Pest activity results in lower food hygiene ratings
Environmental Health Officers are following the new Food Hygiene Rating Scheme brand standard very closely when it comes to finding pest activity at a food business.Where there is evidence of a pest infestation, the standard requires that a scoring of 10 is given, automatically reducing the food hygiene rating to a 3.
Pest activity is often seen as part and parcel of operating in areas such as big cities or rural locations however it cannot be tolerated. Having a pest control contact with a reputable company is always advisable but ensuring that you manage them as well as the risk to your business is so important. Pest control contractors should be working hard to prevent infestations as well as to eradicate them from your premises
There are often many reasons why an infestation may occur from proofing issues, poor cleaning up of food debris through to poor management of the external areas of a food business. Your pest control contractor should be advising you on all of these factors, not just laying down toxic bait or sticky boards.
Safer Food Scores has devised a Pest Infestation Checklist to assist with managing the risk posed during an infestation.
To apply for a free copy of this checklist, email us at hello@saferfoodscores.co.uk
Any guidance given in our articles is not official and Safer Food Scores can take no responsibility if the information is used to form part of any legal or regulatory compliance for your business. However, please do get in touch if you are interested in our support services and would like to benefit from official guidance relating to your particular circumstances, email [javascript protected email address]
