Surrey KFC closed after rat 'spotted' inside the restaurant

Fast food giant KFC has confirmed it closed its Dorking High Street restaurant on a voluntary basis in order to investigate and act upon reports of a rat having infiltrated the restaurant.

Mole Valley District Council added that an investigation is underway to address “concerns of a rodent” at the site.

A video shot by a member of the public appears to show a rat inside the fried chicken takeaway on top of a wall-mounted screen. This is understood to have been filmed after the restaurant closed for the day on Friday (June 21) and was taken outside the shop. It later pans out to show the location and the BP garage next door.

Mole Valley District Council (MVDC) outlined pest control measures have been put in place by KFC and clarified that officers visited the site and were satisfied staff acted immediately and appropriately. KFC told SurreyLive it has strict processes in place to ensure hygiene and quality standards.

A MVDC spokesperson said: “Mole Valley District Council’s Environmental Health officers visited the Dorking branch of KFC on Monday morning (June 24) to investigate concerns of a rodent on the premises and found that staff had acted immediately and appropriately to address the issue. Officers will be continuing to work with the branch’s staff to ensure that the pest control management procedures, which have been implemented, continue to prove effective.”

A KFC spokesperson commented on the matter and said: “Operating responsibly is our number one priority and we have strict processes in place to ensure the quality and hygiene standards of all our restaurants. Our Dorking restaurant has voluntarily closed, and we’re working alongside the relevant authorities to fully investigate the issue and make this right.”

MVDC added that residents who have concerns about food premises in the district can visit the council’s website here or call 01306 885001.

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