Café in Garberville Shut Down After Major Health Violations

The Bellini Café on Redwood Drive in Garberville has been forced to suspend operations following a health inspection that uncovered a range of serious violations. Humboldt County Environmental Health officials declared the café an “imminent health hazard” and suspended its permit effective immediately.

According to the inspection report, rodent feces were found throughout the facility—including on food preparation surfaces, behind and beneath major appliances like the microwave and coffee maker, inside storage bins, on shelving, near dishwashing stations, and in a cabinet adjacent to the syrup rack. Inspectors also found what appeared to be rodent bite marks on food packaging, including a bag of tortilla chips, pointing to a significant infestation.

Other violations cited in the report included a lack of cold water at the handwashing sink, improper pesticide use near food contact areas, and general unsanitary conditions—including food debris, clutter, and standing water.

Humboldt County health officials have stated that the café cannot serve food or drinks until all violations have been addressed and the facility is reinspected and cleared.

The permit holder, Juan P. Diaz, has been officially notified. A reinspection date has not yet been set.

In a related case, The Lost Coast Outpost reports that this is the second café in the region to shut down due to rodent contamination this week. Old Town Coffee & Chocolates in downtown Eureka has also been ordered closed by the Humboldt County Division of Environmental Health. According to reporter Hank Sims, inspectors found rodent feces “in every area of the facility,” including the kitchen, beneath coffee machines, in dry storage, the “chocolate room,” and the dining area.

Old Town Coffee & Chocolates must also fully sanitize the facility, discard contaminated items, and work with pest control professionals before reopening.

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