Keep pests away from food
There are three main kinds of pests which are commonly found in places where food for human consumption is prepared or stored. (There’s also a fourth type, namely student chefs who can eat like a plague of locusts sometimes, but that’s a different story.)
The main types are:
- rodents – such as mice and rats
- insects – flies, cockroaches, ants, etc
- birds – pigeons, sparrows, magpies etc
These pests eat the food and also spoil it by their presence. They transfer food poisoning bacteria which they carry in and on their bodies and also in their urine and droppings.
Prevent Access
Pests seek out food, warmth and shelter, so the first step in pest control is to prevent their access to your food area. You must take steps to keep them out:
- keep doors and windows closed as far as is practicable
- use fly screens on doors and windows
- check deliveries for pests
- if you do have pests, find out how they gained access and block it
- don’t do anything to attract pests, for example by leaving waste bins uncovered
This is Chapter Four, Part One in a series of articles broadly similar to the course offered by the Royal Society for the Promotion of Health for its Food Hygiene Certificate.
Part Two: Don’t create any favourable conditions for pests
Chapter One: Food Poisoning
Chapter Two: Bacteria
Chapter Three: Hygiene Control and Personal Hygiene
Chapter Five: Kitchen Layout and Design
Chapter Six: Temperature Control
Chapter Seven: Cleaning the Work Area
