Cora Pizza, a popular eatery near the University of Toronto, has been shut down after failing to comply with health standards and to prevent gross unsanitary conditions.

After several dead rats and fresh rat droppings were found in the premises of the restaurant, a re-inspection was made and the requirement for reopening was not fulfilled, and hence the place was shut down. The restaurant will remain closed until the next inspection, as shared by Dr. Howard Shapiro, associate medical officer of health with Toronto Public Health.

The most recent inspection on Monday was a result of complaint and not a routine check-up.

The restaurant had previous issues and after an inspection in June, it received a C for "crucial"- the most serious infraction - for failing to ensure food is not contaminated.

Cora has drawn attention of Toronto Public Health twice this year. After repeated blows of the warnings by the restaurant owner and after unveiling unsanitary ambience there, the restaurant has received a 'conditional pass".

"If there is a record of repeat violations, the fines that can be imposed against somebody will increase. These can be in the thousands or sometimes tens of thousands of dollars", Shapiro insisted.

The shutdown of the restaurant has left many customers disappointed.