In stored-food infestations by mice, the greatest loss is due to what?

In stored-food infestations by mice, the greatest loss is due to what?

• A. Direct consumption
• B. Contamination
• C. Mold growth
• D. Disease

Answer: (B)

Contamination is the main source of loss when mice infest stored foods. Their droppings, urine, saliva, and shed hair contaminate many units and surfaces, making the entire lot unsafe or unsellable. This drives disposal costs, cleaning, potential recalls, and regulatory issues, so the economic hit comes from contaminated product rather than from the amount the mice actually eat. While direct consumption, mold, or disease can be concerns, they occur within the broader contamination problem and do not account for as large an overall loss.

Contamination is the main source of loss when mice infest stored foods. Their droppings, urine, saliva, and shed hair contaminate many units and surfaces, making the entire lot unsafe or unsellable. This drives disposal costs, cleaning, potential recalls, and regulatory issues, so the economic hit comes from contaminated product rather than from the amount the mice actually eat. While direct consumption, mold, or disease can be concerns, they occur within the broader contamination problem and do not account for as large an overall loss.