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.