Hampden shoppers hoping to grab organic greens at The Rotunda on Wednesday instead ran into a problem that was anything but farm fresh: a rodent infestation. Mom's Organic Market was ordered closed after city health inspectors found evidence of rats, according to a notice posted on the store’s door.
By Thursday, customers arriving at the shopping center found the doors locked and employees telling would-be shoppers that the market had been temporarily shut down because of rats. Under city public-health rules, the store can only reopen after it fixes the violations and passes a follow-up inspection.
As reported by The Baltimore Banner, a closure notice taped to the entrance specifically cited a “rodent infestation” and displayed a sign from the Baltimore City Health Department. The outlet also reported that an employee told shoppers the store was closed because of a rat issue and that it had reached out to MOM’s and the health department for comment. We will update this story if either responds with additional information.
What the health notice says
According to the Baltimore City Health Department, emergency closures are reserved for situations that pose an imminent public-health hazard, including live pests, fresh droppings or other problems that could contaminate food. To get back in business, a facility has to resolve the issue and then pass a reinspection. The city’s online listings show the reason for closing the Rotunda location as rodent infestation.
About the store
The Rotunda shop appears on MOM's Organic Market’s website as one of the chain’s Maryland locations. MOM’s operates multiple stores across the region, including more than 10 in Maryland and two in Washington, D.C. The Hampden branch features a Naked Lunch café counter and is a regular neighborhood stop for organic produce, prepared foods, and grab-and-go items.
Next steps and reopening
The Baltimore Banner reported that a health inspector was scheduled to return between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Thursday for a follow-up visit. If the violations are corrected and the store passes inspection, it will be allowed to reopen. If not, the health department can keep the closure order in place until it verifies that the rodent problem and any related issues have been fully addressed. Customers with questions can check the city’s inspection listings or contact the store directly.
What shoppers should know
When a business is shut down over vermin, the Baltimore City Health Department says that exposed food and any food-contact surfaces must be properly remediated and cleared by an inspector before service resumes. Shoppers who recently bought ready-to-eat items from the Rotunda MOM’s and are concerned about safety can reach out to the store or the health department for advice and to inquire about potential refunds.
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