Pest control is a significant component of any food safety audit, besides this being a legal requirement. Often the pest control contractor is blamed for nonconformances but is this fair? This series of articles looks at the requirements on both sides. In this final chapter, we look at the responsibilities of the pest control contractor.
There are a whole host of pest control companies out there. Ideally, you want to start with a list of providers who have experience working in the food industry and most important use an Integrated Pest Control (IPC) or Management (ICM) approach.
There are three core steps to any IPC program: Inspection, Identification, and Treatment. Depending on the certification you are working towards it will be advisable to further consider the approach of environmental-friendly pest management, where pest control is done by alternative measures, incorporating minimal amounts of harmful pesticides.
Preparation is Key
Note that using an external or outsourced pest control provider does not excuse you from continually improving and critically evaluating the current situation. Evaluation should consistently locate any gaps, shortcomings or improvements that may be bought to the attention of or require consideration of using outsourced expertise, in addition to the overall situation of the establishment and IPC program in place. It is essential that this evaluation, development, and awareness is continuous. Look at updating your plans and programs on a regular basis as implementing the latest strategies for pest management can be vital when trying to keep up with what is considered safe today verses what is appropriate 5 years from now.
Once you’re ready to start searching for a provider, here are some of the “ABC’s “ to keep in mind.
Assessment
Any potential pest control providers should want to first visit your premise to inspect and assess the current situation of the facility. During this assessment, a pest specialist who understands pests’ behaviour and how to manage them is usually bought in. It’s essential that you do not accept a plan from your provider without them first assessing your property.
Once you have chosen your provider, periodic visits should continue where the provider assesses the condition of the facilities, with regards to its potential risk for pest activity. You (and your provider) should continuously be looking for opportunities to improve the facilities and surrounding environment.
Brainstorm with your colleagues
When searching for recommendations regarding pest management, start by asking your colleagues in the industry. If your establishment forms part of a larger network, consider reaching out to other managers to discuss their pest management providers, the pros and cons as well as the results they have obtained.
Commit through records
Most Food Safety related certification schemes and government legislations require the development and execution of written food safety plans that detail hazards, corrective actions and results. Writing down this information is considered good practice, a way of putting your money where your mouth is, when it comes down to things like audits. Manage your pest management thoroughly and document service visits and corrective actions. Always have an on-site copy of this documentation at the facility, an inspector would want to see it during an audit. Your post control provider should use the documented information to evaluate pest trends, before making decisions regarding how the pest activity will be best managed. Have someone responsible to keep your documentation relevant and up to date.
Direction for Audits
During an audit, there is a significant amount depending on the success of your pest control program (up to 20%). Because of this, you want to look for a provider that is able to help you prepare, according to the requirements of the food safety standards that your facility is required to comply with, for the third-party auditor. Have your pest control provider work with you, to ensure the correct order and presentability of documentation is always ready for auditors to review. Ideally, you would want the provider to be present, providing on-site support the day of your audit.
Education
Remember your staff is on the floor more than anyone else, playing a key role in reporting pest sightings and maintaining the cleanliness of the facility. Your employees should be proactive in identifying anything that could compromise the IPC (such as building structure or cleaning issues), you would also rely on them to recognize and report pest issues. So, help your staff do this, find out if your pest control provider offers staff training or materials (such as tip sheets and checklists). Some providers might even offer complimentary staff training. Ensure that your provider is certified within their field and able to provide the correct training.
Suggestion: Once you have chosen a pest control provider, go in with the idea of making them a long-term partner. In doing so, take the time to meet with them periodically. During the initial meetings discuss the roles of everyone involved, establish benchmarks for your pest management program and set up specific times throughout the year to evaluate the program’s success and areas of improvement. Obtain information and suggestions from your staff and pest control provider.
Conclusion
Having an effective, integrated pest control program in place can save you from failing your audit, protect your brand reputation and maintain your product safety. Save yourself a lot of time and headache in the long run by using the expertise of the right pest control provider. When choosing the most suitable provider for your establishment there are numerous things that you need to keep in mind with regards to aspects of your establishment and what you are looking for from your pest control provider. Open communication with your provider is key when establishing this potential long-term partnership. Remember your pest control is only as good as its provider. And how you co-operate and manage them.
By Jesse Kelfkens - 21 February 2020
