Meredith Newman | The News Journal

Jenna Miller, Wochit

This story has been updated.

The Crownery, a well-known Chinese restaurant in Hockessin, was temporarily closed by the health department Wednesday after an inspector found dead roaches, mouse droppings and a "live maggot" in the eatery.

The Division of Public Health ordered the restaurant, located in the Lantana Square Shopping Center, to close due to "gross unsanitary conditions," according to the inspection report. The restaurant has since reopened.

During the inspection on July 10, which stemmed from a complaint, the state official found dead roaches throughout the restaurant, including on the window sill, near a dining table and on shelves.

DELAWARE RESTAURANT INSPECTIONS

Roaches were also seen inside a box that contained the cardboard pieces that go inside to-go bags, the report said.

Mouse droppings were found around the freezer in the storage area, and a "live maggot" was seen on the three-compartment sink, the report said. Racks were "encrusted with food debris and flour."

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In order to reopen, the inspector wrote in the report, the restaurant needed to be cleaned and sanitized and a pest service company needs to be hired. All open, cooked and prepared food in the bain-maries, or heated food holders, needed to be discarded.

At least 27 food establishments have been ordered closed by the state since the start of 2019.

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