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Chicago Walmart Reopens After Being Closed Following Health Inspection

According to the inspection report, about 25 droppings were found under the shelves of the snack food and cereal aisles

A Chicago Walmart reopened after it was temporarily closed when a health inspection found dozens of rodent droppings.

The Walmart at 4650 W. North Avenue reopened just after 1:30 p.m. Thursday, days after the store failed multiple health inspections. 

“We apologize for the issues that led to the temporary closing of our North Avenue store. This is far below our standards and unacceptable," Walmart said in a statement. "We know we have to earn the trust of our customers every day. We fell short and we we’ll do everything we can to ensure this does not happen again.”

The Chicago Department of Public Health said the store was cleared to reopen after it passed a third health inspection. 

"CDPH will continue to work with Walmart to ensure they are in compliance with the health code," the department said in a statement. 

The store failed its health inspection on July 31 after the inspector observed rodent droppings on floors and shelves near dry goods and underneath shelving in snack and food aisles. 

“Our store on North Avenue is temporarily closed as we address a situation following a City of Chicago inspection,” a post from the Walmart location’s Facebook page read Tuesday. “We have stringent quality standards in place and are working closely with the health department.”

According to the inspection report, about 25 droppings were found under the shelves of the snack food and cereal aisles, roughly 45 rodent droppings were found on the floor and on shelves in the back non-food dry goods area, about 35 droppings on the floor and on shelves in the back dry good storage area, about 10 droppings on the floor by the hot water tank and about 40 droppings on the floor and on shelves in the upstairs area.

Sources told NBC 5 the rodent droppings were from mice. 

According to the Chicago Department of Public Health, the store was given five days to correct the issue before a re-inspection Tuesday.

"Walmart failed to take corrective action in the time frame specified, and as a result will be closed until CDPH determines the location has met code standards," the department said in a statement. 

Walmart told NBC 5 Wednesday it had completed its cleanup and was waiting for the city to re-inspect the store. 

“We take this matter seriously and will reopen as soon as possible,” Walmart said. “We apologize for any inconvenience to our customers.”

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