Get fit with AIB! In July our Tip of the Week series is featuring our Plant Education (P.E.) tips to get your facility in shape. Today we're featuring tips on pest management.
All facilities handling food are at risk of pest issues. Insects may be introduced to a facility via supplies or people, or they may be attracted by resources available at the facility. Rodents may also be introduced via supplies, but they are mostly drawn to food plants to seek food and shelter. Bird pests in need of food or nesting sites are attracted to food facilities. Pests must be managed to minimize the risk of product contamination. Pests also carry a variety of foodborne diseases, which pose health risks to plant personnel and consumers. Understanding pests’ biology and behavior is critical to establishing an effective Pest Management Program.
Every plant must develop clear and concise procedures that address the scope of the Pest Management Program. The goal of these documents is to specify how situations will be handled. Clear guidelines regarding pesticide application and management of monitoring devices should be developed. Also, procedures for contractor selection and program responsibility can be included.
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