9 replies to this topic

[microlab2022]

I just have one question: Can you just cut the area where the rat bit and still use the remaining flour if a rat chews a sack of flour (approximately 25 kilograms)? Is there a rule or research that demonstrates that all of the flour should not be used after the first bite?

 

[Dorothy87]

Hi, 

 

Whatever was in touch with rats must be rejected immediately. 

 

Area must be reported to the pest control, not sure what kind of sacks you are using, however remember about rat urine !

 

You must risk assess the rest of stock ( I am not sure what storage you are using there) but definitely whatever was in touch, must be rejected. 

 

Speak with the pest control, as you may face infestation very easily. 

 

[Setanta]

Do not use it. Follow the advice given above by Dorothy87

[nwilson]

As stated throw it out.  You don't know what other excrement is on or in the material at this point, risk assessment or not.  I worked in a large scale bakery for many years and this was our policy when we had furry friends make their way inside.  Better to err on the side of caution on this one.  

Edited by nwilson, 02 October 2023 - 04:50 PM.

[microlab2022]

Hi Goodmorning!

 

However, as top management wants to at least save some of the product, they want to trim the said part of the rat bite, and the rest is still used. In reality, according to our department, it should be disposed of. The sack is made of poly cotton, while some are regular sacks (like thread). We want to demonstrate why it is not a good idea to utilize such products, but we need proof. Help me, please.

 

Is there any study or guidelines that can support this?

[Setanta]

Mice and rats urinate everywhere they go. You cannot tell what's been eaten at, peed on, or simply run across with filthy feet. Offer to bake them something with the flour from that bag.

Edited by Setanta, 03 October 2023 - 11:06 AM.

[Scampi]

They can carry many diseases including hantavirus, leptospirosis, lymphocytic choriomeningitis (LCMV), Tularemia and Salmonella.

What diseases can you get from rats?

 

 

Diseases spread directly by rodents

• Hantavirus.
• Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome.
• Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome.
• Lassa Fever.
• Leptospirosis.
• Lujo Hemorrhagic Fever.
• Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis (LCM)
• Monkeypox.

https://www.fda.gov/...ly members sick.

 

ood products that have been exposed to filth, like rats, mice and other rodents, can make you or your family members sick. This includes food and drinks for people as well as food for animals, like pet food, bird seed or fish flakes.

Throw away food products in plastic and paper containers. Then inspect any cans or glass containers of food. Cans or jars that are dented, crushed, swollen/bulging, or that have deep rusting, cracks, holes, punctures, or a broken seal should also be thrown away. Be sure to discard this food carefully and in a way that prevents it from being eaten by people or animals, like in a trash can with a secure cover. After throwing the products away, wash your hands thoroughly and disinfect the area where they were stored. Do not give away or donate these items because you could be putting other people’s health at risk. Also check to see if the product has been recalled. If so, follow the instructions in the recall notice for what to do with the product.

 

I can't believe we have to explain this to a business!!!!!!!!!!

[Dorothy87]

Hi,

 

Sounds like a super difficult top management. 

 

I believe you are fully aware of diseases caused by rats like Salmonella, Typhoid, Weil`s, Lymphocytic Chorio-meningitis or Typhus. 

 

a few examples ; 

 

Food supplier fined for rat infestation (foodmanufacture.co.uk)

 

Health code violations uncovered at New York Chinese food distributor | Daily Mail Online

 

Food distribution firm fined for rat and mouse infestation (foodmanufacture.co.uk)

 

 

Staff might follow a whistleblowing procedure (if you have any) if they find out that the contaminated product was used. They can call local council, then this might cost a top management a lot of money and will ruin factory reputation. 

Edited by Dorothy87, 03 October 2023 - 12:21 PM.

[kfromNE]

Hi Goodmorning!

 

However, as top management wants to at least save some of the product, they want to trim the said part of the rat bite, and the rest is still used. In reality, according to our department, it should be disposed of. The sack is made of poly cotton, while some are regular sacks (like thread). We want to demonstrate why it is not a good idea to utilize such products, but we need proof. Help me, please.

 

Is there any study or guidelines that can support this?

 

You need to look at the regulations you have to follow. The proof will be in the guidelines. 

[G M]

It seems like the better question is any more material contaminated, not if you can save part of an already contaminated bag.

 

Perhaps your managers will be able to accept the loss of one sack when posed with the question of how much more adjacent material needs to be checked for filth and possible disposal.  It seems unlikely that the rodent only interacted with one container.