A severe rat infestation at the Norma central warehouse in Regenstauf has triggered an official misdemeanor proceeding by the Landratsamt Regensburg, according to reports from Bayerischer Rundfunk (BR). While state authorities and political representatives question the adequacy of food safety oversight, corporate management insists the facility is secure and denies that contaminated goods reached consumers.
Misdemeanor Proceedings Triggered at Regenstauf Facility
Compliance Orders Issued After Year-Long Infestation
According to documents obtained by BR, the rodent infestation at the Regenstauf central warehouse has persisted for approximately one year. Authorities from the Landratsamt Regensburg conducted an inspection in early September, subsequently issuing mandatory compliance orders. These requirements included repairing rolling garage gates to block pest entry points and executing active extermination measures.
Whistleblower Allegations Meet Corporate Denials
Anonymous internal whistleblowers cited by BR allege that management instructed workers to sort out only visibly chewed items, while products contaminated with rat urine and feces were allegedly wiped down and routed into regular retail distribution. Furthermore, sources claim that contaminated toilet paper was removed from sale areas and placed in employee restrooms instead. Norma rejected these allegations in a written statement, maintaining that disposal logs confirm proper destruction of compromised inventory. The company also stated that a follow-up inspection on September 16 yielded no further complaints from veterinary officials.
Disciplinary Warnings Overturned After Union Intervention
The facility’s internal safety measures also drew criticism after a works council member attempting to halt the handling of contaminated goods was issued disciplinary warnings. According to BR, the warehouse manager issued two formal reprimands and one warning before trade union intervention forced the company to rescind the disciplinary actions. Norma later stated that the warnings were withdrawn after review because no employee misconduct was established.
Parliamentary Scrutiny Follows Regulatory Action
In response to the disclosures, Anna Rasehorn, consumer protection spokesperson for the Social Democratic Party (SPD) in the Bavarian state parliament, submitted a formal inquiry to the state government regarding the timing of the September intervention and the overall adequacy of regional food safety inspections.
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