PESTS (RATS) AND FOOD SAFETY.

The role of pests in transmission of diseases cannot be overemphasized and thus steps must be taken to prevent entry of such pests in the food industry.

The major pest to contend with in the food industry is rat.Rats cause sever economic losses along side transmission of diseases.Rats in the food industry can be excluded by blocking any cracks/openings in the building.Food can be stored in crates in stores away from rats. 

Rat baits can be used outside the food holding area while traps can be used in the food processing/packaging area. 

 Hazard of rats in the food industry: 1) fecal contamination of food. 2) urine contamination of food products. 3) food waste due to consumption by rats. 

 Rat urine has been linked to Lassa fever,thus contamination of food with urine is a risk to man.The infection in man manifests with fever,muscular pain,generalized weakness.

Vomiting and diarrhea are also observed in affected patients.