Pest control in food businesses

Pests can carry bacteria and viruses and can contaminate food, equipment and surfaces.  

Under the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code, all food businesses must take practical measures to:  

• prevent pests entering the food premises
• prevent pest harbourage and breeding
• eradicate any pests found on the premises.    

Most pest issues can be prevented through good cleaning, waste management and building maintenance.

Common pests in food businesses

• rodents, including rats and mice  
• insects, such as cockroaches, flies and ants  
• birds, such as pigeons.

Where to look

Pests are attracted by food, water and shelter and may be difficult to see, especially during the day. Look for signs of pests:

• under and behind electrical, heating and cooking appliances  
• under washing and hand-washing facilities  
• under and in boxes, packaging and food storage containers  
• inside wall cavities  
• in cracks and crevices  
• behind equipment in disused or ‘mothballed’ equipment.

Controlling pests

Businesses can manage pests themselves or use a licensed pest controller.  

Both methods should follow a good pest management plan that covers:

• the types of pests and treatments to be used
• areas that need inspection and treatment (for example, behind appliances and equipment, inside wall cavities and cupboards, under and inside boxes and packaging)
• a site map of locations of pest control devices and pesticides. Place them where pesticides or killed pests can't come in contact with food or food contact surfaces – for example, not above food preparation areas
• frequency of inspections and treatments - this will depend on the location, climate, food activities, type of pests and activity. Regular inspections and treatments will ensure expired pesticides aren't used and baits are replaced or reset and dead pests are removed.

If managing pests yourself, only use products suitable for a food premises and take care to prevent contamination of food, equipment and food-contact surfaces.  

Ongoing prevention

Prevent pests entering the premises

• Seal all holes, gaps and cracks in walls and ceilings.  
• Install and maintain flyscreens on windows and door openings.  
• Keep doors closed when not in use.  
• Install weather strips at the base of doors.  

Prevent pests living in the premises

• Regularly check for signs on pests.
• Maintain the premises and equipment in a clean condition.
• Keep food covered in sealed containers.
• Store food, equipment and food containers off the floor.
• Keep garbage storage areas clean and tidy.
• Remove rubbish regularly and make sure outside areas, especially around bins, are clean and well maintained.
• Remove unused equipment and fixtures from the premises.
• Implement a suitable pest control program.

Compliance action for pest issues

If an authorised officer from the Food Authority or local council identifies a pest control issue that needs to be rectified, a variety of compliance actions can be initiated.  

For more information, see Compliance.  

More information

Safe Food Australia is a guide to the food safety standards - pests are covered under Standard 3.2.2 clause 24 and in Appendix 7.