Health Department Shuts Down Rat-Infested Dunkin' Donuts

YouTubeA screenshot from the video supposedly showing rats crawling on the shelves at a NYC Dunkin' Donuts.The New York City Health Department has reportedly shut down a Dunkin' Donuts in Manhattan after a video was posted to YouTube showing what appeared to be a rat crawling all over the store's bagels.

A sign hung in the window of the 8th Avenue and West 37th Street store on Thursday that read, "CLOSED by order of the Commissioner of Health and Mental Hygiene," according to NBC New York.

The agency confirmed the closure in a statement to Gothamist.

"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," the agency said. "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."

Gothamist has also obtained photos that appear to show workers tearing apart the store on Thursday.

We've reached out to Dunkin' Donuts and the health department for statements on the matter and we'll update when we hear back.

Here's the video that caused the closure: