Kitsap County Public Health inspectors have given an East Bremerton McDonald's permission to open again Thursday, after inspectors found a rat infestation and deemed the restaurant an "imminent health hazard" a week ago.
McDonald's workers gave KIRO-7 photos and video showing rats in the kitchen of the restaurant at 6755 S.R. 303 N.E. -- including one video which appeared to show a rat moving inside an electrical panel behind one of the restaurant's fryers.
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Workers told KIRO-7 they repeatedly warned their managers of a rat problem but their complaints were not taken seriously. They say weeks later, after a customer complained to Kitsap County Public Health, inspectors found the area above the ceiling, food prep areas, and dry good storage areas infested with rats.
Kitsap County Environmental Health Director John Kiess said inspectors first noticed a rat problem in the building on a random visit more than a month ago.
At first, McDonald's managers agreed to close and clean the restaurant on their own. But after they opened again, health inspectors reported seeing a large amount of rat feces above the ceiling, in food prep areas, and where dry goods were stored.
"We noticed, wait a minute, you have a much bigger problem than originally seen or reported," said Kiess. "They tried to clean up, and we said we're going to re-inspect it before you open again. When we went back, we said clearly, this hasn't worked."
Workers at the McDonald's told KIRO-7 they were told to clean every surface with bleach, including piles of rat droppings from above the ceiling, without being offered adequate safety protection. Workers say they reported the incident to State Labor and Industries investigators.
Outside the restaurant, signs of work on the problem appear everywhere. Rodent traps line the outer walls of the restaurant. Inspectors say the rat issue is fixed, and the restaurant is now allowed to open again.
"They've taken on an aggressive pest-management program, they've thoroughly cleaned the restaurant, we've given them the ability to open again," said Kiess. "We feel they are going to be able to serve food safely to the public. We will be re-inspecting the restaurant to make sure these steps are effective."
Kiess pointed out that anyone can report health violations to the Kitsap County Public Health Department anonymously online or by phone, so inspectors can investigate complaints.
McDonald’s owner-operator Brian Beaulaurier released this statement:
“The health and safety of our employees and customers are our top priorities. We have worked very closely with the Kitsap Department of Health and look forward to continuing to serve our Bremerton customers.”
Cox Media Group
