Pest Control in Food Industry Facilities refers to controlling, managing, and removing pests. Pest control management in food industry establishments is focused on ensuring that pests do not have access to a food facility in any way. It involves implementing various control methods and procedures that ensure pests cannot enter and contaminate food products and surfaces. Common pests that industry professionals should be concerned about include cockroaches, flies, rodents, ants, birds, and, inadvertently, employees.
All pests are drawn to food and moisture. Even the smallest morsel left out can bring pests like cockroaches, flies, ants, and rodents; and once they come, it can be difficult to get rid of them. It isn’t just a nuisance for food industry professionals—it is a serious issue.
Pests can:
a. Carry various diseases and bacteria: Rodents can transmit diseases like salmonellosis and hantavirus, while cockroaches can trigger allergy and asthma symptoms. They aren’t the only disease-carrying pests; flies and other insects also carry harmful diseases and bacteria that can lead to serious illness.
b. Cause property damage: Pests, particularly rodents, can cause serious property damage. This includes eating through containers, electrical wires, and more.
c. Spread contamination: As mentioned before, pests are disease carriers. Everything they touch is subject to contamination, which risks staff and consumers’ health.
d. Cause reputation damage: No consumer wants to see pests or hear rumours that you have pest issues. If this happens, they will lose their trust in you and your establishment, and you may find yourself with a visit from a health inspector.
e. Can lead your business to shut down: If you don’t deal with pest issues properly and promptly, you can find your business shut down temporarily or permanently.
When understanding how to control pests in food industry establishments, it is important to recognize that no single pest control method exists. Establishments should implement a full pest control program that uses various methods and procedures for prevention. Some of the pest control procedures in the food industry include:
1. Seal Any Gaps, Cracks, and Holes: Pests don’t need a big opening to get inside a facility. Even the smallest gap, which someone may deem inconsequential, can be an entry point for pests. It is crucial to seal these gaps to prevent the potential entry of various pests.
2. Inspect All Food Deliveries: Food deliveries provide another opportune moment for pests to enter a food establishment. Employees in charge of accepting food shipments must take the time to scrutinize each delivery. They should look for visible signs of pests.
3. Maintain a Clean Facility: The most important and most effective way to control pests in a food establishment is to maintain a clean facility. Even the smallest amount of food residue can attract pests, so taking the time to thoroughly clean and sanitize your floors and food contact surfaces will help to eliminate residue, so there is nothing for pests to find. Have a checklist of what cleaning tasks employees should be completing at the end of the day, and check to ensure that they are completing tasks as expected.
4. Don’t Leave Water Standing: Standing water has many negative effects, inside and out. Besides being damaging to your property and a safety hazard, it can serve as a breeding ground for bacteria and harmful pathogens. It can also attract pests, particularly disease-carrying flies, who lay their eggs in this water. Once these pests have taken root, they can be difficult to eliminate without professional help.
Food safety is a multifaceted issue that needs to be treated with a certain level of severity. Many different things can impact food safety and sanitation, and one of them includes pests. You never want to overlook the importance of pest control in food industry facilities and establishments. Pests carry many diseases and pathogens that can ruin your food and create serious health issues among staff and consumers.
Ultima Search has successfully ensconced itself in the pest control industry as a business of repute after having provided expert pest control services and products for over a decade. We take it upon ourselves to ensure that your homes, offices and commercial installations are sanitised and healthy thereby providing a sense of well-being and happiness whenever you call upon us.
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