Mouse infestation closes Pa. Capitol cafeteria

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - Why is the cafeteria at the Pennsylvania Capitol infested with mice? Probably because health inspectors didn't visit it for four years.

State law requires annual checks for health and sanitation. Auditor General Jack Wagner said Thursday he received assurances in 2005 that the state Agriculture Department would inspect it.

He says his auditors later received false assurances that it was being inspected regularly.

When an inspection was finally done last week, authorities found "excessive" droppings on food preparation equipment and in cabinets and utensil bins. That's an imminent health risk.

The ground-floor cafeteria is now closed and is not expected to reopen until January.

It is a popular coffee and lunch spot for statehouse visitors and employees.