By Marilyn Collins
Marilyn Collins is a former Director of the Government Analyst Food and Drugs Department. She is currently a lecturer at the University of Guyana
Between 2007 and 2009 the Peanut Corporation of America (PCA) was forced to initiate recalls of Peter Pan Peanut Butter which affected more than 600 persons and resulted in nine deaths during a massive Salmonella outbreak. This product recall triggered liability and litigation implications in excess of US$11.2 million. Unsanitary conditions which lead to pest violation were pointed to in this Salmonella outbreak which had disastrous public health consequences.
Sanitation is a key pillar of pest management. It eliminates the factors that attract pests to food facilities. Those pest security factors are food, water and shelter. The proliferation of pests within food establishments can present a major nightmare for the regulator but moreso for the proprietor and consumers. The sight of pests can result in significant customer loss. Pests can also directly result in morbidity and mortality arising out of