Grocery distributor busted by feds

[pavandeep]

http://www.king5.com/localnews/stories/NW_...KC.8a95c14.html

Grocery distributor busted by feds

07:03 PM PDT on Wednesday, October 6, 2004

By ERIC WILKINSON / KING 5 News

TUKWILA, Wash. – A local grocery distributor is accused of selling food infected by rats and vermin.

Unsuspecting customers walked into the grocery distributor as federal agents inside raided the place for allegedly selling contaminated food.

KING

International Food Bazaar, a.k.a. Northwest Trading and Spice Company

The FDA seized two-thirds of the inventory at Tukwila's International Food Bazaar, a.k.a. Northwest Trading and Spice Company, after complaints that the store's food was "contaminated with filth," including bugs, bird droppings and vermin.

"The insects have gotten into the food and so have larvae, eggs etc., and there's a rodent infestation problem in the warehouse, so you've got rodents, mice rats, etc. chewing into the sides of bags of rice and things of that nature," said Tad Seder, U.S. Attorney's Office.

In addition to Wednesday's raid by the feds, there have been two other occasions when state inspectors raided this business ordering the destruction of some 60,000 pounds of food because it was "unfit for human consumption."

But problems apparently persisted.

Outside the warehouse three rattraps are plainly visible and witnesses report seeing at least one dead bird inside the building.

International Food Bazaar operates as both a retail outlet and a supplier

of Indian and Pakistani foods to area stores and restaurants.

The businesses owner did not consent to an on-camera interview, but said he is cooperating with authorities and will let the courts decide whether he has done anything wrong.

Meantime, some customers say they've already made their decision.

"I don't come back. I don't want to become sick," said Maow Weehelie.

The company closed Wednesday, but signs said they will be open for business again Thursday.

The FDA is not releasing names of stores and restaurants that could be selling the contaminated food. However, a judge has ordered authorities to notify those who have done business with the company.