Erewhon's Santa Monica location cited by public health officials after cockroaches found
The Erewhon's Smoothie Bar and Pizza Cafe reopened on April 10 after a second inspection, in which 'no evidence of vermin" was found, Los Angeles County public health officials said.
An Erewhon grocery store in California is home to more than just the viral $19 strawberry, Los Angeles County public health officials recently found.
The health department conducted a routine inspection at an Erewhon's Santa Monica location on April 8 after receiving a complaint about cockroaches, a spokesperson confirmed to Paste BN on April 16.
The Erewhon was cited for a "major violation" after the public health official conducting the inspection found three nymph German cockroaches hiding in a cabinet at the store's Smoothie Bar.
The location closed temporarily, at the health department's suggestion, to "mitigate cockroach infestation" at the Smoothie Bar. Both Erewhon's Smoothie Bar and Pizza Cafe reopened on April 10 after a second inspection. The store's permit was also reinstated.
The inspector did not find any evidence of cockroaches or other vermin at the "main market."
"Our team responded swiftly to ensure that every safety protocol were adhered to," an Erewhon representative told TODAY. "At Erewhon, we pride ourselves on maintaining the highest standards and we remain committed to providing a safe, clean, and nourishing environment for everyone who walks through our doors."
Erewhon also said the incident was an “isolated occurrence” that was “addressed immediately, thoroughly, and handled with the utmost care," according to the outlet.
Erewhon did not immediately respond to Paste BN's request for comment.
Erewhon Santa Monica cited for cockroaches, among other things
The grocery store's Santa Monica location was ordered to suspend operations immediately after they were charged with violating California's Health and Safety Code, which mandates that each food facility "shall be kept free of vermin."
Erewhon was told to get rid of cockroaches and all evidence of cockroaches from the facility, including egg capsules, dead cockroaches and fecal markings by April 9.
The three German cockroaches, two alive and one dead, were seen in a cabinet underneath a Simonelli brand coffee machine holding sealed plastic cups and paper goods, according to LA County public health officials.
The agency also cited one "minor violation" for leaving food outside to the point that it could become increasingly susceptible to foodborne illnesses. Other violations for area maintenance and general cleanliness were also recorded.
"At the time of inspection, the market voluntarily closed upon the recommendation of Public Health to self-close for 48 hours ... however, it appears that the market did not remain closed," the agency said in a statement.
The LA County Department of Public Health did note that there was "no evidence of vermin in the operational area" during the re-inspection.
Internet reacts to Erewhon Santa Monica's health code violation
News of the Erewhon location's health code violation spread quickly across social media, with users sharing genuine reactions and timely memes.