3 replies to this topic

[C.Giauque]

Hello IFSQN,

 

I am writing about a recent issue we encountered in our warehouse, which resulted in a significant loss of product valued at $8,000.

 

A customer reported that an entire skid of our product was infested with ants upon pick-up. Upon my return, I personally inspected the facility and found evidence of ants on our sticky traps (tin cats) near the dock doors in our shipping warehouse. This indicates that the ants originated from our facility.

 

It is concerning that our latest pest control inspection report did not mention any ant activity. However, I learned that a staff member had requested pesticide from our Production Manager and used it to address the issue independently while I was out sick. I am aware that BRCGS standards may discourage this practice, but I seek clarification and guidance on this matter.

 

Specifically, I would like to know if there are any circumstances under which pesticides can be stored and used on-site when pest control services are unable to respond immediately. Additionally, I would appreciate any recommendations or insights on the appropriate corrective actions to take in such situations.

 

Thank you for your help in advance.

[Scampi]

NO

 

The corrective action is to treat the exterior and close any gaps in doors, walls etc. to remove entry points and increase the frequency of inspection during warmer months

 

You could use ant bait traps by doors inside,  that you buy at the hardware store as they can't contaminate your product  similar to this https://www.walmart....ps-red/10150790

 

But if you're  talking about spraying of any sort, absolutely not

Edited by Scampi, Yesterday, 07:50 PM.

[C.Giauque]

NO

 

The corrective action is to treat the exterior and close any gaps in doors, walls etc. to remove entry points and increase the frequency of inspection during warmer months

 

You could use ant bait traps by doors inside,  that you buy at the hardware store as they can't contaminate your product  similar to this https://www.walmart....ps-red/10150790

 

But if you're  talking about spraying of any sort, absolutely not

 

Thank you for your input,

 

The corrective action I took when I saw the evidence of ant activity around the area was immediately contacted our pest control service providers and had them come out on their earliest convenience to inspect the area and bait the outside. I also had staff immediately isolate the area and inspect any product around the vicinity for any more ant activity.

 

I was upset, to say the very least, that not only was I not directly informed of the infestation by our shipping personnel who found the issue, but our Production Manager allowed the use of pesticides within our facility unreviewed, unapproved, and without my knowledge. I was needing external validation that my concern was not unwarranted. When I expressed my concern about this I was told, "well we needed to do something to kill the ants immediately, we could not just wait".

Edited by C.Giauque, Yesterday, 08:11 PM.

[Brothbro]

It's understandable that the staff want to get rid of the ants immediately, but spraying pesticides isn't the way to do it. They're just replacing one contamination event (ants) with another (introduction of poison). Product that has been infested with ants is destined for the dump anyway, but the trails of ants could have probably been cleaned up with water or the same approved floor cleaner you always use just to remove them. Then like Scampi mentioned the proper follow-up for ants is to deny their entrance to the facility by plugging holes and ensuring stored product isn't packaged in a way that attracts them.

 

Your pest control contractor should be more on top of this, if you have an infestation like this the contractor should have corrective actions in mind and be able to jump on the issue a little quicker than an "at their convenience" speed. If your pest control procedures don't spell out what the production manager should have done in this situation already, this is a good opportunity to review them.