Rodents: A Food Safety Hazard in Restaurants
Signs of Rodents in Restaurants
- Damaged food packaging
- Gnaw marks on restaurant furnishings & equipment
- Droppings in pantries & other areas frequented by rodents
- Grease markings on restaurant walls
- Noises indicating rodent activity
- The presence of indoor nests
Hotspots for Rat and Mouse Activity
- Areas where food is kept in storage
- Restaurant kitchens
- Ovens & other kitchen equipment
- Supply closets & storerooms
- Delivery areas
- Dumpsters & garbage cans in trash disposal areas
Risks Associated with an Infestation
- Health threats to restaurant employees and diners
- Failed inspections & possible legal repercussions
- Reputation damage to the restaurant
- Contaminated food
- Damaged products & property
- Economic loss
Exclusion Methods for Protecting Restaurants against Rodents
- Seal cracks, holes & gaps
- Close doors & other entry points
- Keep waste disposal areas clean
- Clean areas where food is stored
- Regularly trim the grass & vegetation around the restaurant
- Train restaurant employees to recognize signs of rodent infestation