Signed into law on January 4, 2011, the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) is changing food safety laws. This means big changes for the entire food production industry including food processing and food manufacturing facilities. According to the FDA, “[The Food Safety Modernization Act] aims to ensure the U.S. food supply is safe by shifting the focus from responding to contamination to preventing it.” For food processing or food manufacturing facilities in Houston, Austin or San Antonio, and Texas, it is important to be aware of the laws and regulations under the new FSMA and also how your commercial pest control plan is already helping.
If this idea of prevention is ringing a bell then perhaps you are already working with our Texas IPM Specialists at Holder’s Pest Solutions on an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach to prevent pest infestations before they occur. For those working in the food industry, you know just how horrific a pest infestation can be when it comes to dealing with food. Disease, illness, even fatalities can be a direct result of pests like rodents, roaches, flies and many other pests spreading contamination.
Under the FSMA, the FDA is requiring preventative controls for food facilities which include frequent inspections, regulatory compliance, mandatory food recalls, and records for the FDA to keep track of the facilities program for food safety (amongst a long list of other food safety regulations under the new law). The good news is the team at Holder’s Pest Solutions has been working in the food industry providing commercial pest prevention for many years. We understand the importance of adhering to the FDA guidelines which is why our IPM approach to commercial pest control services include:
Education of advanced pest management tools and techniques.
Frequent inspections by both the pest control professionals and staff.
Exclusion programs to keep pests from getting into the facility.
Administrative support between the client, staff and the IPM Specialist.
Pest trapping and monitoring for added pest control measures.
Sanitation to ensure that the facility is clean and free from potential pest contaminants.
Service technicians to provide knowledge and support on pest problems.
Physical control of the facility to ensure there are not pest conducive conditions present.
Pesticide applications if necessary.
Mechanical control to ensure that the facility is properly sealed, repaired and effective at keeping pests out.
Quality control to ensure the commercial pest program is working.
Documentation every step of the way for an accurate pest history.
Contact Holder’s Pest Solutions today to for more information on our pest control for food processing facilities in Houston, Austin, San Antonio and South Texas as well as all points in between. We are ready to help you ensure that your business is maintaining a pest free facility and adhering to laws and regulations under the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act.