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Pest Control
Establish a pest control system.
Animals, including mammals, birds, and insects, are potential sources of contamination in packing environments because they harbor or could spread pathogens. Apple packers should, therefore, have a pest control program in place that requires regular inspections and treatment of the packing facility by a trained pesticide applicator. The program should include regular and frequent monitoring of affected and treated areas to accurately assess the program's effectiveness.
Maintain a pest control log that includes dates of inspection, inspection report, and steps taken to eliminate any problems. Establish frequent monitoring of affected and treated areas to determine the effectiveness of the treatment applied.
Use of pesticides is permitted only under precautions and restrictions that will prevent the contamination of food or packaging materials with illegal residues.
All applicators must be trained and licensed. If a pesticide is applied within packing areas, precautions must be taken to protect raw ingredients and packaging materials. All food contact surfaces must be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized between pesticide spraying and the beginning of packing operations.
Pesticide chemicals should be labeled and stored in a manner that protects against contamination of food, food contact surfaces, or food packaging materials.
Pesticide regulations are constantly changing, and you must know the current status of regulations pertaining to the pesticides you use in and around your operation. For further information on insecticides and rodenticides, contact the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture or your county Penn State Cooperative Extension office.