What Should a Restaurant Do After Finding Rodent Droppings?

An employee has spotted rodent droppings near the kitchen. What should we do now?

If rodent droppings have been spotted in a kitchen or restaurant, you should stop using the affected area immediately. Inspect nearby food, packaging, and equipment for further evidence of rodents. Here are some signs to look out for:

• Unexplained grease marks
• Track marks from rodent paws or tails
• Damaged or gnawed products or equipment
• Shredded paper or cardboard

Any food or single-use items that are contaminated, gnawed, or stored in damaged packaging should be discarded safely. 

Safely removing rodent droppings

Do not sweep or vacuum dry droppings, as this can spread contaminated dust through the air. 

1. Make sure staff wear suitable protective equipment and ventilate the area where appropriate 
2. Wet the droppings with an approved disinfectant
3. After the required product contact time has passed, carefully collect the waste
4. Seal it in a bag, and dispose of it in accordance with local requirements 
5. Clean and sanitize the surrounding surfaces before returning the area to use

Contact a licensed rodent control professional promptly. The technician can determine the scale of the infestation and identify entry points. They will establish a treatment and monitoring program tailored to your needs. 

Best practice for excluding rodents

Depending on the extent and location of the rodent activity, food service may need to stop, and the local health authority may need to be notified. You should:

• Check seals around doors, pipes, drains, and gaps.
• Review food storage, rubbish handling, and cleaning practices
• Check ingredients for damage or contamination
• Store ingredients in sealed containers that are raised off of the floor
• Record what was found and discarded, as well as action taken

Your technician will also provide you with documentation of your inspections, treatment, and any follow-up.