– The store manager said they thought it was old droppings, so they had not been in a hurry to clean it up, says environmental and health protection inspector Maria Borg.
Shouldn’t you also clean up old droppings?
– Yes, we assumed they would do that. One problem with not cleaning it out is that you don’t see if new ones are added.
On the environmental inspectors’ return visit, a dead rodent was also found in a trap outside the store. The store staff had not discovered it themselves and had no idea how long it had been there.
The store is taking action
In addition, the inspectors found old rat droppings, which had not been cleaned up since the previous inspection, in the warehouse. Rat poo that the staff themselves did not discover.
– We should not have rodents in our store and we are now taking even more measures to get rid of them, says Therese Knapp, press secretary at Coop.
Among other things, the cargo doors must be sealed and a door replaced. In addition, the store puts in more cleaning and sanitation.
Repeated occasions
The municipality has now issued an injunction with a running fine of SEK 20,000 every time rat droppings are found. There is also an item with a running fine of SEK 20,000 per inspection that leaky doors from the warehouse are found.
– It is a major measure. It is possible to decide on an injunction without a fine, but in this case, based on history, a fine was judged to be what was required to achieve effect, says Maria Borg.
Tracks only on the floors
The store has previously had problems with pests. Two years ago, mice were found in the store.
– In between, we have had no problems with rodents. We are now working intensively. We can say to our customers that we have only seen traces of rats on the floor, not among the food, says Therese Knapp.