GOUVERNEUR, New York (WWNY) – Two north country school districts are explaining health violations from the state Department of Health.

At Gouverneur Central, the district was cited for 3 critical violations. The DOH called it “canned food found in poor condition (leakers, severe dents, rusty, swollen cans).”

Superintendent Jacquelyn Kelly says the inspector found a large dent in a 10-pound can of peaches.

The district was also cited for possible cross-contamination from raw foods. The DOH said, “Cooked or prepared foods are subject to cross-contamination from raw foods.”

Kelly says that happened because a carton of eggs was placed above salad dressing and cheese sticks in the refrigerator. She said there was never any indication the eggs were broken or leaking.

“It’s always important for people to ask questions and understand the details and keep in mind that our students’ safety is our top priority and so when we see something like this, we take corrective measures in order to ensure their health and safety,” said Kelly.

The Lisbon Central School District was also cited for 4 violations.

Superintendent Patrick Farrand says citations often seem more harsh than what they are. He says corrections were immediately made.

Farrand says the most recent inspection happened right after a school fire drill and it impacted the production and serving process.

Other schools had single violations.

Gouverneur and Lisbon were not fined and both superintendents commended their food service workers.

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