Pest Control Program
Aligned with BRCGS Food Safety Issue 9 – Clause 4.14
Requirement Overview
BRCGS Food Safety Clause 4.14 requires that food sites maintain an effective, risk-based pest control program to prevent pest activity and contamination of products, raw materials, or packaging. The program must be proactive, documented, and maintained by trained personnel or a qualified pest control contractor.
Clause 4.14.1: “The premises shall have an effective pest management program in place, which is appropriate to the site, the product, and the production risk.”
Clause 4.14.2: “The pest management program shall be the responsibility of a competent person or external provider.”
Pest control is critical to preventing food safety hazards, protecting brand reputation, and ensuring audit and regulatory compliance.
Aligned with BRCGS for Storage & Distribution Issue 4 – Clause 4.3.1 & 4.3.3
Requirement Overview
BRCGS for Storage & Distribution requires that products moved via cross-docking are traceable and controlled at all times, even when they are not held in storage for extended periods.
Clause 4.3.1: “The company shall ensure that traceability is maintained at all stages, including during cross-docking operations.”
Clause 4.3.3: “Procedures shall be in place to ensure that all products handled, including those not stored on-site, remain under control and are not subject to contamination or substitution.”
Cross-docking operations must not compromise product traceability, safety, or integrity. Even with minimal handling and temporary presence, each product must be accurately identified, documented, and protected.
Key Compliance Objectives
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✓ Prevent pest activity in all areas of the facility
✓ Ensure pest control is managed by competent personnel
✓ Maintain complete and current records of all pest control activities
✓ Demonstrate a proactive, risk-based approach to pest prevention
Step-by-Step Compliance Implementation
1. Develop a Pest Management Program
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Key Elements Include:
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• Site risk assessment and pest activity history
• Map of pest control devices and monitoring locations
• Defined frequencies and target pest species
• Emergency procedures for infestations
Evidence to Maintain:
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• Pest control plan and site layout map
• Pest risk assessment and contractor agreement (if outsourced)
• Competency documentation of pest control personnel
- • Site risk assessment and pest activity history • Map of pest control devices and monitoring locations • Defined frequencies and target pest species • Emergency procedures for infestations
- • Pest control plan and site layout map • Pest risk assessment and contractor agreement (if outsourced) • Competency documentation of pest control personnel
2. Assign Responsibility to Qualified Personnel
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Options Include:
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• Internal trained pest control staff
• Certified third-party pest control provider
Requirements:
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• Must have defined roles and qualifications
• Clear service contracts outlining scope and responsibilities
Evidence to Maintain:
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• Training certificates or third-party license
• Signed service agreement with scope of work
• Contact info and response timelines for contractor
- • Internal trained pest control staff • Certified third-party pest control provider
- • Must have defined roles and qualifications • Clear service contracts outlining scope and responsibilities
- • Training certificates or third-party license • Signed service agreement with scope of work • Contact info and response timelines for contractor
3. Conduct Regular Monitoring and Inspections
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Inspection Activities Should Include:
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• Routine device checks (bait stations, traps, etc.)
• Entry points, ceilings, wall cavities, external perimeters
• Trending and review of pest activity data
Evidence to Maintain:
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• Inspection logs with findings and corrective actions
• Site map with device codes and inspection frequencies
• Maintenance and cleaning records to reduce pest attraction
- • Routine device checks (bait stations, traps, etc.) • Entry points, ceilings, wall cavities, external perimeters • Trending and review of pest activity data
- • Inspection logs with findings and corrective actions • Site map with device codes and inspection frequencies • Maintenance and cleaning records to reduce pest attraction
4. Respond to Pest Activity and Infestations
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Response Protocols:
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• Identify root cause and entry path
• Quarantine affected product or area
• Take corrective and preventive actions (e.g., sealing entry points, re-educating staff)
Evidence to Maintain:
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• Pest activity reports and investigation records
• CAPAs and root cause analysis documentation
• Product disposition records, if applicable
- • Identify root cause and entry path • Quarantine affected product or area • Take corrective and preventive actions (e.g., sealing entry points, re-educating staff)
- • Pest activity reports and investigation records • CAPAs and root cause analysis documentation • Product disposition records, if applicable
5. Review and Validate Pest Control Effectiveness
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Verification Activities:
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• Monthly service review with provider
• Annual program evaluation
• Trending pest incidents and root cause recurrence
Evidence to Maintain:
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• Monthly service reports with technician signature
• Annual pest program review report
• Internal audit findings related to pest control
- • Monthly service review with provider • Annual program evaluation • Trending pest incidents and root cause recurrence
- • Monthly service reports with technician signature • Annual pest program review report • Internal audit findings related to pest control
Common Audit Findings & Recommended Fixes
| Audit Finding | Recommended Action |
|---|---|
| Incomplete or missing pest control logs | Maintain signed inspection and service reports consistently |
| Unqualified personnel managing pests | Use certified pest control providers or train in-house staff |
| No map of control points or frequencies | Create a detailed site map and schedule |
| Lack of trend analysis | Track pest sightings, incidents, and analyze for patterns |