Eagle Rock Subway Closed After Workers Say Rat Infestation Sparks Protest
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health ordered the temporary closure of the Subway at Subway, 4919 Eagle Rock Blvd., Eagle Rock, Los Angeles. Inspectors cited 11 critical violations including evidence of live and dead rodents.
- 11 critical violations documented, including live and dead rats, droppings, and chewed packaged food.
- Employees allege they reported rodent problems for about a year and filed complaints with Cal/OSHA.
- Workers protested outside the closed store, demanding professional cleaning and pay for lost wages.
- Visual evidence (photos and videos) circulated to media showing damaged food, droppings and rodents.
Health inspection and violations
Los Angeles County health inspectors responded to worker reports and recorded 11 critical violations. Findings included live and dead rodents, rodent droppings in food prep and storage areas, and chewed footlong loaves and damaged sandwich bags. The department ordered the operator to “eliminate rodents and evidence of rodents (e.g., droppings, dead rodents, nesting material, rub marks) from the facility by safe, legal, and effective means at once.” For the original inspection summary and reporting see the Patch: Rat droppings, chewed footlong loaves preceded health closure at LA Subway.
Visual evidence and media coverage
Local reporters obtained video and photographs that appear to show dead rats, droppings on sandwich bags, and chew marks on loaves inside packaging. One clip shows a worker using a broom to push a dead rat and other footage documents droppings near sandwich preparation areas. Media pieces include multiple videos with on-the-ground footage and worker testimony; see coverage linked below for visual documentation: visual evidence of rodents and damaged food and local coverage and worker interviews.
Workers’ accounts and protest
Employees said the infestation was not new and that they had reported rodent sightings to management for roughly a year. Several workers described cleaning droppings themselves and discovering chewed food during shifts. After the health department ordered the closure, employees and advocates staged a protest outside the shuttered location demanding professional cleaning and compensation for lost wages. Maria Maldonado, field director for the California Fast Food Workers Union, said,
“They are risking the health and the life of employees and customers, too.”
Regulatory action and next steps
The County’s order requires eradication of rodents and removal of all evidence using safe, legal methods. Typical remedial measures include hiring professional pest control, deep cleaning, discarding contaminated food, and repairing structural problems that permit rodent access. The department will likely re-inspect before permitting reopening. Separately, employees reported filing complaints with Cal/OSHA that could prompt worker-safety investigations; coverage mentioning the Cal/OSHA complaint is available via KTLA coverage referencing Cal/OSHA.
Owner and corporate response
As of the latest coverage, Subway corporate had not provided a public comment. Local ownership or franchisee statements were limited in available reporting, and the absence of an official corporate response has been highlighted by protesters and labor advocates demanding accountability. See initial reporting at ABC7: Eagle Rock Subway closed after workers say restaurant has rat infestation.
Broader context: fast food worker protest and worker rights
This closure and protest join a broader trend of fast-food workers raising concerns about health, safety, and pay. Advocates say workers often report unsafe or unsanitary conditions that go unaddressed, and that public protests are increasingly used to seek remediation and compensation when closures occur through no fault of employees. The incident drew attention in the Eagle Rock neighborhood and underscores persistent labor and sanitation pressures in the industry.
Implications for San Diego, California
Economic impact: Franchise operators in San Diego may face increased inspection scrutiny and pressure to invest in pest control and maintenance to avoid closures.
Public health: The discovery of live and dead rodents and contaminated packaged food is a reminder for strict sanitation and timely enforcement.
Political & regulatory: Local leaders may be urged to balance enforcement with business support to protect jobs while ensuring public safety.
Practical advice: Residents should check county health postings before dining out, and workers should document complaints and consider regulatory channels when issues persist.
Sources and further reading
- ABC7: Eagle Rock Subway closed after workers say restaurant has rat infestation
- Patch: Rat droppings, chewed footlong loaves preceded health closure at LA Subway
- YouTube: local coverage and worker interviews
- YouTube: KTLA coverage mentioning Cal/OSHA complaint
- YouTube: visual evidence of rodents and damaged food
