South Dunedin’s Woolworths, previously known as Countdown, has encountered yet another couple of rat sightings, approximately a month after taking extensive pest eradication measures.
After almost three weeks of closure for pest control purposes, the supermarket reopened its doors on February 28th.
Vincent Arbuckle, the deputy director-general of New Zealand Food Safety told state media outlet RNZ two rats were captured subsequent to the store’s reopening. Nevertheless, he said he was satisfied with Woolworths’ ongoing commitment to pest management.
A food compliance officer continues to oversee the pest control efforts during routine visits to the store. ‘Occasional’ rodents were to be expeced in supermarkets due to their scale and layout.
Meanwhile, New Zealand Food Safety has launched an investigation into the recurring issue.
The problem initially surfaced in October 2023, with numerous rats being captured since then. Initially presumed to be infiltrating the building, evidence in February suggested rats had nested inside the walls.
Woolworths director of New Zealand stores Jason Stockill said the limited number of rats captured showed pest management strategies to date had been effective.
‘Pest management is a fundamental aspect of running a food business, and we are deeply committed to fulfilling our obligations in this area,’ Stockill affirmed. ‘We remain in close collaboration with Rentokil and New Zealand Food Safety nationwide.’
Image credit: DSD
The rats that were captured: Why not put them on a piece of polystyrene and cover with clingfilm, put on a sell-by date and put them in the meat section?
Include a cup of rice and some 5 spice powder.
Label them vegan.
Klaus Schwab says, “eat ze bugs”.
Perhaps, “eat ze rodents” is better or “dass ist besser” as he might say. It’s more environmentally friendly.
Now fishing is fun, but you need to set up the bait and then wait a few hours.
Catching rodents, you just need to leave a rotting bin bag outside that’s been festering in the sun for a week, set your alarm clock for 3am and then just catch them. East as. Free food!