When mice infest food, what is the primary loss attributed to their presence?

The primary loss attributed to mice infestations in food is indeed related to the contamination of food, leading to waste. Mice are known carriers of various pathogens and can contaminate food supplies with their droppings, urine, and fur. When food becomes contaminated, it is no longer safe for consumption, resulting in significant waste. This contamination not only leads to the direct loss of food but can also have serious public health implications, as consuming contaminated food can cause foodborne illnesses.

While the food that mice consume and the damage they may cause to packaging are indeed factors in evaluating the overall impact of an infestation, the most significant financial and health risk comes from the potential for widespread contamination. Additionally, the number of mice caught does not directly translate to loss in the same way that contamination does, as it does not account for the total impact of food safety and waste generation. Therefore, the contamination of food and the resulting waste are the most critical concerns in the context of mice infestations in food supplies.