[AIB Ice Chips]

Q. The new AIB Consolidated Standards for Inspection require facilities to complete a pest assessment as part of Standard 4.2 in the IPM Category. Since this is a new requirement, can you tell me what is involved?

A.A facility pest assessment is not a new concept or requirement; it is a basic tenet of a good IPM Program. No one can develop and implement a workable IPM Program without first understanding the actual or likely problems and conditions in the facility.

Any good assessment begins with understanding what you could encounter at a food facility. Some may think that this depends on what they produce. Although this is important, it is also important to identify where the facility is located and any potential problems the surrounding area will present. Wetlands, agricultural settings and residential areas present different potential challenges. So an assessment of surrounding areas is important.

The person completing the assessment should approach the task like the pest issues they suspect are present. By looking at the grounds and structure as rodents would see them, you gain insight into the maintenance practices and other conditions that will need to be addressed. Looking at the opportunities for flying insects will draw you to the ventilation systems, integrity of the seals around doors and windows, and other openings to the exterior. Some of these opportunities are not seen until after dark. It is essential to conduct a detailed review of your facility’s practices and conditions. Determine the current level of pest activity by interviewing employees, reviewing documentation, and completing an intense physical review of all areas of the facility, including the roof.

Ask yourself what materials are brought in and where they go once they arrive. You may find that the raw material warehouse is one of several scattered around the facility. If pallets of packaging materials are temporarily stored on the mezzanine after delivery and then transported to the warehouse, you need to know about it so that the area can be monitored for pest activity.

Use all available tools to determine the actual level of pest activity in the facility. If pheromone traps are in place, check them and the records. Check upper areas of the structure for the overall level of sanitation and if there are insect issues because of poor practices.

Whether you are a new service provider or someone who has been there for several years, existing records are a valuable source of information. However, record review must be verified to make sure the written information is accurate.

A pest management assessment is essentially a facility check-up. Is the current program working? Are there issues or conditions that could impact the program? Are adjustments needed? None of this can be determined without checking. Use the information collected to make adjustments to your programs. AIB