LAKE CHARLES, La. (KPLC) – An inspection by the Louisiana Department of Health at the Wendy’s in Downtown Lake Charles noted unsanitary conditions, and even rats.
Former employees 7News spoke with said they could no longer work in the unhealthy conditions. They showed us photos of food items being tampered with by rats and traps underneath the kitchen equipment.
Their allegations are backed up by a Feb. 4 report by the Louisiana Department of Health, which was investigating a complaint the same day it conducted a routine inspection.
Both inspections found rodents at the establishment.
These violations were noted as critical, meaning they must be corrected immediately, and repeated violations may lead to enforcement actions or permit suspensions.
LDH said critical violations left untreated are more likely to contribute to food contamination or illness.
The Louisiana Department of Health conducts inspections on restaurants one to four times a year.
We reached out to the franchise owner of the Broad Street location. They said they weren’t aware of a rodent problem and have no comment at this time.
Copyright 2026 KPLC. All rights reserved.