An Oporto store in Sydney has closed after footage of rats running rampant through its kitchen went viral on social media.
The video was uploaded by a Facebook user on 17 January, with at least four rats seen scuttling across the fast food outlet’s floor.
The Broadway location was shut by Craveable Brands, which owns Oporto as well as Red Rooster and Chicken Treat, immediately after it became aware of the video.
“Vermin appear to have been dislocated by external construction activity in the Broadway area, which can lead to increased activity for surrounding businesses,” an Oporto spokesperson said in a statement.
“Vermin appear to have accessed the Broadway restaurant via a ventilation hole, or other access point from outside.
“The store has previously passed all sanitation inspections, meeting all health standards, and undergoing a full pest control and remediation assessment every three months.
“The store has undergone a full decontamination and industrial cleaning process to ensure all surfaces are hygienic and safe.
“This incident is unrelated to any other Oporto store in Australia, which continue to maintain rigorous and high sanitation standards.”
Oporto is working with City of Sydney Environmental Health Food Safety Division to assess the situation, with the Broadway store to remain closed until health inspectors are satisfied rats will no longer be able to access the venue. Potential access points have already been sealed in order to precent further rodents from entering the store.
A spokesperson for the city told ABC the responsibility to eradicate vermin and prevent them from entering premises is the responsibility of individual food businesses and shopping centres.