The lawsuit filed Wednesday in federal district court cites the New Rich Trading Corporation, which operates a warehouse in the 2600 block of North American Street.
Also named in the lawsuit are the company's president and owner, Ms. Xiaoping Sun, and its manager, Mr. Si Yan Chuen.
Court documents describe unsanitary conditions at the warehouse including "the widespread presence of animals such as rodents, birds, cats and dogs, as well as the animals' feces and urine, throughout the facility, including on and around articles of food."
The lawsuit seeks an injunction shutting down the business until the company remedies the unsanitary conditions.
"It is unacceptable for any distributor to expose the food we eat to animals, animal waste, and other filth," said United States Attorney Zane David Memeger in a statement. "The Department of Justice is committed to taking action against those who do not maintain and handle food in a clean environment."
