Pest managers servicing commercial kitchens should take note regarding a new HACCP standard that has been released.
One of the most significant issues affecting food safety is that of pest control. This subject is a major cause of food safety incidents, recalls, audit non-conformance and actions by state health departments.
HACCP Australia has just released a new standard for pest management services for the food industry. This “world’s best practice” standard, both in its development and in terms of the standard itself, is designed to make a huge contribution to reducing food safety incidents and can be used to ensure a consistently high standard of service, performance and outcomes in pest control within food handling facilities.
The new standard has been developed by expert food technologists at HACCP Australia together with a review committee, comprising of food manufacturers, retailers, auditors and pest management companies.
Clive Withinshaw, a director of HACCP Australia says, “This is a world first. There are number of guidelines around but guidelines are only that – guidelines. A standard allows for absolute performance measurement and can be used as a minimum criterion for food companies and pest management service providers. Companies operating HACCP programs need to give their contractors a precise set of measurable expectations and companies certified to this standard will be able to demonstrate their ability to deliver on these requirements.
“It will be a really useful tool both here in Australia and overseas. It has been years in development and the very hard work put in by so many people will at last offer a real benefit to our industry and a reduction in food safety risk and non-conformances.”
All pest management service providers that are currently certified by HACCP Australia will be audited against this standard after a transition period.
New applicants will be audited to this standard henceforth. The standard is available at no charge to food businesses and contractors. To obtain a copy of the standard please visit the tools and downloads section of HACCP Australia’s website.
