Local Kroger on notice after video of rodent droppings

MCDONOUGH, Ga. — State inspectors put a metro supermarket on notice after a shopper sent Channel 2 Action News video of rodent droppings piling up on store shelves.
 
It happened at the Kroger on Joneboro road in McDonough.
 
An inspection report from the Georgia Department of Agriculture confirmed the troubling conditions.
 
"I was totally grossed out," said Kroger shopper Lashone Smith.
 
Smith shot the video that showed rodent feces and urine piled up on and around pet food on and under the store's shelves. She also took pictures of gnawed-open bags.
 
"Rats carry disease and bacteria, and customers are taking home products and food to their families and to their pets," Smith said.
 
It's why Victor McClain, who was shopping right next to Smith, told Channel 2 investigative reporter Aaron Diamant that he's happy Smith gave him a head's up.
 
"The most point that was concerning to me was I was just oblivious to it," McClain said.
 
Earlier this week, Diamant contacted the Georgia Department of Agriculture, which sent in a team of inspectors.
 
Their report confirmed "rodent fecal matter observed on aisles 5-8 and 14," not just in the pet food aisle.
 
"There's definitely a public health concern there," said Georgia Food Safety Director Natalie Adan.
 
Adan said the problem could possibly make people and their pets sick.
 
"This is not common. It will occur. We do see it occasionally, and obviously we want to get right in there," Adan said.
 
Especially considering inspectors found a dead rat on the store's receiving dock during a December 2014 inspection.
 
As for what's in that video, Kroger spokeswoman Lori Smith emailed a statement saying:
 
"Customer safety and food safety are our number one priorities. We take these matters very seriously. Since learning of this isolated incident, we thoroughly cleaned and sanitized the affected locations; pulled and destroyed affected product; sealed off access points; and strengthened pest control and prevention initiatives.
 
"In addition to those measures, we have bolstered operational and training protocol at this location to prevent future occurrences. The Georgia Department of Agriculture has inspected the location and given it 100% approval."
 
State inspectors confirmed they returned to the McDonough Kroger Thursday.
 
They found the rodent droppings cleaned up and effective pest control measures in place.

WSBTV