A popular market for whole food in Cupertino was temporarily closed by the County of Santa Clara on Tuesday, leaving some local residents to wonder what will become their favorite grocery store.
The order comes from weeks after the County Health Department found proof of vermin infestation in the hot sections of the store’s food, cold meats and bakery.
The store, which is located along Stevens Creek boulevard and is one of the largest whole foods in the region, has suspended their operating license and was forced to close, according to the county.
License is suspended when “an imminent threat to health and safety is observed and the infringement (s) cannot be corrected. The establishment must be closed until the violation is corrected and the permit is restored, “said the health service.
It is not known when the store will reopen or when its licenses are restored.
Health inspectors visited the store for the first time on March 25 and 26 and observed fresh rodent excrement in several areas of the cold cuts and living cockroaches in the Boulangerie department. The infected areas were closed the next day to allow the store to clean the area, then opened a few days later. However, these areas were again closed on April 7 after failing another inspection. The rest of the store remained open to the public.
In the press release on Wednesday, Whole Foods confirmed that the location was sealed during the staff, “the maintenance and repairs.”
“We will reopen once the repairs are completed to support our high standards for safety and food service,” said the company. “We apologize to our customers for this drawback.”
On Wednesday afternoon, the store entrance was closed and its windows went up while a paper panel said “temporarily closed. Cleaning in progress ”.
Dozens of people could be seen to drive in the parking lot and head for the entrance, only to read the panel and turn around.
One of these potential customers was Martin Krikorian, who hoped to buy fresh vegetables and fruit. The Sunnyvale resident will generally make purchases from Whole Foods several times a month, when he wants to buy items that are difficult to find, such as a special cut of meat or niche vegetables.
“This is something that I think it’s important to have for the community,” said the 69 -year -old man, looking at the hostile door. “So many stores already reduce what they have available.”
Krikorian said he was planning to return the store once the store, despite recent health violations.
“Things like this happen,” he said. “There are ways to face it. I’m sure they’ll take care of it. “
California Daily Newspapers
