Inspection debunks fake viral cockroach video

A local IHOP restaurant received an “excellent” rating after complaints made

An inspection of the downtown Renton IHOP restaurant has debunked a circulating Facebook video claiming that cockroaches are filling the kitchen.

The inspection, obtained by the Renton Reporter, shows the Public Health-King County Seattle restaurant inspector examined the restaurant on Thursday, Feb. 6 at 1:20 p.m. The inspection, lasting about an hour, showed some no violations in the kitchen.

“A complaint response in regards to cockroaches was also conducted during this visit,” the inspector states in the report. “No signs of cockroaches under equipment, in traps or noted elsewhere.”

The report goes on to state that monthly visits have been scheduled, and that the restaurant has a recent pest control report as well.

IHOP spokeswoman Stephanie Peterson said that the franchisee owner immediately requested a King County Health Department food safety inspection and temporarily closed the restaurant after learning about the social media post.

The inspection report also confirmed IHOP has proper hand washing techniques, food storage and food workers permits. The IHOP was given a safety inspection score of “excellent,” the highest available in King County.

The video, shared thousands of times on Facebook, is still up and receiving comments. At the time of this article, it has over 2,700 shares. The Renton Reporter has reached out to the poster of the video and has not yet received a response. The IHOP continues to investigate the source of the video to prevent false claims in the future, Peterson said.

“We’re constantly listening to our guests and watching social media to see what’s happening in our restaurants,” Peterson said. “Our franchisees are committed to taking action immediately for anything that isn’t up to our standards.”