Smith’s, a popular grocery store in the Northeast Heights was shut down for a week after inspectors from Albuquerque’s environmental health department found evidence of mice inside the store located on Juan Tabo and Eubank.
“We actually responded to a complaint that we received that was indicating that there were some rodent issues there,” Dr. Mark DiMenna, deputy director of the city’s Environmental Health Department told KRQE. “So we sent the inspector out to look into that specifically. In this case, the complaint was substantiated.”
The inspector’s report indicated mice droppings were discovered throughout the facility, under the coolers, in the deli, in the meat market, and under the shelves and other areas where consumers purchase goods. “When you start talking about any kind of pest issues, (it’s) very easy for that, to go from one area throughout the entire facility,” DiMenna said.
The inspectors noted other violations at the store, including dirty floors, holes in the ceiling, and holes and gaps in the walls. Those deficits can serve as an entryway for rodents, bugs, and other unwanted pests.
Following the inspection, the store closed on May 26 and underwent a week of extensive cleaning under the supervision of health officials before reopening on June 1.
The health department said a number of things could have contributed to the store’s rodent problem, beginning with not enough staff to keep a big store stocked and cleaned properly. Staff shortage is a nationwide problem.
“I think people should have a good understanding that a lot has changed since the pandemic,” DiMenna said. “And now they’ve had staffing shortages. So these problems can kind of exist everywhere.”
Smith's Food and Drug, according to its website, has 14 grocery stores in Albuquerque, offering a one-stop shop with "thousands of quality products ranging from fresh produce, meats, seafood, dry goods, home supplies, health products and more."
