A pizzeria employee had to chase away a pigeon during an interview with a journalist, just days after footage emerged showing the birds helping themselves to toppings in the store.
Three birds were caught feasting on grated cheese at a Crust counter in Neutral Bay, on Sydney’s lower north shore, over the weekend.
A passerby filmed the unpleasant incident without any employees monitoring the front of the store and uploaded the images to social media, where it quickly went viral.
Just a few days later, when A Current Affair arrived to interview staff about the situation, they encountered another pigeon problem.
A bird flew into the store during filming, forcing the employee to interrupt the interview to chase it away.
Two more pigeons were seen perched on a nearby street sign, watching the store and having the opportunity to enter.
The employee explained that the birds have become particularly opportunistic and the store has since implemented several measures to prevent them from entering.
He added that if pigeons enter, all food in the preparation area is discarded and surfaces and equipment are thoroughly disinfected.
A Crust pizzeria employee at the center of a pigeon-based controversy was forced to chase away one of the birds during an interview (pictured)
A spokesperson for the store previously told Daily Mail Australia that staff were also instructed to keep food covered at all times.
“A comprehensive review of food standards was also carried out and operational best practices reinforced across the Crust store network to mitigate any unexpected future visits,” the spokesperson said.
“Now equipped with an electric bird repellent device, we can confirm that the store is once again open to the public, creating the most delicious, crust-worthy pizzas on the market.”
Two more pigeons were seen perched on a nearby street sign, watching the store and having the opportunity to enter.
Images of three pigeons foraging through food and walking around the preparation area have been viewed more than 1 million times in just three days (pictured)
Many Australians were disgusted by the place where pigeons were enjoying their lunch with ingredients prepared to serve to people.
“I will never eat Crust pizza again,” one person commented.
A second said they had placed their “last Crust order.”
“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.
Crust is Australia’s third largest pizza chain with 136 stores, which operate as individually owned franchises.