The Washington Post’s Cafeteria Closed by DC Health Inspectors

Hungry scribes and editors at the Washington Post will not be able to fill their bellies at the daily’s cafeteria for a few days.

The cafeteria, jammed most days with Posties dishing about their latest projects and office intrigue, was closed by DC Health inspectors yesterday after finding the facility too trashy and “evidence of some mice activity,” according to an e-mail by Jeff Cox, the Post’s director of operating services.

DC health inspectors showed up Monday for a routine inspection, and they found the back of the kitchen generally dirty.

For quick eats, the vending and “self-serve” market will remain open.

Read the full memo below:

The cafeteria will be temporarily closed due to deficiencies found during a routine inspection by the DC Department of Health that occurred yesterday. The noted deficiencies were centered around general cleaning and maintenance issues in the rear area of the kitchen. These issues included trash disposal, one inoperable sink faucet, evidence of some mice activity, and some other minor maintenance issues. We are working with the cafeteria operator, Mr. Ali, to ensure that all noted violations are properly and completely addressed as soon as possible. The area will be re-inspected later this week and we will provide an update as needed.

This closure does not impact the self-serve market near the cafeteria; that is still open and fully functional.

If additional information is required, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Jeff Cox

The Washington Post

Director, Administration and Operating Services