Food Safety Audits During COVID – What You Should Know

As the food industry navigates these uncertain times, maintaining a successful pest management program is essential! Remember, public health concerns are at an all-time high, don’t get caught out on a pest control issue.

COVID-19 has impacted the food industry in many different aspects, from production to consumer purchasing habits to inside-restaurant dining changes. Even though facility operations may look different, the demand for food products is still high.

Unfortunately, pest activity has not decreased during the pandemic. From roaches to rodents to every other pest, the food industry is susceptible to pests’ problems. With limited staff and shipments coming and going, pest management may not be high on the priority list. But when left unchecked, a pest infestation can wreak havoc on your business.

Advantages of Integrated Pest Management

You may already have an integrated pest management (IPM) program in place. If so, then you’re already going in the right direction. IPM programs assist food processing facilities to keep pests from entering and ruining your product. By applying preventative measures, IPM’s identify potential and existing sanitation issues and regularly evaluate the state of facility maintenance. As a result, the consequences associated with pest infestations can be avoided.

During these uncertain times, the last thing you need is a failed audit due to a preventable pest problem. Failing an audit can lead to several consequences like reduced profits, a damaged reputation, and lost customers. Many regulators are resuming on-site audits to ensure that your facility is staying within regulations. Pest control during a food safety audit can account for as much as 20% of your score. Therefore, if you don’t have an integrated pest management program in place, it’s a good idea to start with one!

Whether you’re resuming onsite audits or are switching to remote or hybrid options, pests will not care what method you are using. They are still there trying to damage your business. It’s essential to work with your pest control company to guarantee that your pest management measures and documentation are in order. In this way, they can help you ensure any risk assessment or audit goes as smoothly as possible. Each auditor has certain requirements, but here are some of the things you need to consider before your next inspection.

• Implement an IPM Program – This is essential; we cannot stress it enough. The most proactive way to reduce pest problems is to build them out, don’t provide a place for them to find food or shelter.
• Train your staff – train them to spot and report any signs of pest activity so that you can address them promptly with your pest management company.
• Keep up with your documentation – Your documentation shows a third-party auditor that you can verify you have an effective pest control program in place. Your documentation is an integral part of your audit process. Even if you have good pest control management in place, you can still lose points for not having your documentation together correctly.
• Have practice runs – A good pest control company will suggest you do test audits to ensure that you’re prepared for the real deal. An annual assessment is all that’s needed to make sure you are ready.
• Ensure your facility is prepared – Your goal is to make your facility ready for an audit at any time. However, a week before you have an upcoming audit, work with your pest control company to conduct interior and exterior inspections. Also, have your documentation reviewed.

Food Industry Pest Control NJ

Food safety needs to be your top priority! As the food industry navigates these uncertain times, maintaining a successful pest management program is essential! Remember, public health concerns are at an all-time high, don’t get caught out on a pest control issue.

B & D Pest Solutions LLC provides end to end exterminator, pest control, and management services for commercial, industrial, and government locations throughout New Jersey & Connecticut. With customized services created by highly trained pest management technicians, you can expect the best pest protection. Our technicians will devise service plans backed by science and solid technical knowledge to ensure complete year-round protection.