Complexities of running a food processing business

As more and more end users are embracing health and safety, food safety standards have to be adhered to at optimal levels at all times. This also means stringent measures on regulatory and audit compliance and business requirements are in place to uphold safety standards consistently.

The presence of pests and its implications in the food processing business

Another critical key indicator to the sustainability of the food processing business is operation efficiency and productivity. In a labor-driven business, workday loss or absenteeism may disrupt the daily process and necessary activities, thus affecting the business productivity.

In addition to the cost of medical reimbursement, the unhealthy employee who still work during their shifts also has the potential to rapidly spread the disease in the workplace, disrupting production activities and contaminating food. Diseases carried by house flies such as Tuberculosis (TB) or Salmonellosis, as well as diseases transmitted by mosquito bites such as Dengue Fever - are some types of contagious diseases that can affect the well-being of employees and should be constantly monitored by business owners.

This risk can certainly be minimized if we implement adequate food consumption safety in the preparation kitchen and canteen, such as controlling flies and equipping those areas with fly pest monitoring devices by using energy-efficient fly traps. The presence of mosquito pests can also be eliminated by adopting good sanitation practices and controlling the adult mosquito population through regular and periodic water-based mosquito fogging.

Embracing innovation to facilitate robust food production is essential in today’s Internet of Things landscape. Such as investing in cutting-edge technologies to fasten and enhance the food manufacturing process or to fulfill the completion of large volumes of production required daily. Automation robots, remote monitoring systems, optical food sorters, and energy savings machines are some technologies invested in to meet today’s manufacturing demands.

As these processed and packaged foods are often exported to supply chains or distribution channels internationally, global food safety standards have to be complied with. For example, in food safety, the BRC Global Standards are applicable. It governs critical areas such as Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP), manufacturing process audits, quality management systems, supply chain, and site standards that cover pest control, sanitation, and waste management.

Audit services such as AIB International including GMP inspection, HACCP Accreditation, and AIB Gold Standard are often conducted among food manufacturing businesses dealing with finished food and beverages, fresh produce, packaging, and distribution facilities.

For fast food chain restaurants, the YUM! Standards are established to ensure quality, safe, and consistent food supply including KFC and Pizza Hut. The food safety system governs key areas for example:

• Employee Health and Hygiene
• Product Handling
• Pest Control standards
• Ingredient and temperature management
• Prevention in cross-contamination

Audit inspections and undergoing the evaluation process can be stressful and time-consuming for the business. For some food manufacturers, besides entertaining regular or frequent visits by external auditors, buyers, local authorities or distribution partners may also request an audit. Pest monitoring and activity tracking are key.

Why Rentokil be your trusted partner in addressing pest issues in your food processing business?

Because the food processing business is complex and has zero tolerance for any pest problems, it becomes highly intricate and challenging to manage.

We understand that controlling pest issues in the food processing business can be a difficult and challenging task. As a trusted pest control company with over 50 years of experience in managing various types of pests in many food processing businesses in Indonesia, Rentokil is ready to be your reliable partner - working collectively with your business to ensure the safety and quality of the food produced.

Contact Rentokil at 150808 or fill out the form to get the best pest control solutions for your food processing business.