Food Labelling & Pest Control Flashcards

What is Integrated Pest Management (IPM) in the context of food establishments?

Answer: A comprehensive approach combining preventive measures, monitoring, and targeted treatment to manage pests in a way that minimises risks to health, food safety, and the environment

IPM is a holistic pest management approach that prioritises prevention (sealing entry points, removing food and water sources), combines monitoring (traps, inspection), and uses targeted treatment (pesticides as a last resort and only in appropriate areas). IPM minimises chemical use and is more effective long-term.

What are the three main categories of pests that pose a food safety risk in Singapore food establishments?

Answer: Cockroaches, rodents (rats and mice), and flies (including fruit flies)

The three primary pest categories threatening food safety in Singapore's food establishments are cockroaches (spread bacteria via contact with food and surfaces), rodents (contaminate food with droppings, urine, and fur), and flies (transmit pathogens from waste to food). Singapore's tropical climate makes these pests particularly prevalent.

What is the most effective primary defence against pest entry into a food establishment?

Answer: Proofing the premises — sealing all gaps, cracks, and potential entry points, and installing screens and door sweeps

The most effective first line of defence is physical exclusion — preventing pests from entering the premises. This includes sealing all gaps around pipes, cables, and structural junctions, installing door sweeps and window screens, and checking incoming deliveries for signs of pest activity. Prevention is always better than treatment.

How should pesticides be used in a food preparation area?

Answer: Pesticides must not be applied directly to food contact surfaces or where food is present — food and equipment must be covered or removed, and the area ventilated before food handling resumes

Pesticides are chemical hazards that must never contaminate food or food contact surfaces. Before any pesticide application in or near food preparation areas, all food and equipment must be removed or covered. After treatment, the area must be thoroughly ventilated and surfaces cleaned before food handling resumes.

What signs indicate a rodent infestation in a food establishment?

Answer: Droppings, gnaw marks on packaging or structures, grease marks along walls (runways), urine stains (visible under UV light), and nesting materials

Rodents leave multiple signs of their presence: droppings (size indicates rat vs. mouse), gnaw marks on packaging, food, and structures, grease marks (from their oily fur) along regular pathways, urine stains visible under UV light, and nesting materials. Early detection through monitoring prevents full infestations.

What should a food establishment manager do immediately upon discovering a cockroach infestation?

Answer: Stop preparation in affected areas, notify SFA as required, engage a licensed pest control operator for treatment, and deep clean the premises before resuming operations

A cockroach infestation is a serious food safety breach. The immediate response should be to stop food preparation in affected areas (to prevent contaminated food reaching consumers), engage a licensed pest control operator for professional treatment, deep clean and sanitise the premises, and notify SFA if required. Operations should only resume after the infestation is controlled.