Pest management is a critical component of the BRC Global Standard for Food Safety. The 8th edition of the standard states:

“The whole site shall have an effective preventive pest management programme in place to minimise the risk of infestation, and resources shall be available to respond rapidly to any issues which occur to prevent risk to products.”

It further adds:

“The presence of any infestation on site shall be identified in pest management records and be part of an effective pest control programme to eliminate or manage the infestation such that it does not present a risk to products, raw materials, or packaging.”

Becoming BRC Compliant

Ensuring that your business complies with BRC Standards is essential for maintaining food safety and protecting your reputation. While it is possible to manage pest control in-house, it can be extremely time-consuming and impractical for many businesses.

If a business chooses to manage pest control internally, the BRC requires that:

• Pest management activities are carried out by trained and competent staff with sufficient knowledge to select appropriate chemicals and proofing methods, and to understand pest biology.

• Staff meet any legal training or registration requirements.

• Adequate resources are available to respond quickly to infestations.

• Access to specialist technical knowledge is available when needed.

• All legislation governing the use of pest control products is understood and strictly followed.

• Pesticides are stored securely in locked, dedicated facilities.

Because of these strict requirements, many businesses choose to work with a professional pest control contractor to ensure compliance and maintain a proactive pest management programme.

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Our BRC-Compliant Pest Control Services

It is important to note that not all pest control providers are qualified to deliver services that meet the BRC Global Standard for Food Safety. While most contractors can address general pest issues, developing and maintaining a preventive programme that fully aligns with BRC requirements demands specialist knowledge and experience.

At Westcountry Pest Control, our team of highly trained technicians — all members of the British Pest Control Association — are experts in BRC standards. We offer:

• Rigorous audits and inspections, with detailed findings reports

• Routine site visits to monitor and manage pest activity

• Proactive recommendations to improve pest prevention

• Implementation of robust food safety systems

• Consultation on pesticide selection and placement

• Advice on the use of traps, including insect light traps and pheromone traps

• Field biologist inspections

• Inspection and assessment of machinery for pest risks

• Baiting programmes, including the use of external bait stations and rodent baits, guided by our proven bait checklist

Our extensive experience allows us to work seamlessly across a range of food environments. We pride ourselves on delivering a quality service with rapid response times and on building lasting partnerships with our clients — not just acting as a service provider. We are also able to supply any certification needed for audits or compliance purposes.

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Get in Touch for Expert Pest Control Solutions

If you’re ready to ensure your business meets the BRC Global Standard for Food Safety, our team is here to help. Whether you need an initial consultation, a full pest management programme, or ongoing support, we’re just a call away. Contact us today for a tailored solution that keeps your business compliant and your products safe.

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