There are many pests that can contaminate food and spread disease through food to customers. A few examples of pests and the harm they can cause include:
- Roaches can carry Salmonella, E. coli, Shigella, and other disease causing organisms(2).
- Flies can spread Shigella(1).
- Rodents can spread over 35 different diseases(1), cause damage to your facility, and destroy food supplies.
- Birds can spread diseases such as Salmonella infection(1) and can cause significant structural damage to your facility.
Due to public health risk, the presence of pests during an inspection may result in demerits. In addition, a pest infestation may result in the immediate closure of the facility for an Imminent Health Hazard.