Featured Image Credit: Daniel Kim / Google Reviews
Topics: Food And Drink, Animals
Dan Seddon
A restaurant in Sydney has apologised after a dead rat appeared to be served to one of its customers.
Tatsuya West Ryde, which specialises in Japanese cuisine, was recently forced to apologise when a Google reviewer under the name 'DO' complained of the unwanted rodent she'd discovered in her side salad.
The woman alleged to have found it while enjoying her Katsudon meal (a bowl of rice topped with a deep-fried breaded pork cutlet, egg, vegetables, and condiments).
"I'd eaten half of [the salad] at this point. Just absolutely revolting and unacceptable," she wrote. "Everyone who was present at the time, stood up and left the restaurant."
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Her friend, posting as 'JH', produced a one-star review for Tatsuya, despite suggesting they didn't even deserve that after 'what happened today'.
"My pregnant friend and I were having their lunch set today and in her small salad was a disgusting feral dead rat that was underneath the salad," revealed JH, who was also revolted by the fact Tatsuya allegedly continued to serve its customers while all the commotion was going on.
DO's husband Daniel Kim shared on Google too: "My wife’s salad had a rat in it. Absolutely disgusting."
Looking to squash the drama, Tatsuya directly responded to the online feedback by saying it 'sincerely' apologised for its horrendous mistake.
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"The issue originated from a delivered salad box which we are currently investigating with our supplier and local food authorities," they noted. "We are taking all necessary steps to prevent such incidents and appreciate your understanding."
For 9 News, the restaurant's owner reiterated that an investigation was in motion.
"Google reviews are based on personal opinions, not verified facts," they commented. "An incident did occur, and the cause is currently under investigation. We have responded to the incident appropriately and are continuing to follow up with additional measures."
Responding on Google Reviews, the restaurant said: "We are treating this matter with the utmost seriousness. Immediately following the incident, we:
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- Voluntarily reported the issue to the NSW Food Authority and the City of Ryde
- Quarantined all related ingredients for investigation
- Engaged professional pest control services for a full-site inspection and treatment
- Closed the restaurant this afternoon for a thorough deep cleaning
- Retrained all staff on food inspection and handling protocols
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- Initiated an internal reviews of our supply chain and food safety procedures
"We recognise that words alone are not enough. Our responsibility now is to act decisively, improve our standards, and rebuild the trust that this community has placed in us. That is what we are committed to-openly, sincerely, and with lasting improvements.
"We offer our heartfelt apology to the customer involved and to everyone affected. At Tatsuya, we hold ourselves to high standards. When we fall short, we take it seriously, and we are committed to doing better.
"Thank you for your patience and understanding."