HACCP releases pest management standard for food industry

HACCP Australia has released a new standard for pest management services for the food industry, meeting international best practice both in its development and in terms of the standard itself.

Developed by expert food technologists at HACCP Australia, together with a review committee comprising food manufacturers, retailers, auditors and pest management companies, the standard is expected to make a significant contribution to reducing food safety incidents.

Clive Withinshaw, a director of HACCP Australia said, “This is a world first. There are a number of guidelines around but guidelines are only that — guidelines. A standard allows for absolute performance measurement and can be used as a minimum criterion for food companies and pest management service providers. Companies operating HACCP programs need to give their contractors a precise set of measurable expectations and companies certified to this standard will be able to demonstrate their ability to deliver exactly that which is required.

It will be a really useful tool both here in Australia and overseas. It has been years in development and the very hard work put in by so many people will at last offer a real benefit to our industry and a reduction in food safety risk and non-conformances.”

All pest management service providers that are certified by HACCP Australia will be audited against this standard, after a transition period. New applicants will be audited to the standard immediately.

The standard is available at no charge to food businesses and contractors. To obtain a copy of the standard, click here.

Image credit: ©iStockphoto.com/Sebastian Duda