Pest Management Procedure

Build the programme around site risk and current conditions

Technical or Quality Management is responsible for establishing, maintaining and updating the pest management programme across relevant site areas. Inspection frequencies and other pest management requirements are determined from risk assessment, site conditions and operational factors rather than set as a fixed site-wide interval.

Technical Management reviews the risk assessment when changes to buildings or production processes could affect the programme and updates inspection frequency where required. After a significant pest issue, the review determines whether revised inspection frequency or other controls are required and confirms the updated control state.

Define internal and contracted service requirements separately

The procedure allows pest management to be delivered either by a competent external provider or by internally trained personnel, with Site Management confirming that the selected service model is in place and operational.

For contracted services, the provider must be competent and approved and monitored through the Suite’s service-provider controls. The service level agreement defines a scope reflecting site activities, operational areas and pest risks, together with the risk-based inspection frequency. The scope is reviewed where site conditions or pest risks change, while building or process changes and significant pest issues trigger review of the inspection frequency and controls. The contracted provider also undertakes an in-depth documented assessment at a frequency based on risk but at least annually.

For internal provision, pest control personnel must be trained and competent in the selection and limitations of pest control chemicals and proofing methods relevant to the pests associated with the site. Technical Management verifies competence through observed capability, confirms applicable legal training or registration requirements, ensures access to specialist technical knowledge when required and determines when specialist escalation is necessary. Internal inspections are also risk-based, and an in-depth documented assessment by a pest management expert is required at least annually.

Control devices and pest-control materials without creating product risk

Pest control devices, including bait stations and monitoring devices, are identified in records and managed through defined location control. Rodent monitoring and control devices are positioned and maintained to support effective control while preventing contamination risk to product.

The procedure sets specific restrictions around toxic rodent bait. It is not used in production or storage areas where open product is present except when treating an active infestation, and that use requires Technical Management authorisation. Where toxic bait is used it must be secured, while missing bait stations are recorded, investigated and followed through to restoration of effective control coverage.

Insect-killing devices, pheromone traps and other insect-monitoring devices are required to be appropriately sited and operational. Where a fly-killing device could expel insects and contaminate product, Technical Management determines and approves an alternative system or equipment. Site operations also maintain measures to prevent bird ingress and roosting.

Protect product when pest activity or infestation is detected

Where infestation or other evidence of pest activity is found, pest control personnel immediately identify products that may be at risk, while Technical Management directs the assessment and confirms the affected scope. Controls are then applied to minimise contamination risk, with Technical Management determining the appropriate containment or mitigation actions.

Potentially affected product is controlled through the Non-Conforming Product Control Procedure rather than disposition being decided within this procedure. Infestation is documented within pest management records, and elimination or management measures continue until the contamination risk is no longer present. Where recurring pest activity or control failure is identified, corrective action is managed through the Corrective & Preventive Action Procedure.

Use inspection data, trends and expert assessment to verify control

Inspection results are reviewed and analysed for patterns, recurring issues and emerging risks. Trend analysis is carried out at least annually by the responsible pest control personnel or contracted service provider, with Technical Management reviewing the outputs and confirming whether the pest management system remains effective or requires adjustment.

The analysis includes data from trapping and monitoring devices, and additional analysis follows infestation events to determine whether control measures require modification. Where that analysis identifies non-conformances or system failures, the procedure connects the response to corrective and preventive action.

An in-depth documented pest management assessment is undertaken by a pest management expert at a frequency based on risk but at least annually. The assessment includes detailed inspection of the site, equipment and facilities, review of existing measures and recommendations where change is needed. Technical Management reviews those recommendations and ensures required adjustments are applied; where inspection and assessment confirm that controls remain effective, the existing arrangements continue without change.

Maintain traceable pest-management information

The documented system includes a current site plan showing pest control devices and their locations, defined responsibilities between site personnel and contractors, details of pest control products used and instructions for their effective use and emergency response, records of observed pest activity and details of treatments undertaken.

Inspection, device, treatment, proofing, hygiene-recommendation and action records provide traceable evidence of pest management activity and system status. Technical Management is responsible for keeping programme documentation current and complete, while document control and record completion, correction and retention are governed through the corresponding Suite procedures.

Allocate responsibility from programme oversight to early reporting

Technical or Quality Management owns the programme, risk-based requirements, review of pest-management data, infestation management, competence verification and system documentation. Pest control personnel carry out inspection, monitoring and treatment activities, maintain devices, apply pest-control materials and proofing methods, record activity and support product-risk identification.

Site or Operations Management maintains site conditions, building integrity and operational practices that minimise pest attraction, harbourage and ingress. Senior Management provides the resources and organisational arrangements needed for the programme, while all employees maintain suitable workplace conditions and report signs of pest activity or infestation without delay.