China Express restaurant in Brandywine Hundred closed after roaches found in ice machine

A Chinese restaurant on Concord Pike in Brandywine Hundred was temporarily closed by the health department last week after an inspector found three baby roaches in the ice machine and mouse droppings throughout the eatery.

China Express, at 4737 Concord Pike, was closed April 15 due to "imminent health hazards" and "gross unsanitary conditions" following a routine health inspection, according to the inspection report. A manager said Monday afternoon that the restaurant has reopened and that all of the issues have been corrected. 

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During the inspection, the state official found egg and shrimp rolls, chicken and chicken fried rice at the incorrect temperature. The raw chicken was incorrectly stored above noodles in the walk-in refrigerator and raw shrimp was stored above the ready-to-eat foods. 

There also were no date markings on the cooked foods in the walk-in refrigerator.

The food contact surfaces were not clean, the inspector wrote. This included "raw chicken debris, flour and fried rice" on the surfaces. The ice machine was encrusted with debris, mold and mildew in addition to the baby roaches. Flour and mouse droppings were found on the slicer.

In order to reopen, the restaurant had to correct all of the violations. This includes a thorough cleaning and sanitation of the restaurant and the hiring of a pest management company, the inspector wrote. 

At least 18 food establishments have been ordered closed by the state since the start of 2019. This includes Hong Kong Chinese Buffet in New Castle, Old Town Buffet in Dover, the bar of Bowlero near Prices Corner, China Taste in Milford and Tasti Thai near New Castle. 

Customers who want to anonymously report unsanitary conditions at Delaware food establishments and restaurants can call a consumer complaint hotline at (302) 744-4736. Inspectors follow up on complaints.

Contact Meredith Newman at 302-324-2386 or mnewman@delawareonline.com and on Twitter @MereNewman.