Caved-in roof, mold cited when Wilmington market ordered closed

This story has been updated

A caved-in ceiling/roof, mold and floors bulging from water damage at a Wilmington store forced the state health department to immediately close the establishment after it was deemed an "imminent health hazard." 

Hometown Grocery at 2230 N. Market St. in Brandywine Village was shut down Sept. 13 after health officials saw numerous violations during a routine inspection. The business was allowed to reopen on Sept. 28. 

Wilmington's China King closed for 'severely saturated' grease, debris

A message left at the phone number for the owner listed on the inspection report was not returned. A number listed for the business online was not in service.

An inspector during a visit to Hometown Grocery, owned by Jung S. Lee, found food items such milk, eggs, smoked and beef sausage, scrapple and cooked potatoes stored at unsafe temperatures, according to a health report. All food was discarded.

A build-up of grease and food debris was found on fryers, and floors and walls needed "thorough cleaning."

Tutto Fresco temporarily closed after inspectors find roaches in ice machine

An inspector also noted on the report the "entire ceiling is caving in [a] back dry storage area and warewashing area." The report said it caused a direct opening to the outside. The back ceiling/roof cave-in also apparently caused mold and severe water damage, including bulging floors, according to the report.

The health department forced Hometown Grocery to cease and desist operations. It also told the owner he could not serve any prepared food items, including coffee.  

The business is one of at least 34 food establishments closed by the state health department so far this year, The News Journal has learned. 

It's twice as many as the 17 food serving businesses the state forced to close in 2017. 

The News Journal has been requesting restaurant and food establishment health inspection reports because the state Division of Public Health has not been posting the latest information on its website since May 2017.

The state is currently upgrading its computer system. New inspection reports are not expected to be available online before the end of the year.

Gallucio's Restaurant temporarily closed after inspector finds rodent droppings in food prep area

The only current way the public now has access to health inspection reports is by asking for them from the state or requesting the latest copy at a restaurant or food establishment.  

Contact Patricia Talorico at (302) 324-2861 or ptalorico@delawareonline.com and on Twitter @pattytalorico. Contact Meredith Newman at (302) 324-2386 or mnewman@delawareonline.com and on Twitter @MereNewman.