The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) also sees an increase in the number of emergency closures of food companies due to serious pest problems in 2024. The NVWA closed 65 stores and hospitality establishments. This is nearly a doubling compared to 2023 when 34 companies had to temporarily close their doors. In most cases, it was due to a mouse infestation, while in other cases it was due to problems with rats and cockroaches.
Most emergency closures occurred in the Randstad. In Amsterdam, there were 19 emergency closures, in Zaandam 8, and in Utrecht, Rotterdam, Leiden, and Haarlem each 3. The remaining emergency closures occurred throughout the Netherlands.
Closure
When NVWA inspectors identify serious risks to public health, they can temporarily close a business with urgency. This is the most severe measure that the NVWA can impose. Serious pest problems, such as mice, can be a reason for this, as they spread bacteria and diseases through their droppings. A business may only reopen when all contaminated food has been removed, the premises have been thoroughly cleaned, and effective measures have been taken to combat and keep pests out. The NVWA then conducts a re-inspection.
Information for entrepreneurs
Pests have no place in kitchens, restaurants, or other areas where food is prepared and sold. Therefore, entrepreneurs in the food industry are required to actively prevent pests. If traces of mice or other pests are found, the NVWA advises hiring a professional pest controller. This increases the effectiveness of pest control.
Entrepreneurs can find a lot of information about the risks of pests, ways to prevent and control pests with the help of a pest controller, on the NVWA website: www.nvwa.nl/muizen. In recent years, entrepreneurs have also been approached directly to inform them about this information and a special checklist they can use.
Reporting mice
Consumers who encounter mice, rats, pigeons, cockroaches, flies, or other pests in a hospitality establishment or food business can report this to the NVWA. This can be done via 0900-03 88 (standard call costs) or via the online form on the NVWA website.
More information
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