Recalls because of pest related contamination can be a real headache for food manufacturers. This is because it only takes one disease ridden rodent to cause a huge outbreak of illness or in worst case scenarios, death.
Discount German supermarket Aldi is learning the aforementioned lesson with their recent recall of snack treats due to a pest infestation in one of their manufacturing plants.The Baketime factory voluntarily closed down after an investigation found signs of rodents on the premises.
"Baketime Ltd. is recalling various branded biscuit, snack and confectionery products on a precautionary basis as they have been manufactured in unhygienic conditions," said the Food Standards Agency's recall statement. This improper pest management caused public outrage. Consumers of the products took to Aldi's social media pages to voice their disgust - many even claimed that they, or their children had taken ill since ingesting the food, though Aldi denies anyone could get sick, reported BuzzFeed News. Their biggest issue however is the very name of the brand. Some customers questioned whether they would be able to trust them ever again.
Big companies have recalls all the time, with little or no harm to their brand. Often they can get their products off the shelves before many people are harmed by the recall. Other times they just have too many other brands to really feel the impact. The damage therefore falls on the manufacturers' food processing and storage environments. But they do ultimately run the risk of losing consumer trust, like Aldi, especially if the sanitation issue is not disclosed and taken care of immediately.
Back in 2009, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued one of the largest food recalls in U.S. history when they came down on the Peanut Corporation of America for not disclosing information of several contamination violations, Food Safety Magazine explained. Inspections of the plant found mold, leaking rainwater, dead cockroaches and openings in the building which would allow more pests to enter the plant. To top it all off, management of the plant knew of these issues for over two years - they just didn't do anything about it. The PCA faced serious lawsuits and executives were threatened with jail time as a result.
Just so you have an idea of what types of pest problems there are in this industry, FSM reported that rodents like mice and rats are the biggest documented problem in processing and storage facilities. Flies and cockroaches are also known to cause serious issues, said the source. Researchers have found that the common house fly can carry up to 100 varieties of disease ridden germs. Cockroaches are just as bad if not worse - they are said to carry at leas 33 kinds of bacteria, 6 different parasitic worms and 7 other kinds of pathogens.
There are several health codes and regulations that processing facilities need to adhere to. A professional pest inspection of your facility is essential to keeping a good product and a trustworthy name for your business. At the end of the day, ignoring signs of pest infestations will hurt, if not ruin your business.
As the weather cools, you'll probably see fewer pests than you did during the warmer months, but that doesn't mean they're all gone just yet. Some insects can actually come out in full force during the autumn, while others might seek refuge in your warm home. Here are some key tips to keep in mind as fall gets underway:
As the middle of summer approaches, you need to be vigilant about keeping your garden free of pests. Many insects breed during the summertime, which means they're on the lookout for great places to lay their eggs. For many bugs, that means near a source of food. In fact, some species of insects will lay their eggs inside budding vegetables and fruit so their larvae have something to eat as soon as they hatch. That's why you have to keep harmful bugs out without damaging the bugs that could help you, such as bumble bees.
You might have noticed that, with the exception of the kitchen, you find more pests in your bathroom than in the rest of your home. This is because insects and rodents see the bathroom as a convenient watering hole. Pests love leaky pipes and standing water because these offer them a hydrating oasis in the otherwise dry biome that is your house or apartment. And if your bathroom develops mold, all the better for pests, who may eat fungus or use it to lay their eggs.
The kitchen is largest gathering place for pests in a residential home. The reason is simple: pests can grab a bite to eat and take a sip of water while they're here. And when they find such a bountiful place, they will return home to their nests and report the finding - before you know it, your whole pantry is a buffet for ants! The problem could get even worse if a piece of food falls somewhere and begins to rot. Similarly, fruit and vegetables you bring into your home may be harboring unseen pests waiting to hatch.
It's finally here - sweet, sweet summertime at last! But has your time outside already been rudely interrupted by swarms of pesky bugs trying to take a stab at you? This season, let's say no more to swatting, slapping or clapping at these insects who seem to be tormenting innocent outdoors enthusiasts every year. Fortunately, the solution isn't as chemical ridden as you might think. As it turns out, some of your favorite scents are insects least favorite.
Not every creature that visits your property is a dangerous nuisance. Many animals actually offer a number of benefits that keep your yard healthy. Predatory animals, in particular, actually offer natural pest control. Here are five common suburban creatures that can help keep more difficult or annoying animals at bay:
Discovering a mouse is loose in your home can be a real headache, and for restaurant owners, such an infestation can be an even bigger problem. Mice may be cute, but they simply do not belong in the kitchen, attic or anywhere else. If you've noticed any of these signs around your house or business, it may be time to call in a professional rodent exterminator:
The customer is always right, and this is especially true if he or she is complaining about seeing a mouse or cockroach. Pests have no place in your organization, as bugs and rodents will turn away potential business or even lead to a possible lawsuit. Keeping your company protected requires a proactive approach. Work with a pest removal specialist to identify the best ways to stop creatures from infesting your business. Here are just a few ideas for successfully mitigating and preventing any issues:
