Mom’s Organic Market in Hampden closed due to rodent infestation

Update: Mom’s Organic Market in Hampden reopened Friday morning.

Mom’s Organic Market in Hampden closed Wednesday due to what a Baltimore City Health Department notice described as a “rodent infestation.”

A sign from the department was on the door Thursday morning, noting the market was closed because of a violation. A list of 2026 food closures on the health department’s website lists the reason as a rodent infestation.

Rain fell on shoppers Thursday as they headed to the market at the Rotunda around 9 a.m., the store’s usual opening hour. An employee stood in front of the entrance and turned them away, saying the store was closed.

Inspectors with the city health department found “mouse droppings and several food products with evidence of chewing,” Blair Adams, a spokesperson for the department, said in an email. No rats were observed during the inspection, she added.

Health inspector Josh Gruver was on-site from 10:25 a.m. Wednesday to 1:32 p.m., according to an inspection report. Mouse droppings were found in aisles and under shelves throughout the facility, according to the report, as well as in the poultry cooler.

The snack aisles, Gruver reported, smelled “like mouse urine,” and some chocolate and candy bars appeared to have been chewed. Dead mice were found on sticky pads under the shelves, according to the report.

A pest control service on March 5 reported five dead mice and cockroaches on glue pads, according to the inspection report. Mom’s Organic Market workers must seal all holes, cracks and gaps that could let in pests, according to the report, and sanitize shelves and floors.

Known for its organic food, Mom’s has more than 10 locations across Maryland and two in Washington. The location at the Rotunda is surrounded by other businesses, including a Starbucks, Ovenbird Bakery and Warehouse Cinemas.

The employee outside the store told shoppers Thursday morning an inspector was expected to return in the afternoon and the store could reopen if it passed. The store remained closed as of 3 p.m.

The Banner contacted Mom’s Organic Market for comment.