The Chicago Department of Public Health has suspended the kitchen license at Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center in Lakeview after more than 200 live cockroaches, black slime, grease buildup and other health violations were discovered during an inspection on Friday.
According to the department’s inspection notes, the violations were discovered at Rendezvous Cafe and the patient kitchen. The live cockroaches were observed at multiple locations, including the main food preparation and grill area.
The license suspension follows a previous inspection this past April in which the cafeteria was asked to clean the area and remove the pests. The report noted the kitchen’s failure to do so.
On the ice machine located in the rear prep area, a buildup of a “black slime substance” was observed “dripping onto ice cubes” that were used for human consumption, the report said. The slime also extended to the machine’s exterior.
Grease buildup was observed on various pieces of cooking equipment, as well as on the walls, floors, and shelves in the kitchen, according to the report.
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Along with other leaking pipes, there was a leaking sink in the prep area, and a pan was being used to catch the water. Missing floor tiles, improperly stored utensils, and an accumulation of food debris in the prep area were among some of the other noted violations in the report.
According to the public health department, the cafeteria can request a re-inspection once their violations have been corrected, and patients are currently being fed from an approved alternative food source.
“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,” Illinois Masonic Medical Center and Morrison Healthcare wrote in an official statement to the Tribune. Morrison Healthcare is the hospital’s contracted food service operations provider. “In the meantime, patients continue to receive meals without interruption, with alternative food preparation and meal service arrangements in place.