KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — The Tennessee Department of Agriculture ordered Three Rivers Market to close for one day in May after an inspection found mouse droppings, along with at least 14 dead mice and other violations, according to a report.
This inspection came after a complaint was filed against the market claiming that a customer had fallen ill after buying food from the store.
According to a report from the department, an order to close was given to the market on May 16. The report said excessive amounts of rodent droppings had been found along retail display aisles. The inspection also found seven dead mice in a black sticky trap near the meat department preparation room, six dead mice along a retail display aisle and one dead rodent on a sticky trap at the front plant area.
"Several commercially prepared packages of rice were observed to have rodent chew marks and a bag of pet food was observed to have chew marks," the report said.
The report said that based on the inspection, the facility had a rodent infestation, which constitutes an "imminent health hazard."
The agriculture department told the facility just after 10:30 a.m. on May 16 that their operations had been suspended due to the health hazard. The report then said the facility's operations would be suspended until the rodent droppings and infestation were addressed.
The report also said during the inspection, raw juice pouches were found being sold within the store.
"Just Juices were observed to be from an unapproved source," the report said.
An order allowing the market to operate again was given one day later, on May 17, after a follow-up inspection. During this inspection, the report said the frequency of pest management was discussed. The DOA suggested the facility increase the services from a monthly to a weekly basis.
The report said it could restart business just before 3 p.m. after the facility had cleaned all the areas where droppings had previously been seen.
Fadi Aboush, Three Rivers Market's general manager provided a statement regarding the closure. The full statement can be read below.
"Following our routine inspection, we temporarily paused our co-op services to implement essential updates that ensured compliance with the latest health code requirements. The Tennessee Department of Agriculture provided us with guidance on the necessary items and requirements to meet all regulations. Our dedicated team is well-trained in both local and national Food Safety Training, equipping them with the expertise to maintain the highest standards in food safety.
At the Co-Op, the safety and well-being of our customers and staff have always been our top priority. We are committed to not just meeting but exceeding industry standards for food safety and quality."
