FL Checkers closed after rats were found in the fryer, cock roaches allegedly in the drink machines and photos reveal filthy restaurant conditions
PALM BAY, Fla. (WESH) — A Florida fast food restaurant was recently shut down by the Florida Department of Health due to filthy conditions.
Health officials said Wednesday that the Checkers on Babcock Street in Palm Bay was closed due to “rodent activity.”
Checkers restaurants are also known as Rally’s, depending on its geographic location.
Officials said they received a number of complaints after a former employee shared photos that she alleges showed rats and roaches in the kitchen.
The Florida Department of Health shared the photos and complaints with WESH 2 News.
“There are rats in the fryer… The top of the fryers are covered with rat poop. There are roach droppings inside,” one of the complaints said.
Another complaint alleged that there were cockroaches inside the restaurant’s drink machine
A Checkers spokesperson sent WESH 2 News the following statement:
“The health and safety of our restaurants is our top priority, and the conditions shown at this franchised location at 4840 Babcock Road N.E., Palm Bay, Fla., in no way meet our high standards. The restaurant is now closed, and the franchisee is cleaning and sanitizing the entire restaurant. The location will reopen when it receives a clean bill of health from the Health Department.”
Photo Credit: Getty Images