New version, new demands... Supplier of services?

a) have specified requirements which are regularly reviewed,
b) are described in documents to the extent needed to conduct hazard analysis,
c) are managed in conformance with the requirements of technical specification for
sector PRPs, (For food manufacturers ISO/TS 220021:2009 Prerequisite programmes on food safety  Part 1: Food manufacturing)
d) are assessed and approved demonstrating compliance with specified requirements
e) are monitored to assure continued service provider approval status.

 

The services shall include at least:
a) utilities,
b) transport and storage,
c) maintenance,
d) cleaning and
e) outsourced services.

 

When analysis critical to the verification of food safety is undertaken, this needs to be conducted by a competent laboratory that has the capability to produce precise and repeatable test results using validated test methods and best practices (e.g. successful participation in proficiency testing programs, regulatory approved programs or accreditation to international standards such as ISO 17025).

 

So, you should have specifications, procedures and verification for suppliers of services. As an example, I would expect to see in a typical pest control contract agreement:

Company and contractor key contact personnel
Description of contracted services and how they will be completed
Term of the contract
Equipment and material storage specifications
A complete inventory of pesticides (must be approved by the regulatory authority for use in a food facility) detailing the safe use and application of baits and other materials such as insecticide sprays or fumigants
Emergency call out procedures
Records to be maintained
Requirement to notify facility of any changes in service or materials used
Service personnel including evidence of competency by exam from a recognized organization

 

The contracted pest control service to include:

Monthly site visits and inspections including service records describing current levels of pest activity and recommendations for taking corrective actions.
Inspections including the periphery and internal and external buildings
The provision of a plan/diagram of the site showing the location of all pest control monitoring and prevention measures
Flying insect controls including fly killing units
Emergency 24 hour callout service
Quarterly biologist inspection reports, visit and trend reports with recommendations
A current copy of the certificate of insurance that specifies the liability coverage
Spill control materials and procedures
Material Safety Data Sheet information to ensure proper usage of pesticide chemicals

 

Pest Control Contractor reports to include:

Signs of pest activity
Proofing requirements
Actions required by site
Type of Pest
Pesticide or material applied
Pesticide registration number
Rate of application or percent of concentration
Specific location of application
Method of application
Amount of pesticide used at the application site
Next action/follow up date
Date and time
Review and investigation of any missing baits
Signature of pest controller

Verification could be by a combination of audit of pest control, review of pest control contract, inspections, reports, pest activity logs etc. I also tend to periodically leave a note in a pest control device asking the pest control technician to notify me when they have found the note as a spot check.

 

Kind regards,

 

Tony