Twin Cities stadium food proven less gross than most

If you’ve made it out to Target Field you've noticed, or at least caught a whiff of, the abundance of delectable game-time edibles. We should all consider ourselves lucky. First off, where else in the MLB can you enjoy a steak sandwich from Murray’s while watching Twins crusher Delmon Young bash in another handful of RBIs? But we're also lucky that our snacks are relatively safe to eat. Recently, ESPN released its comprehensive “vendor inspection report,” which breaks down stadium health inspections for every MLB, NBA, NHL, and NFL venue in the U.S. and Canada. Because our own Target Field is still in its infancy, it was excluded from the list, but we doubt the squeaky-clean complex has much to worry about at this point. Compared to other cities (especially those in the South), the Twin Cities fared pretty well overall.

Mall Of America Field at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome
Vendors with critical violations: 8 percent
Inspection report excerpt: One location was said to have been using sanitizing solutions too weak to kill off harmful microorganisms. No word on whether this refers to the tanks where the Dome Dogs are stashed, but we sure hope not.

Xcel Energy Center
Vendors with critical violations: 17 percent
Inspection report excerpt: It was reported that the chicken strips topping a Caesar salad were only 105 degrees, when they should have been at least 140. We suggest ditching the lukewarm chicken and filling up on homebrewed Summit Pale Ale.

Target Center
Vendors with critical violations: 39 percent
Inspection report excerpt: Inspectors cited a single location with five critical violations, including a repeat violation for not cleaning a slicer to prevent cross-contamination. We'd be more concerned about the Target Center’s rating if anyone went to Timberwolves games.

For comparison's sake, here are some nasty notables from other states:

Sun Life Stadium (Miami Dolphins, Florida Marlins)
Vendors with critical violations: 93 percent
Inspection report excerpt: In June 2009, an employee complained anonymously that small insects and other debris were blended into frozen alcoholic beverages at a stand where equipment wasn't being cleaned. When inspectors checked, they issued a critical violation for a buildup of slime inside the frozen drinks machine.

Verizon Center (Washington Wizards, Washington Capitals)
Vendors with critical violations: 100 percent
Inspection report excerpt: Mice droppings, a critical violation, were found at at least 10 vendors.

Cowboys Stadium (Dallas Cowboys)
Vendors with critical violations: 72 percent
Inspection report excerpt: In its first season, Cowboys Stadium had a relatively high percentage of critical violations, including several for inadequate hand-washing facilities. At one kiosk, hot dogs were 71 degrees. (The required holding temperature is 135.)