Memorial Hospital employee claims cockroaches were found in kitchen

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — A Memorial Hospital employee claims cockroaches have been crawling around the kitchen where food is prepared for patients and employees.

The employee asked to remain anonymous for fear of losing their job.

“It’s disgusting,” the employee said. “They don’t need to serve anybody anything out that kitchen until it’s bug-free.”

WATCH: Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry addresses his odd behavior on Twitter over the weekend

The employee said they’re concerned because cockroaches can carry bacteria or viruses and contaminate food.

The employee snapped pictures and videos to the document the pests.

Action News Jax sent the pictures and videos to a local pest control company which confirmed the bugs were German cockroaches.

Memorial Hospital sent Action News Jax this statement:

“We are committed to keeping all areas of the hospital clean and safe. Our kitchen is inspected and treated by pest control experts at least once a week. Our most recent treatment was yesterday.

Our kitchen is also inspected annually by The Joint Commission. We passed our most recent inspection.”

COVID-19 Vaccines: County-by-county plan for Northeast Florida, Southeast Georgia

The Florida Department of Health said it no longer has authority to inspect food service facilities in hospitals due to legislative changes in 2010.

Action News Jax also reached out to the Agency for Health Care Administration which said it doesn’t conduct routine food safety inspections of hospitals.

However, the Agency said it would conduct a complaint investigation regarding food service/sanitation under infection control regulations.

Cox Media Group