The Food Retail sector faces threats from pests from multiple sources.

Large stores can stock tens of thousands of products from multiple sources with complex supply chains, requiring efficient monitoring and control procedures for supplies brought onto the premises.

Food handling activities range from raw meat and fish preparation, fresh dairy products, freshly cooked foods and bakery products, fresh fruit and vegetables, in addition to packaged goods.

It is important for businesses of all sizes to maintain sanitation standards and actively prevent pest infestation.

The presence of pests can cause enormous economic loss to the business owner, staff and suppliers.

The potential consequences of failure to maintain standards for the Food Retail sector include:

• damage to reputation and customer trust;
• lost sales and profits due to loss of customers;
• financial loss from cost of replacing damaged products;
• financial loss from claims for compensation;
• prosecution by public health and regulatory authorities;
• financial loss from fines from authorities;
• closure of the business by regulatory authorities or public health authorities.

The major pests affecting the Food Retail sector include rats, mice, flies, cockroach, ants and birds.