A Newark Chinese restaurant was closed by the health department last week after an official spotted dead roaches in an unused ice machine and a mouse scurrying in the restaurant.

Ming Kitchen, at 17 Salem Village Road, was closed March 28 following a routine inspection due to "imminent health hazards," according to its inspection report. An employee who answered the phone on Monday said the restaurant has reopened and "passed" the re-inspection.

The inspector wrote in the initial report that several foods — including fried chicken, egg rolls, chopped pork and cooked noodles — were found to be at room temperature for an "extended time."

None of the food stored in the walk-in refrigerator was marked with a preparation date, the report said.

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The state official also saw a mouse running to the dry storage area as well as mouse droppings near the water heater.

In order to reopen, the restaurant needed to clean and sanitize the ice machine and dry storage area, the report said. The owners also need to show documentation that a pest control company exterminated the restaurant.

At least 16 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 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.

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