Is the Birdie Dirty?

Birds are a beautiful thing of nature and should be respected and admired accordingly.

However, they do not belong in the interior of a food service or food processing establishment. The possibility of contamination is why Health Departments deem it as a “Critical” food safety violation. Birds have been the source of the following pathogenic microorganisms: Campylobacter, e-coli, Listeria and Salmonella. The transfer of fecal matter is the problem, whether is directly on/in a food product or transferred from the soles of your shoes, it can cause illness.

Avian influenza virus, H5N1 or H7N9 is another topic of conversation of possible pandemic proportions if the viral infection adapts and mutates.

Food service establishments should be proactive when it comes to bird control; eliminating harborage areas, keeping receiving doors closed, fixing holes and having bird deterrents are all part of a solid integrated pest management system. If a bird does get into the interior of a building it should be removed humanely with a net or trap or corralled out to the exterior, not executed.

I have seen some interesting things in regards to bird infestation. Poop directly on produce, in processed food and on product packaging, not to mention the bottom of my shoes from excessive geese manure accumulation by the Hudson River. I have also witnessed birds feeding on rice in a store, than drinking water from refrigeration condensation. They also have a 6th sense when they feel threatened and change their activity pattern accordingly, some get wise to their surroundings, others confusion and panicked when confined to a small area.

So, you have to ask yourself the next time a New York City pigeon blesses your shoulder or head with a well-aimed, watery, pathogenic laden, multi-colored dropping…am I really lucky?

Dave Walpuck CP-FS

For more information regarding food safety, please visit foodsafetystories.com.