-Food and Drug Department
The Food and Drug Department says it was forced to condemn large amounts of rodent-damaged foods during a recent inspection exercise at manufacturing, storage and retail facilities in regions two and six.
In a press release the Department said it uncovered high levels of pest infestation at these sites and urged all concerned parties to practise good housekeeping and sanitation. The pests pose major threats to the safety and quality of foods and their presence in a food processing establishment is of grave concern, the release said.
Food manufacturers could be prosecuted under the Food and Drugs Act Cap 34:03 if pests are found on their premises. “Manufacturers should ensure that breeding sites are detected. Blocked drains should be cleared to prevent [harbouring]. The environment should be free of all uncut vegetation, bush and debris and all fruit trees should be removed from close proximity of the establishment,” to discourage nesting, the Department said. It also advises manufacturers that their building should be in good repair and be designed to exclude pests.
Holes, drains and other places where pests are likely to gain access should be sealed and doors and windows be made pest-proof. Animals should also be excluded from the grounds.
The Department also advises food manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors and retailers to look into the habits of each pest in relation to each food handling facility to determine how to shorten their life-span. Through proper sanitation food handlers can decrease the probability of pest invasions and the establishment of pest populations.
The effectiveness of a pest management programme, including contract work, must be monitored and documented. Food handlers should not handle chemicals used for pest control and all rodent stations and baiting should be placed outside of the food processing establishment around the perimeter fence and at the entrances. The Department said too caution must be exercised when installing devices to electrocute insects so that the dead insects do not fall into foods.
