San Jose, California — Shoppers looking to buy groceries at a San Jose Target store will need to make alternate plans after county health officials ordered the store’s food department to close following the discovery of a rodent infestation.
The closure affects the Target location near North Capitol Avenue and McKee Road, where inspectors found evidence of rats in areas used to store and handle food products.
Health Inspectors Find Rodent Droppings and Damaged Food
According to records from Santa Clara County Environmental Health, inspectors ordered the grocery sections of the store to shut down on May 29 after uncovering multiple signs of rodent activity.
The county report cited “rodent droppings and chewed food packages found in on shelves throughout the food warehouse.”
Inspectors determined that the conditions posed a risk to food safety and public health.
According to the health report:
“The premises of each food facility must be maintained free of vermin. A facility cannot operate if there is a vermin infestation that leads to contamination of food contact surfaces, packaging, utensils, food equipment, or adulteration of food.”
The findings prompted immediate action from county officials.
Public Complaint Triggered Inspection
Environmental Health officials said the inspection was initiated after receiving a complaint from a member of the public.
Following the inspection, authorities ordered the store’s food operations to cease until the rodent issue could be fully addressed and verified through a future inspection.
As of Tuesday, the grocery department remained closed.
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County officials noted that the store had not yet requested a follow-up inspection.
“The facility has not requested a follow-up inspection. Facilities can re-open immediately following an inspection that confirms the problem was resolved,” officials said.
Until then, shoppers will be unable to purchase grocery items from the affected sections of the store.
Target Responds to Closure
In response to the inspection findings, Target released a statement emphasizing customer safety.
“The safety and well-being of our guests and team members is Target’s highest priority, and we’ve temporarily stopped selling food items at our San Jose Capitol store to allow for cleaning and sanitizing, following reports of pest activity in this location,” the company said.
Target also confirmed that it is working directly with local health authorities to resolve the issue as quickly as possible.
“Additionally, we’re working with the local health department to ensure the concern is addressed quickly.”
The retailer apologized for the inconvenience and directed customers to another nearby location for grocery purchases.
Another Bay Area Target Recently Faced Similar Issue
The closure comes just days after another Target location in the Bay Area experienced a similar problem.
According to county records, a Target store located on Blossom Hill Road in San Jose was also temporarily shut down on May 28 because of rodent-related concerns.
That location has since reopened after completing corrective measures and passing a follow-up inspection.
The back-to-back closures have raised concerns among some shoppers about food safety and pest control procedures at retail locations in the region.
Grocery Department Remains Closed Pending Inspection
For now, the North Capitol Avenue Target’s grocery operation will remain closed until health officials verify that the infestation has been eliminated and all food safety requirements have been met.
County inspectors will need to conduct another evaluation before the store can resume food sales.
The situation serves as a reminder of the strict health standards retailers must meet when handling and storing food products.
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