Delta's Rodent Problem: Droppings 'Too Numerous to Count' Found On Plane

Well this is just grand: A Delta Airlines plane was grounded after rodent droppings "too numerous to count" were found by the plane's galley where food and beverages are stored, Bloomberg reports.

The Food and Drug Administration wrote a letter to the airline showing that droppings and urine were found during inspections between January 26th and February 2nd. News.com.au wrote that droppings were found in the left front galleys and urine traces were found on six galley ceiling areas.

The FDA told Bloomberg that Federal regulations require "all places where food is prepared, served, or stored shall be constructed and maintained as to be clean and free from flies, rodents and other vermin."

An Atlanta wildlife expert told Bloomberg that the animal in question was likely a roof rat, a species found abundantly in Atlanta.

A Delta spokeswoman told Bloomberg that the airline takes the case "very seriously". The airline parked the jet, caught the animal "humanely" and returned the plane to service within a few days.