What types of pests are considered a threat to food safety?

Rodents and insects are recognized as significant threats to food safety due to several reasons. First and foremost, they are known carriers of various pathogens that can contaminate food products. Rodents can transmit diseases such as Salmonella and Hantavirus, while insects, especially flies and cockroaches, can spread bacteria and viruses by coming into contact with food surfaces or food itself.

Additionally, both rodents and insects can cause physical contamination through droppings, urine, or body parts, which can compromise the safety of food. Their ability to access food storage areas makes them particularly troublesome in commercial food settings such as restaurants and processing plants.

While other types of pests, like birds and mammals, may pose some risk, they are generally not as pervasive or as directly linked to foodborne illnesses as rodents and insects are. Understanding the specific threats posed by these pests is crucial for maintaining food safety and implementing effective pest control measures in any food establishment.