Crust Pizza has spoken out after footage captured the unpleasant moment when pigeons helped themselves to ingredients.
Three birds were caught feasting on grated cheese at a Crust counter in Neutral Bay on Sydney’s lower north shore.
A passerby filmed the unpleasant incident without any employees monitoring the front of the store and uploaded the images to social media.
A spokesperson for Crust said the store’s front door was left open while a member of staff worked in the back kitchen.
“The door was accidentally left open and the pigeon flew in,” they said.
“That was an unfortunate day… since the incident occurred, we have taken some precautions so that it does not happen again.”
Staff have been warned to keep doors closed where possible and to always cover topping containers with lids.
Many Australians were disgusted by the place where pigeons were enjoying their lunch with ingredients prepared to serve to people.
Three pigeons were filmed helping themselves to pizza toppings at the Crust store in the Sydney suburb of Neutral Bay.
“The door was accidentally left open and the pigeon flew in,” a spokesman said.
“I will never eat Crust pizza again,” one person commented.
“That’s my last order from Crust,” a second added.
“Yeah, I’m not going there,” said a third.
There were some who expressed amusement at the sight.
“Pizza with dough… pigeon approved,” one wrote.
“They’re just seasoning the hot wings with crust,” said another, ominously.
“I love that third pigeon… and it’s like, ‘Is this happening?'” another commented.
Crust is Australia’s third largest pizza chain with 136 stores, which operate as individually owned franchises.