Insect control in food processing

The importance of insect screens

In production facilities, comprehensive protective measures relating to food hygiene and safety are of paramount importance. An insect infestation can cause significant disruption to both areas. They can contaminate food and, in the worst case, transmit pathogens. Consequently, a lack of insect control not only compromises quality and taste, but also leads to legal and economic consequences in the form of product recalls and a loss of consumer confidence.

Well equipped thanks to a reliable hygiene management system

Various measures are required to prevent insect infestations in food production. In addition to installing high-quality fly screens, which are designed to prevent pests from entering in the first place, the following steps are important:

Regular and thorough cleaning

One of the most important basic requirements is cleaning. This involves not only surfaces and tools, but also, for example, hard-to-reach areas such as corners and crevices in various machine parts.

Waste management

It is well known that waste attracts insects. Effective waste management, which also involves the prompt and safe disposal of waste, is therefore essential. Waste bins for food waste should be secure and must be emptied regularly.

Insect killer

They play an important role both in terms of prevention and in the immediate control of insects. UV-based insect traps, in particular, are effective at keeping insects away from food.

Electronic insect traps fitted with a UV lamp are highly effective and easy to clean. The UV light acts like a magnet on the insects. Once the insects have been drawn to the trap, they are neutralised by various mechanisms such as electric grids or sticky surfaces.

Important: Insect killers with UV lamps are approved for indoor use only. This is because, when used outdoors, the light attracts and kills not only pests but also important beneficial insects.

The following points can be highlighted as advantages of UV-based insect traps:

• Effectiveness: Light sources are a very effective means of protecting against flying insects, as they exploit the pests’ natural behaviour.

• Monitoring: The traps provide a simple way of continuously monitoring the insect population. This enables additional measures to be taken promptly should the need arise.

• Easy maintenance and cleaning: Despite their electronic components, insect killers are generally easy to maintain and clean, which is a further argument in favour of their continued use in food processing. Many of the insect traps are fitted with a kind of collection tray from which the insects can be easily removed.

Training and awareness-raising

Staff training on hygiene standards and pest control measures is another key component. One tool is of central importance for ensuring the highest standards of hygiene and appropriate quality management: the HACCP plan. Only by identifying hazards and critical control points in food handling can the high safety and quality standards in the food industry be met.

Packaging, storage and transport

Even the packaging, storage and transport of raw materials and products play a role in protecting against insect infestation. What should you look out for? For example, the quality and fit of the packaging. Substandard or poor-quality packaging provides an opportunity for potential insect infestation.

Careful planning is also important when transporting goods. Regular checks on transport vehicles help to protect the goods, as does the use of suitable transport packaging.

Insect screens – with Ehlert, you’re well equipped

Insect control in the food sector involves more than just one aspect. Successful hygiene management encompasses various elements that are essential for ensuring reliable food safety. Only through the consistent implementation of appropriate measures can a safe and insect-free production environment be created.

As a specialist wholesaler of consumables and supplies for the food industry, we are also here to support you with appropriate insect control measures. If you have any questions or other enquiries, please do not hesitate to contact our expert staff – they will be happy to assist you!