What is the food standards agency? If you’re in the business of selling food, then this is something you’ll probably already know. Putting it simply, this is a UK agency that is responsible for food safety throughout England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. To help business owners achieve this goal, they’ve provided a number of guidelines for combatting pests.

What the food standards agency says about pest control

Here are some general tips found in documentation provided by the food standards agency:

• Learn the most common signs of pests. For example, rodents leave droppings and gnaw packages. Cockroaches leave moulted skin and egg casings.

• Check regularly for these signs of pests. You should do this pest inspection on a regular schedule of at least once a week.

• Also check deliveries for signs of pests. Look for signs such as gnawed packaging or bite marks. Do not accept delivery if you see these things.

• Along with this, businesses should train staff to recognise the signs of pests. Staff must report any signs of pests that they observe. 

• Store food correctly. Staff must store it immediately following the delivery. Dry good must be kept away from wet areas. Precooked food must be kept in covered containers.

• Fridges and freezers must be cleaned regularly and defrosted. Also check that they are working correctly and reaching required temperatures.

• Outside areas should be neat and free of weeds and grass. These things can attract pests and provide them with food and shelter.

• Outside dustbins must have lids that fit tightly. You must clean bins and disinfect them on a regular basis.

• Do not let pests make contact with equipment, surfaces or utensils. If pests touch these, staff must thoroughly wash and disinfect them.

• If any food is touched by pests, it must also be immediately thrown away. Remember there are strict food safety regulations in the UK.

• If you’re using sprays/pesticides/bait, do not let then come into contact with food packaging, surfaces or equipment. This may lead to accidental poisoning.

• Do not leave food or dirty plates out at night. This will attract pests and is also a source of food for pests.

• Businesses should cover external doors and windows with insect screens and install anti-fly measures around the kitchen.

• Finally, the food standards agency also recommends that business owners employ a pest control company on a regular pest control contract. This is especially important if you’re having persistent problems with pests.