Final answer:
Upon discovering fresh rat droppings in a food establishment, it is recommended to cease operations until the area is sanitized and pests are controlled. Notify the health department and place traps strategically to monitor the situation.
Step-by-step explanation:
Upon discovering fresh rat droppings in a food establishment, the recommended action is to cease operations until the area is sanitized and pests are controlled. This is because rat droppings can contaminate food and spread diseases such as leptospirosis and salmonellosis. Continuing operations without addressing the pest issue can pose health risks to customers and compromise food safety.
It is important to notify the health department about the presence of rats and take appropriate actions to eliminate them. This may involve placing traps strategically to catch the rats and monitor the situation.