Former employee shares horrific images from a Coles warehouse

Content Warning: The following article contains disturbing images and descriptions of a rat infestation, which may be distressing to some readers. Discretion is advised.

We'd like to think that supermarkets store items in hygienic facilities before being sold to the public.

But there’s no way of telling for sure, is there?

Case in point: An employee at a Coles warehouse revealed horrifying images of what goes on inside the distribution centre.



A former employee of Coles discovered something unusual at the company’s Forest Lakes distribution centre in Heathwood, southwest of Brisbane: A large number of rodents had infested the facility!

While it was officially forbidden at the warehouse to use phones, the former employee still snuck his phone to take photos and videos of the rats.


lennon-cheng-T6v6_kIcmS0-unsplash.jpg
A former worker of Coles shared horrifying images of a rodent infestation in its warehouse. Credit: Unsplash




The photos from the facility showed the pests running across the floor—some had even chewed packs of toilet rolls and milk and soup stocks. Some photos revealed dead baby rats on top of items after making a mess.

The ex-employee also took a video of two rats facing against each other near a pallet with boxes of goods.

The former employee, who remained anonymous, said, ‘They rip into things like long-life milk — UP&GO is one of their favourites, especially the strawberry—and Campbell's stock and Arnott's biscuits.’

‘There's 100 per cent potential for some of their excrement to have seeped into the product,’ he added.



The former employee said that damaged items from the rat infestation were thrown out, and some of them would be sent to food banks.

Rats have become a major problem in the warehouse, causing a trail of destruction after gnawing the products.

‘It's a complete infestation and the rats are defecating and pissing all over the products. There are rat faeces everywhere and the stench is terrible,’ he said.

Some products were also left partially open, and when he would collect them, the contents inside would fall out. He said that, at one point, juice sprayed all over him when he picked them up after rats gnawed the product.



Screenshot 2023-11-06 at 9.24.07 AM.png
Rats were all over the Coles warehouse, creating a mess after gnawing on products. Credit: dailymail.co.uk




The horrible situation and the poor conditions inside the warehouse led to his decision to resign after six years of working at the facility.

The staff knew about this issue but they claimed that handling this problem wasn’t their responsibility.

Coles commented on the situation, stating that it 'takes food safety seriously and we work hard to keep a clean environment and we work hard to keep a clean environment in our stores and distribution centres.’

The spokesperson also added, ‘We have an integrated pest management system, which primarily focuses on keeping pests out, and then controlling pests should they find their way in.’



Working in a warehouse can be a challenging task, and it takes a lot of sacrifice for someone to work there. In a previous article, a 37-year-old worker lost his life after being crushed by falling pallets at a warehouse in Minchinbury. Read more about the story here.


Key Takeaways
  • A former worker at the Coles distribution centre in Brisbane's south-west shared shocking evidence of a rat infestation at the warehouse.
  • The former employee disclosed that there is a high chance rat faeces could be inside products that could be on supermarket shelves.
  • The worker, who chose to remain anonymous, reported that despite staff being notified about the issue, the problem was not addressed as they believed it wasn't their responsibility.
  • A spokesperson from Coles reiterated that the company takes food safety seriously, focusing on keeping pests out and controlling pests should they find their way in.

What do you think about this shocking discovery? Let us know in the comments below!
 
Sponsored
Content Warning: The following article contains disturbing images and descriptions of a rat infestation, which may be distressing to some readers. Discretion is advised.

We'd like to think that supermarkets store items in hygienic facilities before being sold to the public.

But there’s no way of telling for sure, is there?

Case in point: An employee at a Coles warehouse revealed horrifying images of what goes on inside the distribution centre.



A former employee of Coles discovered something unusual at the company’s Forest Lakes distribution centre in Heathwood, southwest of Brisbane: A large number of rodents had infested the facility!

While it was officially forbidden at the warehouse to use phones, the former employee still snuck his phone to take photos and videos of the rats.


View attachment 33960
A former worker of Coles shared horrifying images of a rodent infestation in its warehouse. Credit: Unsplash




The photos from the facility showed the pests running across the floor—some had even chewed packs of toilet rolls and milk and soup stocks. Some photos revealed dead baby rats on top of items after making a mess.

The ex-employee also took a video of two rats facing against each other near a pallet with boxes of goods.

The former employee, who remained anonymous, said, ‘They rip into things like long-life milk — UP&GO is one of their favourites, especially the strawberry—and Campbell's stock and Arnott's biscuits.’

‘There's 100 per cent potential for some of their excrement to have seeped into the product,’ he added.



The former employee said that damaged items from the rat infestation were thrown out, and some of them would be sent to food banks.

Rats have become a major problem in the warehouse, causing a trail of destruction after gnawing the products.

‘It's a complete infestation and the rats are defecating and pissing all over the products. There are rat faeces everywhere and the stench is terrible,’ he said.

Some products were also left partially open, and when he would collect them, the contents inside would fall out. He said that, at one point, juice sprayed all over him when he picked them up after rats gnawed the product.



View attachment 33959
Rats were all over the Coles warehouse, creating a mess after gnawing on products. Credit: dailymail.co.uk




The horrible situation and the poor conditions inside the warehouse led to his decision to resign after six years of working at the facility.

The staff knew about this issue but they claimed that handling this problem wasn’t their responsibility.

Coles commented on the situation, stating that it 'takes food safety seriously and we work hard to keep a clean environment and we work hard to keep a clean environment in our stores and distribution centres.’

The spokesperson also added, ‘We have an integrated pest management system, which primarily focuses on keeping pests out, and then controlling pests should they find their way in.’



Working in a warehouse can be a challenging task, and it takes a lot of sacrifice for someone to work there. In a previous article, a 37-year-old worker lost his life after being crushed by falling pallets at a warehouse in Minchinbury. Read more about the story here.


Key Takeaways

  • A former worker at the Coles distribution centre in Brisbane's south-west shared shocking evidence of a rat infestation at the warehouse.
  • The former employee disclosed that there is a high chance rat faeces could be inside products that could be on supermarket shelves.
  • The worker, who chose to remain anonymous, reported that despite staff being notified about the issue, the problem was not addressed as they believed it wasn't their responsibility.
  • A spokesperson from Coles reiterated that the company takes food safety seriously, focusing on keeping pests out and controlling pests should they find their way in.

What do you think about this shocking discovery? Let us know in the comments below!
Probably happens in many warehouses. If the rats are multiplying and hungry they will eat anything. And fight over it. There would have to be some sort of concerted effort to plug any holes in walls etc. Best prevention is a terrier. Though the company would have to feed it and someone would have to look after it/them it could be done. Council use them as rat catchers
 
Content Warning: The following article contains disturbing images and descriptions of a rat infestation, which may be distressing to some readers. Discretion is advised.

We'd like to think that supermarkets store items in hygienic facilities before being sold to the public.

But there’s no way of telling for sure, is there?

Case in point: An employee at a Coles warehouse revealed horrifying images of what goes on inside the distribution centre.



A former employee of Coles discovered something unusual at the company’s Forest Lakes distribution centre in Heathwood, southwest of Brisbane: A large number of rodents had infested the facility!

While it was officially forbidden at the warehouse to use phones, the former employee still snuck his phone to take photos and videos of the rats.


View attachment 33960
A former worker of Coles shared horrifying images of a rodent infestation in its warehouse. Credit: Unsplash




The photos from the facility showed the pests running across the floor—some had even chewed packs of toilet rolls and milk and soup stocks. Some photos revealed dead baby rats on top of items after making a mess.

The ex-employee also took a video of two rats facing against each other near a pallet with boxes of goods.

The former employee, who remained anonymous, said, ‘They rip into things like long-life milk — UP&GO is one of their favourites, especially the strawberry—and Campbell's stock and Arnott's biscuits.’

‘There's 100 per cent potential for some of their excrement to have seeped into the product,’ he added.



The former employee said that damaged items from the rat infestation were thrown out, and some of them would be sent to food banks.

Rats have become a major problem in the warehouse, causing a trail of destruction after gnawing the products.

‘It's a complete infestation and the rats are defecating and pissing all over the products. There are rat faeces everywhere and the stench is terrible,’ he said.

Some products were also left partially open, and when he would collect them, the contents inside would fall out. He said that, at one point, juice sprayed all over him when he picked them up after rats gnawed the product.



View attachment 33959
Rats were all over the Coles warehouse, creating a mess after gnawing on products. Credit: dailymail.co.uk




The horrible situation and the poor conditions inside the warehouse led to his decision to resign after six years of working at the facility.

The staff knew about this issue but they claimed that handling this problem wasn’t their responsibility.

Coles commented on the situation, stating that it 'takes food safety seriously and we work hard to keep a clean environment and we work hard to keep a clean environment in our stores and distribution centres.’

The spokesperson also added, ‘We have an integrated pest management system, which primarily focuses on keeping pests out, and then controlling pests should they find their way in.’



Working in a warehouse can be a challenging task, and it takes a lot of sacrifice for someone to work there. In a previous article, a 37-year-old worker lost his life after being crushed by falling pallets at a warehouse in Minchinbury. Read more about the story here.


Key Takeaways

  • A former worker at the Coles distribution centre in Brisbane's south-west shared shocking evidence of a rat infestation at the warehouse.
  • The former employee disclosed that there is a high chance rat faeces could be inside products that could be on supermarket shelves.
  • The worker, who chose to remain anonymous, reported that despite staff being notified about the issue, the problem was not addressed as they believed it wasn't their responsibility.
  • A spokesperson from Coles reiterated that the company takes food safety seriously, focusing on keeping pests out and controlling pests should they find their way in.

What do you think about this shocking discovery? Let us know in the comments below!
Typical response from Coles....just an airy fairy reply which did not address the issue at all!
 
Probably happens in many warehouses. If the rats are multiplying and hungry they will eat anything. And fight over it. There would have to be some sort of concerted effort to plug any holes in walls etc. Best prevention is a terrier. Though the company would have to feed it and someone would have to look after it/them it could be done. Council use them as rat catchers
Shnauzers are good rat catchers too
 
In any urban environment, you are never more than 2 metres from a rat. May not be in plain site, but they live in sewers, drains, compost heaps. Anywhere there is food available you will find a nest of rats. If it was visible in stores then I think they would have a lot of questions to answer.
 
Content Warning: The following article contains disturbing images and descriptions of a rat infestation, which may be distressing to some readers. Discretion is advised.

We'd like to think that supermarkets store items in hygienic facilities before being sold to the public.

But there’s no way of telling for sure, is there?

Case in point: An employee at a Coles warehouse revealed horrifying images of what goes on inside the distribution centre.



A former employee of Coles discovered something unusual at the company’s Forest Lakes distribution centre in Heathwood, southwest of Brisbane: A large number of rodents had infested the facility!

While it was officially forbidden at the warehouse to use phones, the former employee still snuck his phone to take photos and videos of the rats.


View attachment 33960
A former worker of Coles shared horrifying images of a rodent infestation in its warehouse. Credit: Unsplash




The photos from the facility showed the pests running across the floor—some had even chewed packs of toilet rolls and milk and soup stocks. Some photos revealed dead baby rats on top of items after making a mess.

The ex-employee also took a video of two rats facing against each other near a pallet with boxes of goods.

The former employee, who remained anonymous, said, ‘They rip into things like long-life milk — UP&GO is one of their favourites, especially the strawberry—and Campbell's stock and Arnott's biscuits.’

‘There's 100 per cent potential for some of their excrement to have seeped into the product,’ he added.



The former employee said that damaged items from the rat infestation were thrown out, and some of them would be sent to food banks.

Rats have become a major problem in the warehouse, causing a trail of destruction after gnawing the products.

‘It's a complete infestation and the rats are defecating and pissing all over the products. There are rat faeces everywhere and the stench is terrible,’ he said.

Some products were also left partially open, and when he would collect them, the contents inside would fall out. He said that, at one point, juice sprayed all over him when he picked them up after rats gnawed the product.



View attachment 33959
Rats were all over the Coles warehouse, creating a mess after gnawing on products. Credit: dailymail.co.uk




The horrible situation and the poor conditions inside the warehouse led to his decision to resign after six years of working at the facility.

The staff knew about this issue but they claimed that handling this problem wasn’t their responsibility.

Coles commented on the situation, stating that it 'takes food safety seriously and we work hard to keep a clean environment and we work hard to keep a clean environment in our stores and distribution centres.’

The spokesperson also added, ‘We have an integrated pest management system, which primarily focuses on keeping pests out, and then controlling pests should they find their way in.’



Working in a warehouse can be a challenging task, and it takes a lot of sacrifice for someone to work there. In a previous article, a 37-year-old worker lost his life after being crushed by falling pallets at a warehouse in Minchinbury. Read more about the story here.


Key Takeaways

  • A former worker at the Coles distribution centre in Brisbane's south-west shared shocking evidence of a rat infestation at the warehouse.
  • The former employee disclosed that there is a high chance rat faeces could be inside products that could be on supermarket shelves.
  • The worker, who chose to remain anonymous, reported that despite staff being notified about the issue, the problem was not addressed as they believed it wasn't their responsibility.
  • A spokesperson from Coles reiterated that the company takes food safety seriously, focusing on keeping pests out and controlling pests should they find their way in.

What do you think about this shocking discovery? Let us know in the comments below!
Wow disgusting
 
  • Like
Reactions: Granny*Deb
If serious about rodent problems they need some good rodent catchers. Firstly Shnauzers, small terriers and Manx cats are amazingly good ratters. There is also those special electric plug in units that work immediately. Go forth and get rid of the little trouble makers.
It's not only Coles with this problem
My nephew worked at the major distribution centre for Woolworths in Sydney. He left after 4 weeks because his bosses advised him to just work around the rat's. Nice healthy working environment so needless to say he left. He values his health and that of his family. One of his work mates got home from work one evening. Popped his work bag on the kitchen bench then his daughter says what's in your bag Daddy, did you get me a kitten. Unzipped his bag and out popped a rat. He resigned too.
 
  • Angry
Reactions: Defiant540
Probably happens in many warehouses. If the rats are multiplying and hungry they will eat anything. And fight over it. There would have to be some sort of concerted effort to plug any holes in walls etc. Best prevention is a terrier. Though the company would have to feed it and someone would have to look after it/them it could be done. Council use them as rat catchers
Unfortunately you are not allowed to have a Foxy dog on the premises to catch the rats, and the little mongrels can get through the tiniest hole and multiply faster than rabbits.
 
Content Warning: The following article contains disturbing images and descriptions of a rat infestation, which may be distressing to some readers. Discretion is advised.

We'd like to think that supermarkets store items in hygienic facilities before being sold to the public.

But there’s no way of telling for sure, is there?

Case in point: An employee at a Coles warehouse revealed horrifying images of what goes on inside the distribution centre.



A former employee of Coles discovered something unusual at the company’s Forest Lakes distribution centre in Heathwood, southwest of Brisbane: A large number of rodents had infested the facility!

While it was officially forbidden at the warehouse to use phones, the former employee still snuck his phone to take photos and videos of the rats.


View attachment 33960
A former worker of Coles shared horrifying images of a rodent infestation in its warehouse. Credit: Unsplash




The photos from the facility showed the pests running across the floor—some had even chewed packs of toilet rolls and milk and soup stocks. Some photos revealed dead baby rats on top of items after making a mess.

The ex-employee also took a video of two rats facing against each other near a pallet with boxes of goods.

The former employee, who remained anonymous, said, ‘They rip into things like long-life milk — UP&GO is one of their favourites, especially the strawberry—and Campbell's stock and Arnott's biscuits.’

‘There's 100 per cent potential for some of their excrement to have seeped into the product,’ he added.



The former employee said that damaged items from the rat infestation were thrown out, and some of them would be sent to food banks.

Rats have become a major problem in the warehouse, causing a trail of destruction after gnawing the products.

‘It's a complete infestation and the rats are defecating and pissing all over the products. There are rat faeces everywhere and the stench is terrible,’ he said.

Some products were also left partially open, and when he would collect them, the contents inside would fall out. He said that, at one point, juice sprayed all over him when he picked them up after rats gnawed the product.



View attachment 33959
Rats were all over the Coles warehouse, creating a mess after gnawing on products. Credit: dailymail.co.uk




The horrible situation and the poor conditions inside the warehouse led to his decision to resign after six years of working at the facility.

The staff knew about this issue but they claimed that handling this problem wasn’t their responsibility.

Coles commented on the situation, stating that it 'takes food safety seriously and we work hard to keep a clean environment and we work hard to keep a clean environment in our stores and distribution centres.’

The spokesperson also added, ‘We have an integrated pest management system, which primarily focuses on keeping pests out, and then controlling pests should they find their way in.’



Working in a warehouse can be a challenging task, and it takes a lot of sacrifice for someone to work there. In a previous article, a 37-year-old worker lost his life after being crushed by falling pallets at a warehouse in Minchinbury. Read more about the story here.


Key Takeaways

  • A former worker at the Coles distribution centre in Brisbane's south-west shared shocking evidence of a rat infestation at the warehouse.
  • The former employee disclosed that there is a high chance rat faeces could be inside products that could be on supermarket shelves.
  • The worker, who chose to remain anonymous, reported that despite staff being notified about the issue, the problem was not addressed as they believed it wasn't their responsibility.
  • A spokesperson from Coles reiterated that the company takes food safety seriously, focusing on keeping pests out and controlling pests should they find their way in.

What do you think about this shocking discovery? Let us know in the comments below!
This happens in any building (business or private) it is now part of life - it's just that some places are ten time worse. I have known private homes like this.
 
You would think if they make millions from us buying they product & yet can't afford to get the place sprayed to get rid of the mice & rats. If they like I will buy them some mice/rat traps & they can buy the cheese to go on them.. LOL! Come on Coles... you are going to lose customers from this if you don't pull up your pants & do something about it.
 
I can confirm this as well having worked at Coles for many years. Store staff often go to local warehouses to assist with stocktake. I also worked as night fill manager and have seen many boxes that hungry mice have chomped into. I doubt that Coles is the only guilty warehouse though.
 
Spraying can contaminate products in warehouses. Traps might be better but how many do you use and who has to clear them next day? Think of all the grain we have consumed in the past when they had mice plagues in parts of the country!!!! We would be starving if we considered those mice plagues before eating.
 
Coles is not just the only place where rats and mice visit. Consider all places that house food or food packages. And mice, rats and even cockroaches come out at night most of the time. Who is going to keep watch?
 

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