect date marking.
- Residents are receiving meal tickets for University Housing Dining Facilities and prepackaged meals from local caterers.
- A two-week meal plan credit and expense reimbursements have been issued to residents.
- A compliance hearing is set for October 27 with the Champaign-Urbana Public Health Department.
Dining Room Shut Down After Repeated Issues
On October 20, Newman Hall by Upper Crust underwent a reinspection. This inspection resulted in a red placard. This means the dining room failed to correct significant health violations previously identified.
The facility first received a yellow placard on October 1. That initial inspection found more than 10 "priority" or "priority foundation" violations. These are critical issues that can directly contribute to foodborne illness.
Health Placard System
- Green Placard: Meets all health standards.
- Yellow Placard: Minor violations found, requires re-inspection.
- Red Placard: Serious violations, immediate closure or suspension of operations.
Specific Violations Uncovered
During the October 20 reinspection, health officials noted several critical problems. One employee was observed handling cookies and then resuming food preparation without washing hands or changing gloves. This practice poses a significant risk of contamination.
Food temperature control was another major concern. Inspectors found multiple ham and turkey sandwiches and salads. These items were stored in a cooler at temperatures between 43°F and 44°F. Perishable foods must be held at 41°F or below to prevent bacterial growth.
Improper date marking also contributed to the closure. Several pans of Hawaiian chicken were labeled with a prep/discard date of November 8, despite being prepared on October 9. A large container of hummus also had an incorrect discard/prep date of November 8.
"It is incredibly distressing to us, but more importantly, to our residents that Upper Crust was not able to live up to the standards that we expect and that our students deserve in their dining."
Alternate Meal Solutions for Residents
Following the closure, Newman Hall quickly implemented alternative meal services for its residents. Jennifer LaMontagne, Newman’s marketing and communications director, confirmed these efforts. She stated that the Champaign-Urbana Public Health Department (CUPHD) is continuing its review of Upper Crust.
One primary solution involves providing residents with meal tickets. These tickets grant access to breakfast, lunch, and dinner at University Housing Dining Facilities. Residents can pick up these tickets as needed.
Background on Newman Hall
Newman Hall is a private residence hall affiliated with the University of Illinois. It provides housing and dining services to university students. The dining services are managed by Upper Crust.
Additionally, Newman Hall is sourcing prepackaged meals. These meals come from local catering companies and restaurants. LaMontagne noted that a variety of options are available. This includes several local food trucks that will serve lunch and dinner to residents on Saturday.
"We are grateful to our Housing partners for access to their facilities for our residents," LaMontagne said. She emphasized the Newman Center's commitment to restoring dining services. The goal is to do so "as quickly, safely and effectively as possible to the quality that its residents deserve and expect."
Financial Compensation for Inconvenience
Recognizing that alternate options cannot fully replace on-site meal service, Newman Hall has also issued financial compensation. All residents will receive a two-week meal plan credit. This credit is in addition to reimbursements for any meal expenses they have already incurred.
LaMontagne acknowledged the impact on students. "There is nothing that we value more than the care of our residents and the trust that they place in us," she stated. She reiterated the hall's dedication to its residents' well-being.
Path to Reopening
The Champaign-Urbana Public Health Department has scheduled a compliance hearing. This hearing with Upper Crust will take place on Monday, October 27. This meeting is a crucial step towards resolving the issues.
Regular dining operations at Newman Hall can resume once Upper Crust completes a compliance review. This review must meet the strict standards upheld by the CUPHD. The department and Newman Hall share a common goal.
"We know that CUPHD shares our goal of returning safe operations at Newman Hall that provide a high-quality level of care and service," LaMontagne concluded. The focus remains on ensuring a safe and high-quality dining experience for all residents.
- The health permit for Upper Crust at Newman Hall is currently suspended.
- Reinspection will be required after corrective actions are taken.
- The process aims to ensure long-term compliance with food safety regulations.
