NYC Dunkin' Donuts shut down by health officials after nasty rat video goes viral

The New York City Health Department has shuttered a Dunkin' Donuts store located in the Garment District after a video showing rats clambering over donuts and croissants went viral on YouTube.

According to Gothamist, the donut shop, located at 37th Street and Eighth Avenue, had a closure sign posted in the window Thursday morning declaring the location closed by order of the Commissioner of Health and Mental Hygiene.

In the video, which has been viewed by over 200,000 people on YouTube, a rat can be seen cavorting among the donuts and other baked goods displayed in the window of the store.

In a statement, the Health Department said, "Dunkin’ Donuts was closed by the Health Department yesterday because of a public health hazard that could not be corrected at the time of the inspection. In this case, the restaurant had a severe pest infestation that will require professional pest control services. They were also cited for other critical violations, including inadequate hand washing facilities and food not being protected from contamination."

Dunkin' Donuts has released a statement: "We have stringent food safety and quality standards, and we take great pride in the food and beverages we serve to our guests every day."

Gothamist has additional photos of rats at the location posted here.

[Watch the video uploaded to YouTube by pjayone below]

[mouse in house on Shutterstock]