How can pests be a food safety hazard?

Pests are a significant food safety hazard primarily because they can carry and transmit pathogens that contaminate food. Many common pests, such as rodents and insects, can harbor a variety of harmful microorganisms. These pathogens can include bacteria, viruses, and parasites, which can lead to foodborne illnesses when they contaminate food sources. When pests infest food storage areas or food preparation spaces, they can facilitate the transfer of these pathogens onto food products, utensils, surfaces, and equipment. As a result, even a small presence of pests can pose a serious risk to food safety, making this factor crucial in food establishment operations and hygiene practices.

Other options, while they may highlight issues related to pests, do not directly relate to food safety in the same critical way. For instance, while pests may eat leftover food or cause structural damage, these factors do not necessarily lead to a direct contamination of food. Increasing the cost of food due to pest presence also points to economic concerns rather than food safety risks. Thus, the ability of pests to transmit harmful pathogens and cause direct contamination is what makes their presence a serious concern in maintaining food safety.