Nando's has been fined $160,000 for an alleged rat infestation after dead rodents and droppings were found scattered throughout a restaurant in southern Perth.
The city's health inspectors allegedly discovered ten food safety violations at the Willetton location, including the owners' failure to eliminate the rats and protect the food from any contamination.
Rats and droppings were even allegedly found at food preparation stations and storage areas.
City of Canning Mayor Patrick Hall said the alleged infestation was a "very serious public health risk" and the Nando's was ordered to shut down until the matter was resolved.
He added the case was so serious, the city referred it to court.
"The business responded by closing, rectifying the cleanliness, maintenance, rodent infestation and related food safety matters and then subsequently reopened," he said.
"The seriousness of the food safety risks were such that legal action was warranted and in the public interest."
Health inspectors re-examined the Nando's prior to it reopening and deemed it safe.
Nando's has been contacted for comment.
