Recently, the Sanitary-Epidemiological territory Station in Ostrów Wielkopolski confirmed the presence of rodents in 1 of the grocery stores belonging to the commercial network. As it turned out, the wellness inspection was carried out after the client reported it, who noticed the mouse on the baking. Now the owner of the store may endure consequences, including the request to be demoted or even closed.
According to the manager of the Ostrowski wellness department, Tadeusz Andrzej Biliński, the situation may consequence in a mandate of up to PLN 500 imposed on the store, as well as a decision on compulsory demolition or closure of the store until its full purification. The wellness manager did not regulation out that the situation in 1 store could consequence in wider activities. The wellness authorities may decide to carry out a comprehensive inspection of all stores in the Ostrov Region.
Experts inform that the presence of rodents in places where food is stored poses a serious hazard to human health. Mice can carry salmonella bacteria (so-called murine major) that lead to food poisoning, gastroenteritis and another serious wellness problems related to the digestive system. Therefore, any presence of rodents in food stores should be taken very seriously and establishments must comply with strict hygiene rules and carry out regular deratisation.
In Poland rodents are liable for about 30% of all food poisonings, as reported by the Chief Sanitary Inspectorate. Experts estimation that up to 10 million rodents can carry bacteria and viruses around the country.
Therefore, wellness authorities are increasingly carrying out checks at food stores and another places where food is stored. In 2022, the wellness department carried out about 20 000 inspections at food stores, resulting in more than 5 000 deficiencies related to hygiene and food safety.
Shop owners should so take care of the cleanliness and order of their facilities and carry out regular checks to detect possible risks. Customers should besides be aware of the risks of rodents and food poisoning and study irregularities to wellness authorities.
It is worth också to remember that deratisation is mandatory in many places, including grocery stores, hospitals and kindergartens. Experts urge that deratisation be carried out at least erstwhile a year, as well as after any detection of rodents.
Deratisation vacancy may vary depending on the kind of rodent and the scope of infection. Experts estimation that the cost of demolition may be between 500 and 5 000 PLN, depending on the size of the facility and the degree of infection.
Therefore, store owners should consider concluding a contract with a company specialising in demolition to guarantee the safety of their customers and employees. The manager of the wellness department Tadeusz Andrzej Bilinski emphasizes that store owners must be aware of possible risks and take appropriate measures to avoid the consequences of rodent presence in their facilities.
