UPDATE: As of Friday afternoon, the Cermak location had re-opened for business.
ORIGINAL REPORTING:
Cermak Fresh Market in Milwaukee's Walker's Point neighborhood has been closed by the City Health Department.
Inspectors from the City Health Department say they conducted their annual routine inspection at the grocery chain located on S. Barclay street. During the inspection MHD officials say they found several violations, including rodent droppings, live roaches, and products that had been eaten or damaged by pests.
Other violations were related to food handling and storage.
MHD says, as of Wednesday, "inspectors revisited the property and noted ongoing evidence of pest-related issues. MHD is actively collaborating with the Cermak Fresh Market management to address these concerns comprehensively. Therefore, the property will remain closed until it is brought into compliance with the health and safety standards in the identified areas of concern."
A re-inspection is scheduled for February 21st.
Carly Hegarty, director of consumer environmental health for the Milwaukee Health Department, could not speak to the Cermak case specifically but explained that they conduct annual inspections. Typically, two inspectors will visit a grocery given the size, and start in the most complex areas, where food is prepared.
If a site receives a grade below 60 during an inspection then officials determine there is an imminent health hazard.
"We do not take any pride in closing anybody down. It is not an easy decision we generally want our businesses to be open to be successful and to be safe," Hegarty stated
Ordering an operator to close comes down to weighing the overall risk in a space. The Health Department conducts follow up visits before permitting a business to reopen and then again soon after.
"If we are we opening a facility it’s because we’re saying everything looks where it needs to be. We’ve assessed that the concerns or opportunities that we have noted have been addressed and it’s business as usual," Hegarty explained.
The Health Department is working with Cermak's store leaders to address the issues comprehensively.
It is unclear when the grocery will reopen. Customers told TMJ4 News that they plan to come back when it does.
"When there’s a violation, they take care of it, and then things improve so I’m hoping this for them," Alisa Malavenda said.
"I would assume that they would be far more vigilant in the future," stated Margot Paddock.
To file a complaint related to a food establishment visit this website. You can also call 414-286-3674.
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