Do you know what's lurking at your local fast food restaurant? Well, if you're headed to the McDonald's in Bridgeton, N.J., it could be worms -- and slugs.
Customers headed to the McDonald's on Broad Street were welcomed by a "closed" sign on Wednesday. Why you may ask? They apparently have an infestation of worms and slugs and the health department is now investigating.
Bridgeton Mayor Jim Begley and the Cumberland County freeholder board received a letter from the franchise owners stating the restaurant had an "infestation" of worms living under the soda station, in the drain and on the soda system tubing in the drive-thru area. The letter suggested the worms may be living and reproducing in the foundation of the building.
The slugs can be found in the walk-in fridge and sink, according to the letter.
And apparently this pest problem has been going on for some time.
“They claim that they bought the property in 2008 or 2009 and said it has been an ongoing concern. They had the place fumigated,” Begley told The News of Cumberland County.
The worm and slug problem could be because of the location of the restaurant.
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"I think, where the McDonald's is located, it's basically on a marshland. Everything and anything can grow in there..." Begley told the paper.
Franchisee, Barry Person, issued the following statement:
"My restaurant staff and I take these matters very seriously. Working with McDonald's USA, we have voluntarily closed the Bridgeton McDonald's restaurant. We are taking immediate action to address any issues at the restaurant."
Rich Doane, Vice President of McDonald’s Philadelphia Region released the following statement:
“McDonald’s USA is working closely with local elected officials, construction and building experts and the franchisee of this restaurant to address these allegations.
Recent communication in June from the County Health Department expressly stated that there were no food safety concerns at that time.
However, to ensure our stringent food safety and restaurant sanitation standards are not compromised, McDonald’s USA and our franchise owner made the decision to voluntarily close the restaurant. We take these matters seriously and we're taking immediate action to address any issues at the restaurant.
While this restaurant is closed, all displaced employees will have the option to relocate to other area McDonald’s restaurants.”
The restaurant remains closed to the public, but patrons found the reason for the shut down less than appetizing.
"Worms! Are you serious," said one man. "It's crazy."
