Meat&Poultry - August 2012 - 80

Sanitation Tips (Consejos de Sanidad)

Preventing pests
BY KIMBERLIE CLYMA
kclyma@sosland.com

n effective pest-control program begins with an understanding of

Identifying and understanding different pests will help with in-plant pest control
and removed frequently. Flies must also be prevented from entering the food-processing facility by using air curtains or screens and/or doors that close automatically. Electrocution traps are effective in reducing flying insects, however, the traps cause the flies to explode, which could allow for particles to drift. Instead, sticky traps, baited jug traps or sticky ribbons are a better alternative in these areas. Insecticidal sprays or fogs can also be used to suppress flies.

pests, their feeding habits, where and how they live and safe and effective ways of controlling and eliminating them.

Birds
Several species of birds, including pigeons, sparrows and starlings, carry disease and therefore pose a risk to food-processing facilities. The best method of control is eliminating nesting and feeding sites on the building. Bird-repellent systems often work to scare and deter birds from roosting areas. These systems include scaring devices, sticky pastes, electrical wires, netting, entry barriers, needle strips, traps and poisons. Pests are unavoidable in food facilities, but proper monitoring, sanitation and control techniques can help stop pests from causing contamination and possibly spreading disease. ■
M&P’s Sanitation Tips are to be used only as guidelines for cleaning and sanitizing processing facilities. Specific issues and questions should be addressed by a sanitation crew supervisor. We would like to hear from you – to comment on this story or to request reprints, contact us by email at meatpoultry@sosland.com.

Cockroaches
Cockroaches have been shown to transmit diseases including bacteria such as Salmonella, Vibrio cholera, Staphylococcus aureus and others. A good way to detect cockroaches is to enter a darkened area, turn on the lights and look for scurrying roaches. They can also be found by inspecting inside electrical junction boxes, receptacles and control panels, or by looking behind objects and in floor drains. The first step to controlling roaches is eliminating places they may live including cardboard boxes. It’s crucial to seal and fill cracks and crevices around the plant. Also, be sure to inspect incoming shipments for infestations. Chemical control of cockroaches requires EPA-approved insecticides that are generally formulated as sprays, aerosols and dusts.

Rodents
Rodents include rats and mice. They must be controlled because they can carry disease and will also damage food containers and consume food. Some signs of rodent infestation include droppings, visual sightings, noises, smudge marks, tracks, gnawing and urine stains. The most effective way to control rodents is to eliminate places for them to live by removing clutter from food plant and storage areas. Food and water sources should also be eliminated. Finally, fi lling all structural cracks, screening fan and vent openings and installing drain covers will stop rodents from entering the plant. Other physical control systems include traps, ultrasonic devices, bait boxes and strategically placed poisons.

Flying insects
The most common flying insects are the housefly and fruit fly. A single housefly has been estimated to carry up to 3.6 million bacteria. The most effective method of fly control is removing and eliminating breeding sites, namely garbage. Garbage must be located away from doors

• Meat&Poultry • August 2012 • www.MeatPoultry.com

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Meat&Poultry - August 2012

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