Video of mouse eating salmon at Farm Boy in Barrie, Ont. posted online

The Simcoe Muskoka health unit conducted an investigation following complaints that a mouse was inside a seafood display case eating salmon.

A video showing a mouse nibbling on a piece of salmon inside a Farm Boy grocery store in Barrie’s south end has caused a stir online, prompting a response from health officials and the grocer itself.

The video, posted to Reddit, shows the rodent sitting atop a fillet in the store’s seafood section, chewing away as it remains undisturbed. The footage quickly gained traction, with many users expressing concern over food safety standards at the store.

Online, reactions ranged from disgust to disbelief. Some Reddit users called for stronger pest control measures, while others joked about the mouse’s apparent good taste in seafood.

“That’s one well-fed mouse,” one commenter posted, while another called it “horrific.”

“Well that’s unsettling and adorable all at the same time,” another quipped.

Health Unit Investigates

After receiving a complaint about the incident, the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit launched an investigation.

“In accordance with the Ontario Public Health Standards, public health units are mandated to ensure 24/7 availability to receive reports of and respond to complaints,” said Steven Rebellato, vice-president of the health unit’s environmental health department.

He confirmed that a public health inspector looked into the matter within 24 hours. “The incident has been addressed with the facility,” he said.

“Upon our investigation we found there were no violations and in fact they were being super cooperative and provided all the information that we needed.,” said Tony Makrostergios, the health unit’s food safety program manager.

Farm Boy Responds

Farm Boy issued a statement acknowledging the incident and outlining the steps taken in response.

“We take this matter very seriously and took direct action, including the immediate removal and discarding of all products within the display case and conducting a thorough sanitation of the affected area,” said Aaron Wade, the company’s manager of public relations and community investment.

The store also said its pest control management company reviewed the building and put additional control measures in place.

“We are committed to upholding the highest standards of food safety, and cleanliness,” the statement added.

“They are safe. We did our investigation. We found no infractions. I would encourage the public that if they do have any questions, concerns or want to look up any sort of information about food premises to visit our website. That is where we post all of our inspection results including complaints,” Makrostergios concluded.