Lakeview Hospital Kitchen Reopens After Roach Find

The cafeteria at Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center in the Lakeview neighborhood resumed operations on Thursday.

City health officials confirmed the facility passed a reinspection, ending a shutdown that began after a failed audit on Oct. 16.

Inspectors from the Chicago Department of Public Health originally documented more than 200 live cockroaches in the building.

The bugs were found in the main and rear food preparation areas, near the grill and deep fryer, and in dry storage spaces.

The report also cited black slime inside an ice machine, grease buildup, and leaking plumbing.

Officials noted that previous violations for dead insects, food debris, and dirt remained uncorrected at the time of the first visit.

The hospital stated it was taking necessary steps to meet all requirements for safe kitchen operations.

During the closure, patients received meals without interruption.

The facility used alternative food preparation and meal service arrangements to continue service.

City health officials said patients were receiving food prepackaged directly from an alternative supplier.

The department reviewed and approved that arrangement before it began.

The Chicago Department of Public Health reported no clusters of infectious disease related to the situation.