A Mixue ice cream and tea shop in Zhengzhou, Henan province was found with multiple rats roaming freely inside its premises on September 30, according to customer footage.
The customer, identified as Ms. Li, captured video showing rats crawling beneath the preparation counter and climbing onto a milkshake machine while she was purchasing bubble tea. The footage also showed the rodents eating spilled tapioca pearls off the floor.
When confronted, staff member Wang claimed the rats had come from a neighboring restaurant and that pest control had been contacted. However, surveillance footage revealed that employees continued fulfilling three additional drink orders after discovering the infestation.
On October 1, shop staff stated the rats had been "dealt with," while maintaining they couldn't prevent rodents from entering from nearby restaurants. They emphasized the shop passed monthly company hygiene inspections.
Zhengzhou market regulatory authorities responded that inspectors would visit the shop and handle any violations if confirmed.
