Rats Run Wild in a KFC-Taco Bell in New York

Rats are nothing new to New York. They scurry around on subway stations, alleys, around dumpsters and various other locations. None of these sightings are enough to give any New Yorker cause for alarm. This morning however, New Yorkers seen rats in an area that was enough to cause alarm.

Rats were caught on tape by news crews at a Taco Bell in Greenwich Village, through the windows. On lookers couldn't seem to take their eyes off the sight. The fast food restaurant was not open yet for the day but just yesterday it had been open serving customers.

The rats video taped running between counters and tables and climbing on children's high chairs. By midmorning the footage had been aired on television news shows and all over the internet. Bystanders were giving a play-by-play from the sidewalk.

The parent company for KFC and Taco Bell, Yum Brands, Inc. gave a statement on this situation, " This is completely unacceptable and it is an absolute violation of our high standards. This restaurant has been closed and we are addressing the issue with the franchise owner. We will not allow this store to reopen until it is completely resanitized and given a clean bill of health."

Health inspectors arrived on the scene and spent hours at the site this morning. By midday a sign had been posted that read, "CLOSED". According to senior health inspector, Carol Feracho, the infestation was coming from the building with openings that allowed the vermin to enter. No other details had been provided by Feracho.

Feracho was quoted saying, " Today, this establishment had serious unsanitary conditions. There were issues with vermin throughout."

Health department records list the franchise owner as ADF Fifth Operating Corp. No one has seem to be available for comment at the phone number displayed in neon on the store window below the words, "We Deliver."

A resident that lives in the building next door, Joel Cohen, had a close up view of the situation that goes on at the Taco Bell.