Filthy conditions found at some NYC pharmacies

An investigative report by a New York City television station found filthy conditions at several chain pharmacies, including dead insects and rodent droppings.

According to PIX11, the Duane Reade pharmacy at Amsterdam Avenue and 59th Street in Manhattan failed three inspections. During those inspections, health investigators found more than 2,000 mice dropping, and had to destroy 30 pounds of dog found and other treats that were rodent defiled. Inspectors also found beetles and a heavily soiled toilet.

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During a one-year period, PIX11 said Duane Reade pharmacies failed 21 inspections throughout the city. Duane Reade issued a statement in that said: “We take this matter seriously and took action at the time to improve the situation in those stores.”

At a CVS pharmacy in Manhattan, inspectors found dead insects in candy boxes, another 60 dead flies, half a dozen dead roaches, and 110 mouse and rat droppings, according to the station. The station reported that the inspectors also found either inaccurate thermometers or none at all in seven of the basement and retail level coolers and freezers.

Nineteen Rite Aid pharmacies throughout New York City failed inspections. At one location in Washington Heights, inspectors found 540 rat droppings and a large, dead rat. They also found gnaw marks on candy bars and ordered 24 bags of the chocolate treats destroyed.

Rite Aid told the station: “[We have] taken additional actions to improve our food safety and sanitation program including requiring all New York City area store managers to successfully complete a food safety and sanitation course.”