200 live roaches and ‘black slime’ found inside Chicago medical center cafeteria

200 live roaches and ‘black slime’ found inside Chicago medical center cafeteria Health inspectors found milk crates being used as shelves, a torn door gasket on a food prep cooler, grease build-up on equipment, a leaking kitchen sink and improperly stored utensils - Bookmark - CommentsGo to comments Become an Independent member to bookmark this article Already a member? Log in A cafeteria and patient kitchen at a Chicago medical center have been temporarily shut down after health inspectors found black slime and more than 200 live cockroaches in the facility. The Rendezvous Cafeteria and the patient kitchen at Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center, located on the city’s North Side, failed its health inspection Friday, city health officials said. During the review, inspectors found black slime on the ice machine. The slime was dripping onto ice cubes that were used in food preparation. Inspectors also found more than 200 live cockroaches in multiple areas, including the main food preparation areas, the grill, deep fryer and dry storage areas. Environmental health specialist Jasmine Davenport Murray, with the ARF Food Consulting Group, told CBS News Chicago that the findings were concerning, especially since hospitals are held to a higher safety standard. “Finding one cockroach in a commercial building 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. The health inspectors also found milk crates being used as shelves, a torn door gasket on a food prep cooler, grease build-up on equipment, a leaking kitchen sink and improperly stored utensils. Officials also noted that previous violations regarding pest control and cleaning had not been remedied. Inspectors ordered the cafeteria and kitchen to clean and sanitize all surfaces and bring in a pest control company to take care of the cockroaches. In a statement, health officials said they will work to meet all the requirements so that they can safely resume kitchen operations. In the meantime, patients will receive meals through an alternative food preparation and meal service arrangement, WGN9 reported. “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 will continue to receive meals without interruption, with alternative food preparation and meal service arrangements in place,” a spokesperson for the medical center said. It was not immediately clear when the kitchen and cafeteria expected to resume operations. The Independent has contacted the Chicago Department of Health for more information. Join our commenting forum Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies Comments