Recent reports have surfaced detailing a cockroach infestation at the Erewhon market in Santa Monica, California. This alarming discovery was made by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health during an inspection that revealed not only the vermin issue but also other health code violations.
The infestation came to light on April 8, following an inspection in which roaches were located near the tonic bar, known for serving coffees and specialty beverages. In response to the findings, Erewhon temporarily shut down the tonic bar for a 48-hour period to address the situation.
As news of the infestation spread, users on social media platform X expressed their disbelief and humor regarding the upscale brand’s pricey offerings. One user mockingly asked:
“Y’all been drinking $30 vermin smoothies?”
“People will see this and still spend $75 on a bag of baby carrots,”another commented.
“They probably convinced rich people it’s organic,”quipped another user.
“I heard it was a $100 cockroach,”noted yet another.
Details of the Infestation at Erewhon
The investigation revealed critical violations under California’s Health and Safety Code, specifically Section 114259.1, which mandates establishments to be free from pests. The report elaborated that inspectors found:
“two live nymph German cockroaches in the cabinet under the ‘Simonelli’ coffee machine holding sealed plastic cups.”
In addition to the cockroaches, the market was flagged for other issues, such as the improper time management of food items, which can lead to disease, and minor sanitation infractions related to plumbing and cleanliness standards.
To resume operations, Erewhon must effectively “eliminate cockroaches and all evidence of cockroaches from the facility,” as stipulated by health department regulations. A company spokesperson publicly acknowledged the incident:
“We deeply regret that a roach was found in our tonic bar, and we sincerely apologize for this lapse in our standards.”
In a follow-up statement, a representative emphasized the company’s commitment to safety, stating:
“Our team responded swiftly to ensure that every safety protocol was adhered to. At Erewhon, we pride ourselves on maintaining the highest standards and we remain committed to providing a safe, clean, and nourishing environment for everyone who walks through our doors.”
Following the corrective actions, the tonic bar received a score of 84 out of 100 from health officials and was rated B. It reopened on April 10 after a satisfactory reinspection.
Celebrity Collaborations and New Offerings at Erewhon
Despite this recent setback, Erewhon remains in the spotlight for its high-end grocery offerings and celebrity partnerships. In February, the upscale market collaborated with Grammy-winning artist Kacey Musgraves to unveil a new Deeper Wellness Smoothie. This exclusive smoothie includes a blend of 15 healthful ingredients, such as:
- MALK Organic Almond Milk
- Organic Spinach
- Organic Banana
- Sea Moss
- Cacao Nibs
- Coconut Cream
- Grass-fed Collagen
The smoothie, priced at $21, is available for a limited time, with a portion of the proceeds supporting the nonprofit organization Altadena Girls, which aids teens who lost their homes in the Eaton Fire.
To explore further about the reactions and the incident, click on this link.