The cafeteria and patient kitchen at Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center have been temporarily closed after failing a recent public health inspection, after officials found black slime and more than 200 live cockroaches in the facility.
Chicago Department of Public Health records show the Rendezvous Café and patient kitchen at Illinois Masonic failed an inspection on Friday.
A buildup of black slime was found on the ice machine and was dripping onto ice cubes used in food preparation. Inspectors also found more than 200 live cockroaches in multiple areas of the facility, including the main food preparation areas, grill, deep fryer, and dry storage areas.
Environmental health specialist Jasmine Davenport Murray with the ARF Food Consulting Group says the findings are concerning, as hospitals are held up to a higher standard.
"Finding one cockroach in a commercial kitchen is very concerning, especially a hospital, but finding more than 200 live cockroaches is an indication of a significant infestation and raises concerns about how long the problem has existed," she said.
Inspectors also found milk crates being used as shelves, a torn door gasket on a food prep cooler, grease buildup on cooking equipment and a leaking kitchen sink in the food prep area,
Inspectors ordered the cafeteria and kitchen to clean and sanitize all surfaces and have the facility serviced by a pest control company to eliminate all pest activity.
Davenport Murray says the findings put not only the visitors at risk, but those recovering from surgery.
"Something that causes mouth symptoms in a healthy person could become more serious for a hospitalized patient, and food is a part of patient care. It should never introduce an additional health risk."
In a statement, Illinois Masonic officials said, "We recognize the importance of maintaining the highest standards for food safety and are taking the necessary steps to address the findings and meet all requirements to safely resume kitchen operations."
While the cafeteria and patient kitchen are closed, hospital officials said patients are receiving meals from an alternative food preparation service provider.
Davenport Murray says cleaning up from this failed inspection won't happen in a day or two, but points out regular inspections are necessary to prevent cockroach infestations and other problems in the future.
"We recognize the importance of maintaining the highest standards for food safety and are taking the necessary steps to address the findings and meet all requirements to safely resume kitchen operations. In the meantime, patients continue to receive meals without interruption, with alternative food preparation and meal service arrangements in place. Summary: A health inspection of restaurant & kitchen operations at Illinois Masonic Medical Center found more than 200 live cockroaches throughout food preparation, cooking, storage and dishwashing areas. Inspectors also found black slime dripping onto ice intended for human consumption, grease and food debris buildup, leaking sinks and pipes, damaged flooring and improperly stored utensils. The inspection cited multiple violations and noted previous pest-control and cleaning violations remained uncorrected."
