According to a report by 1News, a Christchurch supermarket, Eastgate Countdown, faced scrutiny after a mouse was discovered in its deli section. The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) initiated an investigation following the emergence of video footage depicting the mouse in the store’s deli last week.
Woolworths, the parent company of Countdown, disclosed that two sales were conducted from the deli after the mouse sighting, with efforts made to contact the affected customers. However, only one customer could be reached, urging the unidentified customer to get in touch for resolution.
Woolworths admitted that while two contaminated bowls were promptly removed and disposed of, the remainder of the deli’s food was not immediately discarded, a failure in following proper procedures as acknowledged by New Zealand Food Safety’s deputy director general, Vincent Arbuckle. This prompted Woolworths to undertake retraining measures at Countdown Eastgate.
MPI expressed dissatisfaction with the handling of the situation, emphasising that immediate disposal of the deli counter’s food should have occurred upon detecting the mouse. Consequently, a review of Woolworths’ pest management and maintenance processes across its New Zealand operations is underway to ensure compliance with food safety standards.
The incident at Eastgate Countdown is not an isolated case, as recent weeks have witnessed several instances of rodents infiltrating supermarkets. Foodstuffs confirmed the discovery of a mouse at Pak’n Save’s Lincoln Road store in West Auckland, swiftly dealt with upon notification.
In a separate occurrence, Dunedin South Countdown remains closed after trapping 23 rats over the past week, with Woolworths confirming the capture of another rodent within the last 24 hours, bringing the total to 24. The store will remain closed until a 48-hour period elapses without further captures, in accordance with an agreement with New Zealand Food Safety.
MPI continues to investigate these incidents, highlighting the heightened vigilance required in ensuring food safety standards are upheld across retail establishments.