What is a potential consequence of poor pest management?

Poor pest management can significantly increase the risk of contamination in food establishments. When pests such as rodents, insects, or other vermin are present, they can carry harmful pathogens and contaminants that can transfer to food products. This leads to foodborne illnesses, which pose serious health risks to consumers and can result in outbreaks that not only harm individuals but also damage the reputation of food businesses.

Increased contamination risk is a direct result of pests being drawn to food sources, where they can contaminate food and surfaces with their droppings, urine, and other pathogens. Effective pest management is essential to minimize this risk, ensuring food safety and compliance with health regulations. This is why the option related to increased contamination risk is the correct answer.

The other options, which mention decreased food prices, improved customer satisfaction, and enhanced employee training, do not directly address the implications of poor pest management. In fact, they are generally positive outcomes that could arise from effective pest control and overall good management practices in food safety.