Contract, plan, records, entry points and staff: seven areas the auditor will check.
Finding pests in a restaurant or food production facility is not just a reputation problem; it is a direct audit finding, a fine and even grounds for suspending operations. A well-prepared pest management programme is one of the first files an auditor opens. Here are the topics to check when preparing for an audit.
1. Contract and documents
You must have a written, current contract with an authorised pest control company. The company's biocidal applicator permit, technicians' MYK certificates, and the licences and MSDS of the products used should be on file.
2. Monitoring plan
All numbered rodent stations, UV fly devices and pheromone-glue traps must be marked on the facility plan. A programme whose plan is out of date or does not match the number of stations on site is a typical non-conformity.
3. Visit records and trend report
For each visit the date, work done, product used, quantity, findings and corrective action suggestions must be written. A monthly or quarterly trend report shows rises or falls in catch numbers; the auditor uses it to understand your risk level.
4. Control of entry points
- The gap under external doors should not exceed 6 mm; an air curtain or fly screen should be present.
- Drains and strainers should be covered or grated.
- Ventilation grilles should have 1.5 mm mesh screens.
- Boxes and pallets should not be left waiting in the delivery area.
5. Storage and waste management
Food should be stored at least 15 cm off the floor and 30 cm from walls. The waste area should be separate from production, with lidded bins emptied daily. Grease and wastewater drains should be cleaned regularly.
6. Staff awareness
Kitchen and warehouse staff should recognise pest signs (droppings, gnaw marks, dead insects) and know where to report them. A short annual pest awareness training with a signed attendance list is viewed positively by the auditor.
7. Corrective action and emergencies
When a finding arises, a response and follow-up record should be created within 24 hours. If your contract does not state an emergency response time, add one.
Final week pre-audit checklist
- Do the plan and number of stations match?
- Are the visit records of the last 12 months complete?
- Are MSDS and licence documents current?
- Have glue traps and UV tubes been replaced (UV tubes yearly)?
You can use a free facility survey to set up the programme from scratch or make your current programme audit-ready.
Choosing a contract
Compare quotes not only on price but on visit frequency, emergency response time, report quality and audit support. Contracts under about 2,000 TRY a month often fall short on records and number of stations.