No errors, please, in serving ballpark food at Kauffman Stadium

Here’s what every Royals fan would love to be able to say about ballpark food at Kauffman Stadium:

♥It’s cheap.

♥It’s good for them.

♥It’s safe to eat.

Alas, most fans know the first two items on this wish list aren’t true at all. The hot dogs, beers, nachos, fried chicken, pizza, cotton candy, cookies, cheeseburgers, chips and sodas sold at Kauffman aren’t inexpensive.

And most ballpark food (see above) strikes out in providing daily requirements of healthy nutrients and vitamins.

But when it comes to safety, fans should be able to assume that what they are eating has been correctly prepared and won’t leave them with anything worse than a case of indigestion.

Unfortunately, the concession operator at the Truman Sports Complex — Aramark — has had a questionable record on that issue.

Last year Kansas City Health Department officials found problems with food served at both Kauffman and Arrowhead stadiums. And so far this season the city has found critical violations at several food stands at Kauffman. Last Friday some fans complained about the condition of hot dogs they received on a night when more than 60,000 were prepared for sale at $1 each.

Aramark officials say they strive to serve properly prepared food. But they add their job is challenging, given the quantity of sales.

That comment gets to the heart of the matter. It is their job to do it right.

Aramark — and the Royals and Chiefs — are responsible for ensuring that the products sold at the complex are safe to eat. And at the prices being charged, the strong stream of revenue should provide Aramark with all the modern equipment and well-trained employees it needs to serve quality food to fans.

City health officials should continue to closely monitor the conditions at the complex, especially given the high number of people of late who willingly drain their wallets to eat while watching the Royals win another game.

This story was originally published April 22, 2015 at 5:16 PM with the headline "No errors, please, in serving ballpark food at Kauffman Stadium."