PITTSBURGH -- While the AFC Championship game between the Steelers and Ravens will be the main attraction at Heinz Field on Sunday, Channel 4 Action News reporter Paul Van Osdol has learned that fans may want to think twice before heading to the concession stand.

Watch Paul Van Osdol's Report

Van Osdol reported that records show three-quarters of all food vendors at the stadium have been cited for critical violations in the past two years.

According to Health Department reports, 48 of the 65 vendors at Heinz Field had a violation for anything ranging from undercooked meat to poor sanitary practices.

Inspectors cited the Steel City Grill for serving chicken, chipped beef and hot dogs as much as 40 degrees below the required temperature.

At the Italian Market, an inspector found shredded cheese sitting out at 69 degrees, about 30 degrees warmer than required.

“Off by that amount -- I would consider significantly off -- and that does pose a health risk,” said Dr. Bruce Dixon of the Allegheny County Health Department. “You get bacterial contamination -- and sometimes viral contamination -- so the problem is most of these things affect the gastrointestinal tract. You either get nausea, vomiting or occasionally you get diarrhea.”

Last September, inspectors found “extensive mouse droppings” and a “box cutter with old food debris used to cut open bags of cheese” at the Goal Line Stand.

“The danger is cross-contamination. Whatever they cut the box with, whatever was in there, if there were bacteria or viruses, it may have contaminated the cheese,” said Dixon.

Primanti Brothers, Pittsburgh’s signature sandwich franchise, was also cited for violations at the stadium.

Inspectors found cheese steaks more than 30 degrees cold than required along with “food debris on a can opener” and “floor grates full of debris.”

Primanti Brothers officials declined to comment.

Most vendors corrected citations immediately, but there were some repeat violations.

The Italian Market was cited for temperature violations in 2007 and again in 2008.

Papa Dukes Gyro Express was also cited for temperature violations in 2007 and in two inspections in 2008.

The Steel City Grill was cited for serving meat at lukewarm temperatures in 2007 and again in 2008.

The 2008 inspection also said the "cook does not know the proper cooking temperature for chicken."

“That is always a concern,” said Dixon.

Aramark, the company that manages all food vendors at Heinz Field, declined an on-camera interview, but released the following statement:

“Our top priority is to ensure that the food served at Heinz Field is of the highest quality and prepared within the safest environment possible. We take all violations and suggestions very seriously and take immediate, corrective action to address the issues, when they occur.”

Dixon said there have been no outbreaks of foodborne illness at Heinz Field to his knowledge.