A photograph taken by a staff member at a Countdown supermarket in Dunedin revealed two rats between the shelves. The photograph was made public by the Otago Daily Times, leading to discussions about hygiene standards in the retail food industry.
Shoppers expressed concerns about cleanliness, with some considering shopping at competitors like Pak ‘n Save instead, as reported by some media outlets in NZ. The incident raised questions about pest control measures and cleanliness standards in supermarkets.
Countdown responded by implementing enhanced cleaning protocols, pest control measures, and a commitment to transparency. The Ministry for Primary Industries also intervened to ensure measures were in place to prevent future occurrences.