Whole Foods Store Reopens After 5-Month Closure to Handle Vermin, Sparking Debate Over California’s Rodenticide Ban

Early this year, California became the state with the strongest regulations in the country over rodenticide.

The reopened Whole Foods store in Cupertino, Calif., on Oct. 4, 2025. Steve Ispas/The Epoch Times

CUPERTINO, Calif.—A Whole Foods store in Silicon Valley reopened Sept. 29 after a closure of over 5 months due to a severe rodent infestation. The store was unable to get rid of the vermin using poison due to California’s recent ban on most rodenticide products, igniting controversy over the new law.

Customers visiting the store, which is on Stevens Creek Boulevard in Cupertino, notice trimmed trees around the building, Xcluder door sweeps at all entrances, sealed gaps in the restrooms, and other structural improvements to keep rats from entering the facility. The company said these measures were “proactive steps to prevent future concerns.”