The primary aim of any pest control programme must be to achieve a site, pest free status and as a minimum to ensure the elimination of any uncontrolled pest activity.
15.2 An in-depth pest control programme must be in place, using appropriately trained and experienced staff or a reputable contractor. In addition to monthly scheduled inspections an in-depth Field Biologist survey should be conducted at least four times (twice for packaging suppliers) each year to verify controls and management.
15.3 A current service contract must be held, detailing pests covered and the frequency of service and assessments, if a contractor is used. Full details of the follow-up programme to be adopted by the contractor in the event of a rodent infestation should also be included.
15.4 For sites holding Organic certification potential treatment programmes must be documented.
15.5 Suppliers should ensure that a proactive, preventative approach is adopted to pest control. This should be demonstrated by the presence of clear, signed off proactive advice in the pest control file e.g. relating to pest proofing, and an apparent ownership of the pest control management for the site.
15.6 Staff must be trained to report pest related issues.
15.7 Audits for signs of pest activity (especially rodents, birds and insects) must be undertaken on a regular and frequent basis.
15.8 All pest control audits and treatments must be recorded in a logbook or pest control file. This should contain full details of all findings, chemicals used and the pest controller’s recommendations.
15.9 If a pest control contractor is used, they should be registered with a recognised pest control body or other nationally recognised organisation.
15.10 The pest control contractor or company making pesticide applications should hold up-to-date public liability insurance. A current certificate of insurance should be held.
15.11 The person responsible for pest control and the application of any pesticides should be suitably qualified with appropriate training certificates.
15.12 The premises must be adequately proofed against the potential ingress of pests.
15.13 The practice of preventative treatments using insecticides should be discouraged and be continuously reduced – unless risk assessment determines otherwise. The reduction of preventative treatments should be undertaken in conjunction with an increased depth / frequency of inspection and cleaning.
15.14 Where there is no risk of explosion, production and storage areas should be fitted with suitably located electrical flying insect control devices fitted with catch-trays. Electric fly killers (EFKs) should not be located above or near to exposed product areas. Sticky-type flying insect monitors may be used in small areas where there is open food product. These should be switched on at all times. There should be a programme for the annual replacement of EFK tubes (which must be sheathed), which should be recorded. EFK catches should be regularly monitored, results recorded and actioned as necessary.
ABF CODE OF PRACTICE FOR SUPPLIERS OF FOOD PRODUCTS, INGREDIENTS, DRINK, AND PACKAGING
incorporating the Code of Conduct of Associated British Foods plc
Issued March 2015 Page 32 of 47
15.15 Where appropriate, pheromone moth traps and/or crawling insect monitors should be provided in storage and production areas. Crawling insect monitors may also be appropriate in ancillary areas e.g. locker/changing rooms/canteens/toilets. Monitors and traps should be regularly monitored, results recorded and actioned as necessary.
15.16 All factory areas including canteens/mess rooms should be baited against rodents. Non-toxic monitor points should be located within production areas, although toxic baits are permitted if considered necessary. These should be tamper-evident and secured to the wall or floor to avoid relocation during cleaning.
15.17 Loose grain baits must not be used, coloured toxic wax blocks only should be used in exceptional circumstances within buildings, and then in a controlled manner to prevent potential foreign body contamination. Rodenticidal dust must only be used where it will not present a possible contamination issue. Baits/dust must be strictly controlled with the areas of use recorded and clearly labelled. Wax block bait and rodenticidal dust must not be used inside plant.
15.18 Live traps or glue boards intended to catch mammals must be checked daily.
15.19 Loss of toxic baits must be formally investigated.
15.20 All areas of the site should be kept free from debris, defunct equipment and rubbish, which may attract pests, or provide harbourage. Refuse skips should be kept covered.
15.21 External building and site perimeters should be baited with rodent bait stations. These should be sturdy, tamper-proof and secured in place. Toxic bait may be used.