AUTUMN 2022 PEST CONTROL When it comes to animal feed, there are tried and tested ways of keeping out unwanted critters Pest practice Businesses that produce, supply or use animal feed must ensure their activities are safe for animals and, consequently, safe for the food chain. Regulation (EC) 183 2005 lays down the requirements for feed hygiene, and it applies to a feed business operator (FeBO) at all stages of their operation, from primary production through to placing feed on the market. Pest control is critical, as feed contaminated by pests is unlikely to be fit for consumption. It may make an animal very unwell if it is consumed and lead to unfit food if the animal is destined for the food chain. Pests including rodents, insects or birds can damage the fabric of premises and equipment, leading to expensive clean-up and repair bills. They can also cause reputational damage for the business concerned. Contamination can come from: n Bacteria from the pest itself or from its droppings n The physical presence of the pest in the feed n Uncontrolled use of pest-control chemicals. Even though professional advice may be sought, the responsibility remains with the FeBO to ensure the pest-control programme is effective Record-keeping On a farm, where there is no mixing of feed containing additives or premixes, FeBOs must take adequate measures to prevent animals and pests causing hazardous contamination. The farm should keep records appropriate to its size, to demonstrate what feed-control measures have been taken for example, where and when bait was used, any pest activity, and what was done if pests were found. Records should be kept until the animal has been consumed. Other FeBOs must have a written feed hygiene-management system based on hazard analysis and critical control point (HACCP) principles. They must ensure feed processing and storage facilities, equipment, containers, crates, vehicles and their immediate surroundings are clean, and implement effective pest-control programmes. A FeBO should look at every process they carry out to identify how and where contamination may occur, and what controls are necessary. For example, for raw materials arriving on site, steps should be taken to ensure they are pest-free. They should then consider how this feed will be stored and for how long. If it is processed, they should consider what controls will be necessary to ensure no pests can gain access during production. Finally, they will need to consider how the finished feed will be stored and then despatched to customers. Control measures Examples of control measures to prevent pest ingress include ensuring the spaces where feed is kept are clean and dry, and that there are no areas where pests can enter for example, around doorways and windows. Feed should be stored off the floor and in appropriate containers. A FeBO will need to take steps to monitor any pest activity and consider laying out bait boxes or other chemical controls. A specialist contractor may be the best option for this work, because laying out bait incorrectly could be a contaminant in itself and would not be effective. Credit: Jennifer Smith, Trading Standards officer Image: iStock / CreativeNature_nl / PCH-Vector Even though professional advice may be sought, the responsibility remains with the FeBO to ensure the pest-control programme is effective. Contingency plans must be put in place in the event of pest activity being identified. Further information is available from the British Pest Control Association, the Business Companion website, and the Food Standards Agency. For further information, please contact your local Trading Standards Service