Two months after county health inspectors discovered evidence of cockroach and rodent infestations, the Whole Foods in Cupertino is still closed.
Following the discovery of evidence of infestations in the deli, bakery, and hot food departments of the grocery store located at 20955 Stevens Creek Blvd., the Santa Clara County health department issued an order in April to temporarily close the establishment.
According to a spokeswoman, the store, which is one of the biggest Whole Foods outlets in the region, has stayed closed as it updates several sections and does building maintenance and repairs.
The representative for Whole Foods stated in a statement to this news outlet, “While we aim to reopen as soon as possible, our top priority is to fully address and remedy the issue.”
Whole Foods must provide the county health authorities with proof that the cleaning, pest control, and other necessary corrective activities have been completed before they may reopen. To guarantee complete adherence to health codes, the retailer must thereafter request a follow-up inspection from the department.
According to the county health department, DEH is still dedicated to timely inspections, open communication, and ongoing training to assist all operators in adhering to food safety rules and regulations.
According to a company spokesman, Whole Foods intends to ask the county health department back for a follow-up inspection after the changes are finished.
Naval Garg, a Cupertino resident who used to regularly shop at the now-closed store, said his family now purchases organic food at Trader Joe’s.
Another neighbor, Amanda Bowles, mentioned that she used to shop at Whole Foods for specific things.
She said, “It’s really too bad what happened.” Naturally, I’m disappointed, but I’m happy that they’re taking action to tidy it up. I’m hoping they’ll get everything in order.
