Jul 11, 2008 3:23 pm US/Central
Lincoln Park Whole Foods Fails Re-Inspection
Dept. Of Public Health Keeps Store Closed On Evidence Of Ongoing Rodent Infestation
CHICAGO (CBS) ―
The Lincoln Park Whole Foods Market, 1000 W. North Ave., remains closed Friday after failing a re-inspection for a rodent infestation, according to a release from the Chicago Department of Public Health.
Inspectors found numerous mouse droppings and a dead mouse in a snap trap under a display cooler, and droppings near food service equipment, according to the release.
The store will remain closed until its management can pass a re-inspection. It was originally shut down Wednesday after inspectors found mouse feces throughout the premises, including more than 100 droppings in one walk-in cooler and a dead mouse on a glue board trap.
In response to the incident, Whole Foods said Wednesday in a statement: "We take this incident seriously, and are working closely with the Health Department around the clock to rectify the situation and to reopen our store so we can continue to satisfy and delight our Chicago shoppers. Whole Foods Market has the highest quality standards in the industry and we are doing everything to uphold those standards."
The store said 75 employees have been assigned to deep-clean the whole store day and night, until the city inspection is passed. They have also brought in a pest control operation and other outside agencies to help clean up, according to the statement.
Whole Foods had hoped the store would reopen by Friday afternoon, and in the meantime had said Wednesday, "Our customers can continue to shop with confidence at our stores. Whole Foods Market has the highest quality standards in the industry and we are doing everything to uphold those standards."
The North Avenue store was the first Whole Foods in the Chicago market. It opened in 1993 in what was then the still up-and-coming Clybourn Corridor. It is one of 15 Whole Foods Markets in the Chicagoland area.
The store boasts being world's leading retailer of natural and organic foods, with more than 270 stores in North America and the United Kingdom.
The enforcement action was the 109th time in 2008 that health inspectors have shut a food establishment for violations of the city's Health Code.
The STNG Wire contributed to this report.
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