The canteen at Gaafu Alifu Atoll Education Centre in Villingili has been temporarily closed after a rat was found running over food in a display case.

The canteen which is run by a private operator was closed yesterday. A video showing the rat running over food circulated on social media as well.

Speaking to Mihaaru News, the school's principal, Thamheed, said the incident occurred yesterday morning.

“At 7:05am yesterday, [the rat] was found while food was being placed [in the display case]. At 7:09am, the place was closed and cleaning started,” he said.

Thamheed said the school confirmed that no students or staff had eaten any of the food.

“It happened when the short eats were being placed in the display case, so no one had a chance to buy them,” the principal said.

He said the school consulted Villingili Atoll Hospital's public health officials and the Health Protection Agency (HPA) and followed their recommendations. An investigation is also underway to determine how the rat entered the premises, he said.

Thamheed said the incident would be investigated and action would be taken against the canteen operator. HPA will also take any necessary measures, he said.

“I haven't noticed anything like this before. I've only just seen a rat in this canteen,” Thamheed said.