{"id":16871,"date":"2021-06-01T12:25:23","date_gmt":"2021-06-01T02:25:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/professionalpestmanager.com\/?p=16871"},"modified":"2022-10-10T07:30:39","modified_gmt":"2022-10-09T21:30:39","slug":"what-do-your-food-industry-clients-really-need-from-you","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/professionalpestmanager.com\/nz\/running-a-pest-control-business\/what-do-your-food-industry-clients-really-need-from-you\/","title":{"rendered":"WHAT DO YOUR FOOD INDUSTRY CLIENTS REALLY NEED FROM YOU?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Professional Pest Manager talks with HACCP Australia director Clive Withinshaw<\/strong> about the ways pest managers can help their commercial customers comply with hygiene standards.\u00a0<\/em>
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HACCP Australia is the firm responsible for developing the international standard \u2018Pest Management Services for Food Businesses\u2019. Here, HACCP Australia<\/a> director Clive Withinshaw<\/strong> discusses the unique demands of the food industry.<\/p>\n

Most large food businesses operate in accordance with a recognised food safety management program \u2013 these are often referred to as \u2018HACCP programs\u2019, which is an acronym taken from \u2018Hazard Analysis \u2013 Critical Control Point\u2019, the process of risk management designed to manage food safety. In managing food safety, businesses processing and handling food products have a range of issues to consider, one of which\u00a0is pest management.<\/p>\n

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How important is pest control in a HACCP program?<\/h2>\n

Pest management is one of the key issues for the food industry. Indeed, all HACCP programs will have a stand-alone section devoted to pest management as a prerequisite component. Food businesses have to ensure this section is operated correctly and stands up to audit in order for them to be certified as a food safe provider \u2013 no certificate means no customers for them.<\/p>\n

As a matter of interest, the pest management section is where the highest number of specific non-conformances appear. This frustrates food plant operators \u2013 pest control is one of the few parts of their business that they don\u2019t undertake themselves, but for which they are totally responsible to their auditors.<\/p>\n

Managing pests in food plants is not as easy as it is in other industrial sites. Food businesses need assurance that their contractor can not only do the job, but can also meet the stringent requirements of the food business \u2013 and their auditors.<\/p>\n

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Is this why HACCP Australia developed the pest management standard?<\/h2>\n

Precisely why. There are a number of guidelines for pest management in the food industry both here and overseas, but protocols and guidelines are not standards and just don\u2019t cut it. Food businesses like to be sure there is a measurable standard to support claims of ability. This is why HACCP Australia developed the Pest Management Standard, the only one in the world developed to ISO standards for this particular process. That\u2019s why it is being used by food businesses all over the world to benchmark the performance of pest management contractors in the food industry \u2013 and why many pest managers are seeking to get certification to the Pest Management Standard.<\/p>\n

For pest managers wanting third-party certification, it is important to check carefully what is being offered and the standard against which certification is being offered. Get a copy of the written standard beforehand. We have noticed a few certifications that aren\u2019t appropriate, such as those claiming to be \u2018GMP HACCP\u2019 or \u2018HACCP compliant\u2019. We warn against certificates that do not reference a specific standard. When enquiring, ask about the standard and check it. By the way, the HACCP Australia standard itself can be downloaded at no charge from our website<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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In your view, where do pest managers most commonly let down the food industry and what do they generally get right?<\/h2>\n

Generally, we find that the pest managers do a good job in controlling pests, which really is the most important part. Compared to other international markets, knowledge is generally high in Australia and appropriate, food safe, products are used. We see little substitution or unsafe product usage, which is a problem elsewhere.<\/p>\n

However, it tends to be in reporting and systems where pest managers fall short. If you\u2019re not in the food industry, it is difficult to imagine the degree of diligence and record keeping that food safety auditors require of the food businesses \u2013 and the pest manager\u2019s systems have to meet that standard too. It is in this area that we find pest managers have the most trouble, and is a common reason for losing or failing to win a contract.<\/p>\n

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Why HACCP Australia\u2019s certification?<\/h2>\n

Some pest managers may ask, \u201cWhy can\u2019t I just follow HACCP processes in my pest management business?\u201d Or \u201cWhy do I need certification and why should I consider HACCP Australia\u2019s certification?\u201d<\/p>\n

Certification is a third-party assurance of compliance and HACCP Australia certifies to a specific standard. Best practice food businesses are highly regulated and audited. For many years now, they have lived by measurables and standards, not guidelines or vague confirmations of compliance to protocols. With food businesses demanding an auditable, quality pest service to protect their business, certification to the HACCP Pest Management Standard provides food businesses with the confidence their pest management contractors are following best practice and documenting accordingly.<\/p>\n

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Any other tips?<\/h2>\n

After addressing systems and reporting, following up on outstanding actions required by the food business client is often a problem. We see pest managers reporting issues that require customer attention but then customers fail to take the necessary action.<\/p>\n

Don\u2019t be afraid to continually remind your customers as to what they need to do \u2013 and document it. Make sure their auditor can see the record of your continued reminders. If they haven\u2019t actioned your recommendations and the auditor can\u2019t see that, you still might end up taking the blame. It\u2019s not fair but that\u2019s contracting!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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