What is a common sign of a pest problem in a food establishment?

Pest droppings are a direct and visible indication of a pest problem in a food establishment. These droppings can vary in size and shape depending on the type of pest, such as rats, mice, or insects. Finding pest droppings suggests that there are pests present, which could potentially compromise food safety and hygiene. It's important for food handlers to regularly inspect for these signs to ensure that any pest issues are addressed promptly, as they can lead to contamination of food and surfaces, posing health risks to customers.

In contrast, having clean floors, frequent customer complaints, or empty trash cans may not necessarily indicate a pest issue. Clean floors could suggest good hygiene practices, while customer complaints could originate from various sources unrelated to pests. Empty trash cans, while generally a good practice for cleanliness, do not automatically indicate the presence or absence of pests. Therefore, the presence of pest droppings is a critical sign that a food establishment needs to investigate and resolve a potential pest issue immediately.