4.4. Waste collection. Pests. 2:28
Collection of waste. Pests, pest control
Poorly managed waste attracts pests and it is recommended that:
- Quicker disposal of waste from food-containing premises.
- Place waste in closed containers.
- Containers must be properly constructed, well maintained, easy to clean and, if necessary, disinfected. The content contained therein shall be inaccessible to animals and pests.
- Waste shall be disposed of hygienically and environmentally sound and shall not constitute a direct or indirect source of pollution.
Pests are attracted to food handling facilities where pests find a suitable environment for survival, which is:
- Food
- Heat
- Humishelte
- Shelter
What pests can occur?
- Rodents (mice, rats)
- Insects (cockroaches, flies, ants);
- Birds (pigeons, sparrows, crows);
- Animals (domestic animals: cats, dogs or wild animals).
Damage caused by pests:
- Bacterial contamination – carries pathogenic bacteria that are present on the pest’s body.
- Physical contamination – food contaminated with fur, eggs, urine, dead pests.
- Physical damage – rodent-chewed fruit or vegetables, broken sacks with food products.
- Chemical pollution – when poisoned pests enter food.
- Cross-contamination – transfer of pathogenic bacteria from raw product to heat treated product.
Signs indicating that there may be pests
- You can see pests and their essentials
- Food crumbs that should not be present.
- Body of dead pests.
- Flies of larvae and eggs
- Remnants of rodent fur.
- Rodent trails, caves near walls or equipment.
- Damaged food or fine debris.
- Feel an unpleasant smell
- Holes in packages, cracked cardboard boxes.
How to avoid pests
- It is important to prevent access to the food production/trade area or premises.
- Keep windows and doors closed
- Monitor for cracks or holes in walls
- Timely disposal of waste
- Continuously clean and disinfect surfaces, premises and equipment.
- Regularly inspect the products in storage
