Sanitation's impact on the effectiveness of the pest management programs of food processing facilities. (January 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Williams, Scott B.; Alexander, Corinne E.; Mason, Linda J.
• Is Part Of: Journal of stored products research. Volume 60(2015)
• Page Start: 48
• Page End: 53
• Publication Date: 2015-01
• Subjects: Tribolium castaneum -- Sanitation -- Pest management -- Food processing; Food -- Storage -- Periodicals; Farm produce -- Storage -- Diseases and injuries -- Periodicals; Entomology -- Periodicals; Food Contamination -- Periodicals; Food Preservation -- Periodicals; Insect Control -- Periodicals; Aliments -- Entreposage -- Périodiques; Produits agricoles -- Entreposage -- Maladies et dommages -- Périodiques; Electronic journals; 631.568
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jspr.2014.09.010
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0022-474X

Abstract

Abstract: Pest management in food processing facilities strives to prevent product loss due to insect consumption or infestation of raw or processed product. Facility managers may use a combination of different control methods to prevent or eliminate insect outbreaks. Prior research has suggested that sanitation, a preventative measure, may improve the effectiveness and reliability of other control methods, which may also reduce the cost of pest management for food processors when using these methods. Two food processing facilities in the Midwest were evaluated on their levels of sanitation and then monitored for insect pests following fumigation with Profume™. Facility managers were interviewed regarding their facility's pest control and sanitation programs, as well as their own attitudes and opinions regarding pest control. Bioassay results suggested an equal level of effectiveness of fumigation for both facilities, but monitoring data suggested that the cleaner facility (Facility A) had slower pest population rebound rates than the less-clean facility (Facility B). Comparison of pest control costs in each facility revealed that Facility A spent less than Facility B on pest control as predicted, but also spent less on sanitation. This suggests that greater investment in sanitation is not required for improved facility cleanliness and pest management effectiveness. Knowledge and involvement on the part of management and the employees in the facility's pest management program, may serve as a better indicator of sanitation's impact on facility pest management. These findings appear to correlate with the early results of an online survey that seeks a broader perspective of industry trends. Highlights: We compared two food processing facilities for differences in sanitation. Facility A had slower pest population rebound than Facility B after fumigation. Fewer pests and slower population growth was correlated with facility cleanliness. Investment in sanitation did not predict management success.