PEST CONTROL LEGISLATION YOU SHOULD BE AWARE OF
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FOOD HYGIENE (AMENDMENT) REGULATIONS 1990 (UNDER REGULATIONS 2(B) AND (C)) (EXTRACTS FROM)
The above regulations state that “The walls, floors, doors, windows, ceiling, woodwork and all other parts of the structure of every food room shall be kept clean and shall be kept in such good order, repair and condition as to prevent, so far as reasonably practicable, the entry of birds, and any risk of infestation by rats, mice, insects or other pests”.
FOOD SAFETY ACT 1990 (EXTRACTS FROM)
Section 21 provides the defence of “due diligence” in any proceedings for an offence if the person charged is able to prove that all reasonable precautions were taken and due diligence exercised to avoid the offence being committed. Actions taken to prevent or control pests by engaging the services of local authority or commercial pest control services may be put forward as part of a due diligence defence.
It is recommended that any establishment that stores, prepares, holds, cooks or serves food for human consumption, including packaged confectionery, engage the services of a pest control company.
FOOD SAFETY (GENERAL FOOD HYGIENE) REGULATIONS 1995
Chapter 1 section 2c of the above regulations (legal requirements) states that “Food businesses must take all reasonable precautions to prevent food pests, namely rats, mice, cockroaches, and flying insects, gaining entry into food storage and preparation areas”. This is to prevent the contamination of foodstuffs.
Chapter 11 section 1d of the above regulations (legal requirements) states that “windows and other openings which can be opened to the outside environment must - where necessary - be fitted with insect proof screens”.
It goes on to say that windows must be screened if:
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They open directly into food preparation areas
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They are opened for ventilation during food preparation
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Screening is necessary to prevent a risk of infestation and/or contamination