COLUMBUS, Ohio — A southwest Columbus McDonald's that was ordered to close by the health department after a customer reported finding a 'crack pipe' in their food bag and unsanitary conditions were discovered by authorities has since reopened.
The McDonald's, located at 619 Harrisburg Pike, received a complaint from a customer Tuesday after they reportedly found a 'crack pipe' in their bag. The customer returned to the store upon finding it and issued the complaint to the restaurant's supervisor.
Documents state that the supervisor went to the customers' vehicle to take their information, but after the supervisor went back inside the customer walked up to the drive-thru window to inquire about a resolution. The supervisor then contacted the police and the customer left.
However, police never responded to the location.
On Wednesday, officials from Columbus Public Health visited the McDonald's location for an inspection in the wake of the complaint.
Their report states that the officials observed heavy construction being performed on the restaurant seating area, front service counter and drink station. It said that construction equipment, debris, trash and dust were present. Additionally, a protective barrier separating the construction area and the kitchen had been removed and not replaced while work was being done.
Beverage service equipment such as the soda dispenser, Frappuccino machine, frozen beverage dispenser and coffee machine had dust, debris, screws, unassembled computer equipment and wooden trim pieces on the top surfaces, the report said.
The restaurant was given an emergency notice of violation and an order to close. According to McDonald’s corporate, the location has reopened.
The health department confirmed that they conducted a follow-up inspection and approved the operation of the facility.
A spokesperson from the department said that inspectors observed plastic sheeting between the dining area and food prep areas to block contaminants. The food prep area had also been cleaned and contaminated food items and packaging had been discarded.
As of 12:15 p.m. a 10TV crew said there were no customers observed going in or out of the restaurant.