FOOD SAFETY & COMPLIANCE
Pass your audit in nine easy steps Audits are an operational requirement in the food and beverage manufacturing industry, but they can make even the most seasoned professional sweat a little.
E
ven the smallest infraction can result
assessment is conducted across the
in low or failing scores, which in turn
entire site and that your contract
could see your factory having to
stipulates specifics, including which
5. Notify your pest control provider of your audit date so that they can be on standby or on-site for the audit. 6. Review on-site documentation and
halt operations for an extended period of
pests will be treated for and the
time - severely impacting your bottom line.
frequency of visits per pest. Not all pests
organise it according to your audit
In addition, this time-consuming process
have the same breeding cycle so you
requirements (if you are a Rentokil
requires multiple departments to work
might need more scheduled visits for
customer, myRentokil will have this
together, as auditors often look at processes
particular pests. Other areas that need
that stretch across the entire operation.
to be assessed are pest history, building
To assist customers, Rentokil has put together a basic guideline of common audit actions to help you prepare, although it
information ready for you). 7. Walk the interior of your factory or
integrity, surrounding environment and
warehouse and confirm that all interior
audit requirements.
pest control devices are indicated on the
2. Clearly communicate which
floor plan, identified correctly, and labelled
pays to remember that audit standards
audit standards your organisation
with the correct pest control service
are constantly evolving as processes and
follows - along with any internal
information. Confirm that these devices
technology develop.
auditrequirements - to your pest
are serviced as per the service schedule
control provider at the start of the
indicated on your contract, and are
contract period.
placed correctly in accordance with
The following steps will help you with basic compliance and food safety but need to be supplemented with your specific auditing requirements.
9 ESSENTIAL STEPS THAT CAN ASSIST YOU IN PASSING YOUR PEST CONTROL AUDIT 1. Ensure that a thorough pest risk
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MARCH 2021 | FOOD REVIEW
3. A ction any pest control recommendations
your auditing standards. For example,
put forward by your provider as soon
Insect Light Traps ILT’s not above a food
as you receive them, to better manage
surface or at least 3m away from the
infestations. This proactive approach will contribute to positive audit findings. 4. Don't leave your audit planning for the last minute.
production lines. 8. Walk the exterior of the facility and confirm that all exterior pest control devices are indicated on the floor plan,