Inspector sees cockroaches crawl into toaster at Wilmington market

A Wilmington market was temporarily closed by the health department after an inspector observed cockroaches crawling into a toaster.

Windsor Food Market at 500 Walnut St. was closed by the Division of Public Health on Feb. 14 following a routine inspection, according to the report. A voicemail left for the owner on Feb. 25 was not returned. Customers were seen entering the store that Monday afternoon. 

In addition to spotting cockroaches, the state official learned a certified food protection manager was not on site during the routine inspection

The state requires food establishments to have at least one employee be certified in food safety knowledge, specifically issues that pertain to personal hygiene, cross-contamination, time and temperature, receiving and storage of food, and food safety management systems, according to the health department's website.

The inspector wrote that the business needs to hire a pest company and remove the home insect spray that was found in the market, the report said. 

When a health inspector returned Feb. 20, the official saw cockroaches in the toaster and dead roaches in cabinets under the handsink, the report said. 

The official wrote the business needs to discard the toaster, clean and sanitize all contact surfaces and hire a pest company.

So far this year, at least 13 food establishments have been ordered closed by the state. This includes the bar of Bowlero near Prices Corner, China Taste in Milford and Tasti Thai in 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. Contact Patricia Talorico at (302) 324-2861 or ptalorico@delawareonline.com and on Twitter @pattytalorico.