Exterminate!!

In the food and beverage industry, hygiene and cleanliness are paramount and any compromise represents a dangerous risk to public health and hence on consumer confidence in the products they buy. Faced with high pressure from both the industry itself and from a knowledgeable and demanding customer base, all companies involved in the handling and preparation of food and drink ingredients and products are seeking to demonstrate their firm commitment to the highest level of hygiene. FS caught up with Nigel Binns, Business Development Manager at Rentokil Pest Control, to get an insight into raising industry standards across Europe.

FS. What role are companies such as your own playing in ensuring high standards and confidence in manufacturing and processing plants in the region?

NB. All customers expect the highest standards, whether they are buying raw materials or finished products. In the food and beverage industries, supplying goods that are free from pests, pest damage and contamination is essential. It is both a legal requirement and good practice to have in place pest control measures wherever food and beverages are stored, prepared, sold or eaten.

Rentokil liaises closely with customers, auditors and regulators to make sure that the level of service we offer is first class. Our staff sit on trade association, technical and government committees to help shape and develop the pest control industry to meet the needs of the customer. We have Europe-wide service coverage and a range of unique rodent and insect control methods developed by our in-house research and development facility in the UK. By working with the European food and beverage industry to raise and develop standards, I believe customers can be confident in the high quality service that my company can provide.

FS. Where in particular in the food production chain are your solutions and services most vital – how do the challenges of maintaining a hygienic environment change as you move along that chain?

NB. Pest problems can arise at all stages in the food manufacturing chain, from raw materials through to retailing of the finished product. It is vital that all of these stages are monitored to ensure pest-free conditions – ignoring just one area can quickly lead to infestation. My company believes that coverage ‘from farm to fork’ is key to ensure protection against infestation. We can provide services for raw material suppliers right through to wholesalers and retailers. That way, the customer knows that all stages of the food chain are covered.

If problems arise, we have a range of control methods ranging from traditional baits and sprays through to the latest environmentally friendly methods to ensure pests are quickly controlled and are not allowed to establish themselves.

It is essential that the contractor works closely with the customer; where recommendations for improving problem areas are made, these must be actioned quickly by both customer and contractor to ensure pest activity does not re-occur. Customers and auditors also demand thorough record-keeping and our PestNetOnline system allows real-time online viewing of the status of pest control across multiple sites and even in multiple countries if needed.

FS. Have you seen an increase in demand for your solutions and services across Europe, from any particular sectors or geographic regions?

NB. We have certainly noticed an increased demand for pest control, and in particular for modern, effective and environmentally-friendly pest management right across Europe. Many sectors are now focusing on pest control requirements, beginning with growing and supply of ingredients, through manufacturing and processing and out to distribution and final sale.

I believe there are three reasons for this. Firstly, it is being driven by improvements in food and hygiene legislation in all countries. Secondly, the ever more stringent standards laid down by both manufacturers and auditing bodies are demanding the presence of, and improvement in, good pest control. Last, but by no means least, customers have become more aware of increasing standards and will no longer tolerate poor quality produce. Infestation by pests, damage or contamination will result in fines and loss of reputation, and this is not something that many businesses want to happen!

FS. How has pest control moved on from crude devices such as the mousetrap – what kind of new technologies or innovations have improved the efficacy of this field over the years?

NB. Regrettably, in many cases, some sections of the pest control industry have not moved on at all! However, pest control in 2006 needs to be a combination of traditional inspection and monitoring of the customers’ properties, combined with innovative methods of capturing and eradicating the pest species if and when they are found.

The design of the old-fashioned mousetrap has changed little, but modern traps such as the Radar unit, which uses carbon dioxide to kill rodents quickly and humanely, have revolutionised the way in which rats and mice are caught and controlled. As well as checking the Radar boxes during routine service visits, we can monitor them remotely through the Pestconnect system, which is being rolled out across Europe. This checks the entire network of Radar units and insect monitor units every 10 minutes, or 52,560 checks per year.

The Pestconnect system will alert Rentokil’s office and the customer by e-mail as soon as any pest activity is detected. The local Rentokil technician is also alerted by SMS text message to his mobile/cell phone, and can take immediate action as necessary.

We are continuing to enhance our existing rodent and insect control methods, and have a number of products and services under development by our R&D team.

FS. What advantages can an organization gain from outsourcing its pest control and hygiene services?

NB. The use of a recognised professional pest control contractor is the best way to ensure top quality service levels. Companies should make sure that their chosen contractor is a member of a national trade association and has sufficient manpower and resources to meet the demands of the contract. Levels of training, insurance and codes of practice and conduct should all be considered.

By providing top quality service, along with recommendations to improve hygiene, housekeeping, proofing and storage throughout the site, the use of a professional contractor such as ourselves will also give you peace of mind and provides good evidence of ‘due diligence’.

FS. How can a company get the most of the outsourcer relationship and what should they look for in that provider? How do you meet these customer requirements and differentiate yourself from the competition?

NB. In my opinion, the company and pest control contractor must work together as a team to ensure best results. Where recommendations are made, these should be acted upon swiftly in order to resolve problems or potential problems.

As the market leader, my company plays a significant role in developing and leading the industry, both in terms of innovation and taking an active part in trade associations and other industry and government committees. Using the latest pest control methods and online reporting systems, Rentokil provides the highest levels of customer service combined with world class control techniques.

Nigel Binns
Currently Business Development Manager at Rentokil Pest Control, Nigel Binns has over 18 years experience of customer-focused work in the food, environment and public health pest control industries. He has extensive knowledge of and involvement in industry policy, strategy and information provision. Nigel is a Board Director of the British Pest Control Association and lectures at industry events all over the world.