Oporto Broadway shuts down after rat infestation video emerges
Popular chicken burger outlet Oporto has been forced to shut down one of its stores after a video emerged of cat-sized rats invading their fast food outlet at Broadway. WATCH THE SHOCKING VIDEO.
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- Video captures rats running through Sydney food court
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Popular chicken burger outlet Oporto has been forced to shut down one of its stores after a video emerged of cat-sized rats invading their shop.
The one minute clip posted on Facebook reveals at least four large rats scurrying around the fast-food outlet, with one rodent leaping onto the counter and disappearing into the kitchen.
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Facebook user Vijay Kumar uploaded the video on January 17 at 1.10am.
“This one goes out to all the oporto lovers out there! Think zillion times before you walk again into this place!!!!!!! TODAYS Special — Spicy Gluten free Rat burgers!!!!!
The Daily Telegraph contacted Craveable Brands who own Oporto, as well as brands Red Rooster and Chicken Treat. In a statement they said:
“Oporto stores across Australia maintain rigorously high sanitation standards. This is a one-off situation related to a single store in Broadway, Sydney.
“Vermin appear to have been dislocated by external construction activity in the Broadway area, which can lead to increased activity for surrounding businesses. Vermin appear to have accessed the Broadway restaurant via a ventilation hole, or other access point from outside.”
The statement continues to say they immediately closed the store after they were made aware of the rat infestation at approximately 10am on January 17.
“The store was immediately closed after Oporto was notified of the video footage.
Pest control officers were called in, who confirmed the cause was unrelated to the store’s sanitation standards, and that vermin appear to have accessed the Broadway restaurant via a ventilation hole or other access point from outside.
“There is considerable construction work taking place in the Broadway area, which is a common cause of vermin activity for surrounding businesses.
“Those access points have since been sealed, to prevent any further entry.
“Since then, the store has undergone a full decontamination and industrial cleaning process to ensure all surfaces are hygienic and safe.
“Our Quality Assurance team briefed officers from the City of Sydney Environmental Health, Food Safety Division, who will now assess both the restaurant and immediate surrounding area.
“The store will remain closed, and clean, until both Oporto and health inspectors are satisfied that vermin cannot re-enter the Broadway store 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.
“This incident is unrelated to any other Oporto store in Australia, which continue to maintain rigorous and high sanitation standards.
The statement concludes: “Not only are we increasing pest control services within the restaurant, we are working with City of Sydney Environmental Health, Food Safety Division to ensure that preventive measures are robust — especially in light of the considerable construction work is taking place in the Broadway area.”
A City of Sydney spokesperson says it is the responsibility of individual food businesses and shopping centres to eradicate vermin and prevent them entering their premises.
“City environmental health officers regularly inspect venues to ensure these responsibilities are being fulfilled, and can issue fines or order venues to stop serving food if they fail to comply
Oporto Broadway voluntarily closed when it became aware of the issue.
“The City has carried out an inspection of the business and will ensure it meets health standards before reopening.
The City of Sydney spokesperson says they have a comprehensive pest control program that involves installing and monitoring bait stations in public places, with additional stations that are placed in response to community complaints.
People can report issues to the City’s customer service team on council@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au or (02) 9265 9333.
Last year, The Daily Telegraph reported Sydney was in the grip of a rat plague so big it was threatening to undermine the city’s reputation with overseas visitors.
Top tourist destinations including Hyde Park and Circular Quay are overrun with rodents, and businesses right across the city are complaining of infestations of “rats the size of cats”.
Complaints to the City of Sydney council have also jumped by about 75 per cent.
Increased density across the city is believed to be fuelling the infestation and academics are investigating new ways to tackle the problem.
Rats carry bacteria that can cause dangerous illnesses in humans, such as liver disease and salmonella.
Originally published as Oporto Broadway shuts down after rat infestation video emerges
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