A spokesman for the Ministry for Primary Industries confirmed yesterday there had been "a small number of rat captures" at Dunedin South Woolworths (formerly known as Countdown Dunedin South) since the store reopened on February 28.
The business was closed for 18 days following numerous sightings and captures of rodents in-store.
Twenty-three rats were caught while it was closed.
"A food compliance officer continues to visit [the supermarket] and monitor pest-control activities," MPI said yesterday.
"We are satisfied that Woolworths has maintained its focus on pest management since the store reopened."
Woolworths NZ declined to comment yesterday.
In response to an Official Information Act request, an MPI spokesman said six South Island supermarkets other than Dunedin South Woolworths had been investigated for rodent activity in the past five years — with "rodent infestations" identified at three of them.
"Once identified, the infestations were quickly resolved at these three sites.
"It is very hard to be precise about the likely period of an infestation, as the issue may present itself as low-level activity."
It had worked with New World St Martins, Countdown Ferrymead and Countdown Hornby to "implement necessary corrective actions to manage rodent activity" in 2019 and 2020.
The stores were not closed.
"None of these three infestations were of the size and duration of the one at Dunedin South."
He said there was evidence of rodent activity in all three stores, but rodents were sighted at only one of the stores.
"However, it’s important to note that stores have rodent incursions from time to time, and we are not always involved right from the start.
"We also do not always count sightings or captures during an investigation. The need to monitor sightings and captures is determined by evidence we gather and how well the store is managing the situation.
"The stores resolved the issues to our satisfaction, and this is a good example of our food safety system working as intended."
MPI food compliance and response director Jenny Bishop said the three investigations involving potential signs of rodent activity and a potential rodent sighting were referred to the food businesses third-party verifier for its records, and consideration at its next verification visit.
"The information is held on file at New Zealand Food Safety should any further complaints be received about the food businesses."
None of the six investigations resulted in prosecution, she said.
New Zealand Food Safety’s approach to non-compliance was based on a graduated enforcement model that includes voluntary, assisted, directed and enforced interventions.
The voluntary and assisted aspects of the model involve "working with the food businesses by way of discussion and written letters to ensure sustained behavioural change and compliance with the Food Act", she said.
Corrective actions could include consulting pest control contractors, trapping and removal of pests, chemical controls such as bait stations, sanitisation and hygiene, sealing gaps to prevent pests entering the premises, and implementing prevention measures.
"Rodents can contaminate food and surfaces and should not be around food. Food businesses are required to have pest management plans in place to manage rodent incursions."
An MPI spokesman said potential signs of rodent activity could include droppings, unpleasant or sharp odours, holes or gnaw marks, and signs of bait being eaten.
A potential rodent sighting was one that was reported rather than camera-recorded evidence.
The ODT made the initial OIA request on February 26, but MPI delayed the response until this week after requesting and receiving an extension.
