County health officials have shut down an Arby’s outlet in Bakersfield, CA, for the second time in two weeks, reportedly due to a rodent infestation. According to Matt Constantine, Kern County public health officer, it was the first time he was aware of two such sequential closures. “This one is troubling to me and presents a real concern,” Constantine told The Bakersfield Californian on Tuesday. “We haven’t had to deal with this problem before. Arby's logo“If we’re concerned with the safety of the public, we will not allow the store to reopen. There are provisions in the law that allow us to pursue revocation of the permit, but that would be rather unusual.” Representatives of the health department, the franchisee from Los Angeles and Arby’s corporate offices met on Tuesday to discuss future actions. Arby’s website states that the outlet at 8290 Rosedale Highway in Bakersfield is temporarily closed but will be reopening soon. The same outlet was also closed on June 16 after inspectors reportedly found indications of rodent activity, along with lack of cleanliness and other problems. The restaurant reopened on June 22 after getting a green light from the county. “We had indications they took care of the problem, did a spot check and saw no evidence of rodents,” Constantine told the newspaper. “Two weeks later, we received a complaint from the public and went out and found significant evidence of rodent activity. We took action because they didn’t do what they are legally obligated to do, which is self-close.”

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