HACCP Australia has released a new standard for pest management services that it says will reduce food safety incidents at food handling facilities.
The new standard has been developed by expert food technologists at HACCP Australia, together with a review committee comprising food manufacturers, retailers, auditors and pest management companies.
Clive Withinshaw, a director of HACCP Australia says, “This is a world first. There are 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 programmes 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.
Withinshaw said the standard would 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 currently certified by HACCP Australia will be audited against this standard after a transition period. New applicants will be audited to this standard henceforth.
The standard is available at no charge to food businesses and contractors. To obtain a copy of the standard please visit the tools and downloads section of HACCP Australia’s website.
