What is a common sign of a pest issue seen on food packaging?

Damage to food packaging is a common sign of a pest issue because pests such as rodents and insects might gnaw through packaging materials to access food. When pests invade, they can leave behind evidence of their presence, such as bite marks, tears, or holes in plastic, cardboard, or other packaging types. This damage compromises the integrity of the packaging, rendering the food inside potentially unsafe. Identifying such damage is crucial for food safety, as it indicates that the food may have been contaminated or exposed to pests.

Other indicators like moisture, unusual odors, and color changes can suggest various issues, but they are not as directly tied to pest activity as damage to the packaging itself. Moisture might indicate a different problem, like improper storage conditions. Unusual odors can stem from spoilage rather than pest activity, while bright colors are typically not indicative of pest issues but may relate to packaging design or branding.