Vincent Arbuckle, deputy director-general of New Zealand Food Safety, argues that consumers should not simply tolerate the presence of pests in supermarkets as a normal occurrence. Customers lose confidence and trust to buy supermarkets if they find running rats while they shopping which also affects the risk of food safety.

Countdown supermarkets across New Zealand are grappling with rodents infiltrating their premises, particularly in South Dunedin and Christchurch. This persistent problem has raised significant concerns among consumers regarding the safety of their food purchases and the hygiene standards within these supermarkets.

South Dunedin Countdown Closed Amid Rat Surge

The situation at the Countdown supermarket in South Dunedin has escalated to the point where the store had to cease operations temporarily. Pest controllers discovered an alarming increase in rat activity, trapping nearly 20 rodents since Friday. This surge in rat numbers has forced the closure of the supermarket, indicating the severity of the infestation and the urgent need for comprehensive pest control measures.

Christchurch’s Eastgate Countdown Also Under Scrutiny

In Christchurch, the Eastgate Countdown store is facing its own set of challenges related to rodent infestations.

Dunedin South Countdown has been closed since last Friday amid an ongoing issue with rats, while shocking video has emerged from Eastgate Countdown in Christchurch showing a mouse crawling over an uncovered ready-to-eat salad in the deli cabinet. There were two sales from the deli after the mouse was filmed, although the salad it crawled on was disposed of.

New Zealand Food Safety deputy director-general Vincent Arbuckle said people should expect better. This incident, coupled with previous reports of rodent issues, has led to heightened scrutiny and investigations into the store’s pest management practices.

Consumer Safety at Risk

The presence of rodents in supermarkets poses significant risks to consumer safety, as it increases the likelihood of food contamination and compromises hygiene standards. While there is currently no evidence of contaminated food being sold, the mere presence of pests within these establishments is cause for concern and underscores the importance of swift action to address the issue.

Countdown has taken proactive measures to address the rodent problem, including deploying pest control contractors and implementing additional measures to curb infestations. However, despite these efforts, challenges persist, and the closure of the South Dunedin store reflects the magnitude of the issue. Woolworths, the owner of Countdown, faces the challenge of restoring consumer confidence and ensuring the effectiveness of their pest management strategies.

Advice for Consumers

Consumers are advised to remain vigilant when shopping at supermarkets and to report any concerns regarding food safety promptly. Heightened awareness of hygiene practices, such as checking packaging for signs of damage or contamination, can help mitigate risks associated with rodent infestations. By working together with regulatory authorities and retailers, consumers can play a vital role in safeguarding public health and maintaining trust in the food industry

Government Action and Future Steps

In response to the rodent incidents, New Zealand Food Safety has launched investigations and enlisted external assistance to evaluate pest management processes across Countdown supermarkets. These efforts aim to identify areas for improvement and implement long-term solutions to prevent future infestations. The outcome of these investigations will be crucial in ensuring the safety and well-being of consumers.