For various reasons, animals are not allowed in food growers’ operations. Images of a dog silhouette crossed out with a red line and the phrase “no animals” are strategically placed to reinforce this policy. Animal traces or evidence must not be found in the facilities, as part of the company’s food safety programs and policies.

Whether they are domestic or wild animals, they pose risks as potential vectors of parasites and microorganisms responsible for causing diseases. To ensure food safety, it is crucial to establish control measures that prevent animals from entering the facilities, let alone the production process.

How can this be accomplished?

1. Hire a pest control company to capture or apply treatments such as repellents.

2. Identify the local fauna around the facilities, including dogs, cats, rodents, urban pests, grazing animals, and wild species. Understand their habits, feeding patterns, and activity times (day or night) to establish better control strategies.

3. Ensure three necessary conditions for pests to thrive—availability of water, food, and refuge. If these conditions exist, serious problems can arise that are difficult to control and eradicate.

4. Trained workers who can identify the damage, and evidence of pest presence, and promptly notify supervisors are essential. Their actions should not compromise their health.

5. Implement barriers and control measures to prevent pests from entering vulnerable areas, such as water sources, warehouses, and processing areas.

• Use appropriate control devices based on the type of pest. For example: Light traps for flying insects.
• Rubber or mechanical traps for rodents.
• These devices should be marked on a map or sketch to facilitate inspections and ensure no device is overlooked.

6. Maintain pest control measures and devices in optimal condition. Keep records of inspection dates and findings.

7. Determine the frequency of monitoring, assign responsibilities, and establish corrective measures.

Farming companies within the Veggies From Mexico community have robust pest control programs to ensure the food they offer consumers is of high quality and, above all, safe.