Report Says U.N. Refuses Inspections Despite Accounts of Rats

NEW YORK —Amid reports of rats, mice and worms infesting the feeding facilities and other components of the United Nations complex, officials at the U.N. headquarters here reportedly have denied access to health inspectors—and may have done so for at least 20 years.

According to the online news source NewsMax.com, the U.N.’s Office of Legal Affairs has blocked an attempt by New York City officials to enter the facilities and inspect for safety-code violations. Citing U.N. maintenance workers as sources, a report on the NewsMax website said mice droppings have been spotted inside open ovens in the main kitchen and rust was seen inside kitchen equipment and foodstorage areas. Foodservice contractor Aramark Corp. declined to comment on the report by presstime, as did U.N. officials. —Amid reports of rats, mice and worms infesting the feeding facilities and other components of the United Nations complex, officials at the U.N. headquarters here reportedly have denied access to health inspectors—and may have done so for at least 20 years.

The four-building complex houses six dining facilities, including the upscale Delegates Dining Room, that serve more than 5,000 people per day. Philadelphia-based Aramark has handled the foodservice operations since 2003. —Amid reports of rats, mice and worms infesting the feeding facilities and other components of the United Nations complex, officials at the U.N. headquarters here reportedly have denied access to health inspectors—and may have done so for at least 20 years.

The U.N. is located along the East River in Manhattan, but it is technically international territory. Despite that distinction, the facility is not exempt from health or safety inspections, observers say. —Amid reports of rats, mice and worms infesting the feeding facilities and other components of the United Nations complex, officials at the U.N. headquarters here reportedly have denied access to health inspectors—and may have done so for at least 20 years.