American Deli in DeKalb County closes after rat video goes viral

DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. — Health inspectors began investigating an American Deli within an hour after they were notified of a viral video showing rats scurrying inside the restaurant at South Dekalb Mall.

The video, which has more than hundreds of thousands of views on social media, shows several rats on shelves and running around the kitchen of the restaurant.

The DeKalb County Board of Health said it was notified by the Georgia Department of Health about the video on Friday.

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On site, the Environmental Health inspections supervisor observed evidence, such as fresh droppings, of a severe rodent infestation, but did not see any rats.

Health officials said rodents usually only come out in the evening or nighttime.

American Deli’s management agreed to voluntarily close for the weekend to clean, sanitize the facility and allow for a licensed pest control operator to treat the facility.

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County health officials issued the violation to South DeKalb Mall management.

Officials are assessing whether the restaurant can reopen and are checking neighboring facilities to see if they are having a rodent issue.

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