ATLANTA — UPDATE: The Krystal on Moreland Avenue received a 97 on their most recent health inspection. The company sent Channel 2 Action News the following statement: "The Moreland Krystal has worked diligently to address and resolve the recent pest issue. Earlier this week, the Health Department re-inspected this location, and the restaurant scored an A/97. A copy of the report is attached. We are and remain committed to maintaining the highest standards of cleanliness and operations in our restaurants."
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ORIGINAL STORY
Channel 2 Action News has learned the health department is looking into a rodent problem inside an Atlanta fast food restaurant.
People reached out to Channel 2's Amy Napier Viteri with cellphone video, which shows mice inside the Krystal restaurant on Moreland Avenue.
One person familiar with the issue, who asked not to identified, says the problem has been going on for weeks.
According to the health department, it may have started with a hole in the building.
"They're extremely bold. About a week ago they were all over the grills and in the dining room, the tables," the whistleblower said.
One of the videos shows a mouse running on the floor of the restaurant. In another video, recorded in late May, a mouse can be seen running on the fountain drink machine.
The whistleblower said exterminators have treated the restaurant for mice, but on those occasions the restaurant stays open.
"Whenever the mice come out we just close the dining room and we have to continue to run drive-thru," the whistleblower said.
Deputy Director for Fulton County Environmental Health Ellis Jones said his office got a complaint about the mice on May 27.
An inspector went out that same day and learned a previous car accident damaged the building, which may have led to mice getting inside. The department did a follow up inspection on Friday.
"They did find some evidence of rat feces, glue traps," Jones said.
Viteri contacted Krystal who sent a statement which reads in part: "After a recent citing by the health department, our teams immediately took action along with professional pest control services to correct the issue."
"They've been working with Orkin and they have the documentation where Orkin has come out six times in the last three weeks," Jones said.
Diners we spoke with were disturbed to hear of the problem.
The statement from Krystal also says they are working diligently to prevent any similar incidents and ensure quality dining experiences for all their guests.
Health inspectors will be back at the restaurant within 10 days of Friday's inspection to make sure the restaurant has corrected the concerns. Otherwise, they will get a citation.