Illinois Masonic cafeteria reopens after failing inspection over 200-plus live cockroaches

The cafeteria at Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center in Lake View has reopened after Chicago health inspectors failed it and the hospital’s patient kitchen over an infestation of more than 200 live cockroaches.^{1, 2, 3} The Chicago Department of Public Health told NBC Chicago the cafeteria was reinspected and reopened Thursday.³

What inspectors found

Inspectors from the city health department visited the food service operation at the hospital, 836 W. Wellington Ave., on Oct. 16.^{1, 2} They counted more than 200 live cockroaches in the main food preparation area, near the grill and deep fryer, and in dry storage, according to the inspection report as described by FOX 32 and NBC Chicago.^{1, 3}

Inspectors also found black slime inside an ice machine, dripping onto ice served to patients and other customers, the Sun-Times reported.² The report listed grease buildup, leaking plumbing and food debris on equipment, according to FOX 32.¹

Some sanitation violations first cited in April had not been corrected by the October visit, according to the report.¹ Those included dead cockroaches and buildups of grease, food debris and dirt, NBC Chicago reported.³

Both the cafeteria, called the Rendezvous Café, and the patient kitchen failed the inspection.³

Patient meals

While the kitchen was closed, patients received prepackaged food from an outside supplier, an arrangement the health department reviewed and approved, the department told NBC Chicago.³ The department said it had received no reports of infectious disease clusters linked to the problems, according to NBC Chicago.³

The hospital and its food service contractor, Morrison Healthcare, told FOX 32 they were “taking the necessary steps to address the findings.”¹ In a statement, the hospital said, “We recognize the importance of maintaining the highest standards for food safety,” and that patients continue to receive meals without interruption.^{2, 3}

How to check an inspection

The city publishes its food inspection results, the records on which FOX 32 based its report.¹ The health department had not responded to the Sun-Times’ request for comment when it first reported the failed inspection.² NBC Chicago’s report did not say whether the patient kitchen has also been cleared to reopen.³