Level 3 Food Safety Certificate Pest Control Management 2

Question 1

What is the significance of German cockroaches (Blattella germanica) in food premises and how can they be identified?

Accepted Answer

They are small (12-15mm), light brown with two dark parallel stripes on the pronotum, nocturnal, carry multiple pathogens including Salmonella and E. coli, reproduce rapidly (producing 30-40 eggs per ootheca), and prefer warm, humid areas near food and water

Answer

German cockroaches are harmless and common in all buildings

Answer

They are large black insects found only outdoors

Answer

They only infest restaurants, not other food premises

Question 2

What proofing measures should be implemented to prevent pest entry into food premises?

Accepted Answer

Sealing gaps greater than 6mm around pipes and cables, fitting self-closing doors with brush strips, installing fly screens on opening windows, maintaining drains with intact covers, ensuring roof integrity, and sealing gaps around service entries

Answer

Simply keeping the front door closed is sufficient

Answer

Proofing is only needed in old buildings

Answer

Using pesticides around the perimeter is sufficient proofing

Question 3

What should a pest control contract with an external provider include?

Accepted Answer

A detailed specification including visit frequency, pest species covered, monitoring methods, treatment protocols, bait station map, reporting requirements, emergency call-out response time, operatives' qualifications, insurance details, and compliance with British Pest Control Association standards

Answer

Just a phone number to call when pests are seen

Answer

Only the price and payment terms

Answer

A guarantee that no pests will ever be seen

Question 4

How should a food safety supervisor respond to evidence of a cockroach infestation?

Accepted Answer

Immediately contact the pest control contractor for emergency treatment, segregate and inspect food stock for contamination, intensify cleaning of affected areas, investigate the source and harbourage points, review proofing measures, document all findings and actions, and consider whether product recall or disposal is necessary

Answer

Spray household insecticide and carry on as normal

Answer

Close the business permanently

Answer

Wait until the next scheduled pest control visit

Question 5

What are Electronic Fly Killers (EFKs) and what are the requirements for their placement in food premises?

Accepted Answer

UV light units that attract and kill flying insects, which must be positioned at entry points but away from food preparation areas, not above food or food surfaces, at the correct height (1.5-2m), serviced annually with UV tube replacement, and catch trays cleaned regularly

Answer

EFKs can be placed anywhere in the kitchen

Answer

EFKs are not permitted in food premises

Answer

EFKs are decorative lights with no functional purpose

Question 6

What records should be maintained as part of a pest control management programme?

Accepted Answer

Pest control contractor reports, bait station maps, pesticide application records (product, amount, location, date), trend analysis data, proofing assessments, staff pest awareness training records, internal inspection logs, corrective action records, and copies of contractor qualifications and insurance

Answer

No records are necessary for pest control

Answer

Only the contractor's invoice

Answer

A simple note saying 'no pests seen'