Pest Control in Food Businesses

Find out about requirements for control of pests in catering businesses.

For advice about all aspects of opening a catering premises, download or order the Food Standards Agency booklet Starting Up – Your First Steps to Running a Catering Business.

Requirements for Control of Pests

Food businesses are required to 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.

Any gaps and holes to external doors, windows, pipes, drains etc. must be filled or covered with a solid, durable material in order to minimise pest entry points into food preparation and storage areas.

You should regularly check for any evidence of pests and call in a reputable pest control company if any signs are seen. You can search for a company on the British Pest Control Association website.

Insect Control

If flying pests are likely to be a problem, windows will need to be fitted with insect proof screens which can be easily removed for cleaning. Electric insect killers should be situated in an area away from main light sources and food preparation surfaces.

Insecticidal aerosol sprays should not be used in food preparation areas because of the risk of chemical contamination to food. Manufacturers and suppliers advice should always be sought prior to using insecticides yourself.

Cockroaches in Food Premises

To control cockroaches, you need a regular pest control treatment programme organised with a private company.

For more advice about cockroaches you can download an information sheet in PDF format below produced by the council's Environmental Health service.