How to Handle a Moldy Food Complaint (And What to Expect When You Report It)
During a hotel breakfast, I discovered moldy cheese due to poor food handling. Reporting to hotel management and health authorities led to swift sanitation efforts, highlighting the importance of addressing food safety issues for public health.
We've all been there: staying at a hotel, grabbing breakfast, and noticing something off about the food. But when I found an entire inch of moldy cheese buried at the bottom of the shredded cheese bin at a hotel breakfast bar, I knew this situation was more serious than just a minor inconvenience. Here's what happened, how I handled it, and how you can report similar food safety issues when you encounter them.
The Discovery
I was at a Marriott Fairfield in Pigeon Forge, TN, enjoying the free breakfast they offer. I had scooped a little shredded cheese onto my plate when I noticed a tiny speck of mold. Curious, I decided to dig a little deeper. What I uncovered was beyond disgusting – an entire section of cheese was covered in mold, and as I pulled it apart, a cloud of mold spores exploded into the air.
The image is at the bottom of this page. WARNING, it is GROSS. You have been warned.
This wasn't just a small spot. It had to have been there for at least a week. The cheese was clearly stale, and the moldy section was buried deep inside the container, hidden from regular sight. This was a classic case of the "FIFO" (First In, First Out) principle not being followed. Instead of using older stock first, the newer cheese had been piled on top, leaving the older cheese to spoil unnoticed.
Here's what it looked like AFTER they changed out the cheese:
What to Do When You Find a Food Safety Issue
The first step when you discover a food safety issue like this is to report it immediately. I knew I had to get the word out, not only to the hotel but also to the authorities. Here's how I handled the situation:
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Contact the Hotel Management
The first thing I did was report the issue to the hotel directly. I used their complaints form, detailing what I had found and how it posed a potential health hazard. To my surprise, the general manager responded immediately, expressing genuine concern. She assured me she would look into it and personally handle the situation. She even drove four hours to the hotel to address the problem, clean the kitchen, and ensure everything was sanitized properly. -
Report to the Health Department
I didn't stop there. Knowing that food safety is a serious concern, I reported the issue to the Tennessee State Health Department as well as the County Health Department. It's important to remember that these agencies are responsible for enforcing health codes in public spaces like hotels and restaurants. I emailed them the details of the complaint and waited for the inspection. -
Expect a Quick Response
Health inspections can take time to schedule, but in this case, they responded incredibly quickly. Within hours, the health department arranged a visit to the hotel and conducted an inspection. The result? The hotel passed with a 96 on the inspection, which is a very respectable score. It's reassuring to know that, despite the mishap, the hotel took immediate action to ensure everything was properly cleaned and safe for future guests.
(source: TN Dept of Health - Inspection Report)
Why You Should Report Food Safety Issues
Reporting food safety violations may feel like a hassle, but it's important for a few key reasons:
- Public Health
Mold in food can cause serious health issues, especially for individuals with allergies or weakened immune systems. By reporting the issue, you're helping to prevent others from encountering the same problem. - Improving Standards
Businesses rely on customer feedback to improve their operations. By reporting the issue, you're helping the hotel or restaurant improve its food safety practices and ensure that similar mistakes don't happen in the future. - Legal Requirements
Hotels and food service establishments are legally required to meet certain hygiene and food safety standards. Reporting violations helps ensure that these standards are upheld.
WARNING: MOLDY CHEESE BELOW
WARNING: MOLDY CHEESE BELOW
WARNING: MOLDY CHEESE BELOW
WARNING: MOLDY CHEESE BELOW
WARNING: MOLDY CHEESE BELOW
WARNING: MOLDY CHEESE BELOW
