Source: Tracy Loew, Statesman Journal, June 3, 2012

…The documents show that most districts do a good job of meeting health and safety standards, and they quickly correct any problems found. Health officials say the state’s schools overall generally do a better job with food safety than its restaurants. But some school districts were cited for numerous critical violations, which are more likely to contribute to illness. Others were cited repeatedly for the same violations…

…In the Salem-Keizer School District, inspectors found 13 critical violations in the district’s 64 cafeterias and central kitchen during the year….In Salem-Keizer, three schools had dishwashers that did not get hot enough to kill germs; three schools were serving or storing food at improper temperatures; two schools had food-contact surfaces that were not clean; and workers at two schools were drinking from uncovered containers. Inspectors at one school found cooked chicken that had been opened seven weeks prior. At another, they found a bottle of spray cleaner that was not labeled. And one school was cited for improper handwashing after a worker wearing gloves continued to work after scratching his or her face….The district contracts with Sodexo to operate its food service program….