Rodent droppings found at Ebac at Aycliffe Business Park
Ebac, at Aycliffe Business Park, was told major improvement was necessary after inspectors visited the factory on January 8.Β
Food safety officers found evidence of mouse activity within the premises, which it said presented a βserious risk of contaminationβ.Β
In particular, an accumulation of rodent droppings were found underneath the sink unit, kitchen cupboards, and behind the upright fridges.Β
A spokesperson for Ebac, which manufactures dehumidifiers, washing machines and water coolers, said it was βdisappointedβ by the inspection.Β
The firm said it took immediate action and shut the canteen ahead of a deep clean.Β
Other smaller issues found during the inspection included inspectors not being able to establish whether an antibacterial cleanser was of the right standard and there were no robust procedures in place for the effective management of allergens.Β
A full statement from Ebac said: βWe were disappointed to receive a one-star rating following the inspection of our employee canteen in January.
The inspection took place shortly after our annual two-week December shutdown.Β
βUpon reopening in early January, evidence of fresh rodent activity was identified beneath a sink unit within the kitchen area.
“As soon as this was brought to our attention, we took immediate action. The canteen was voluntarily closed the same day, and a full deep clean was carried out.Β
βWe also implemented an action plan with additional pest control measures and strengthened our monitoring procedures.
βA follow-up inspection was conducted within a week, and the canteen was permitted to reopen with no further actions required.
βThis facility is a small, internal canteen provided for employees, and we have historically maintained a five-star food hygiene rating.Β
βWe take food safety extremely seriously and acted quickly to resolve the issue.
βThe health and wellbeing of our employees remains our priority, and we are confident that the matter has been fully addressed”.