AIB Changes 2009 Inspection Standards

The American Institute of Baking International (AIB) has made significant changes to its 2009 standards for inspection.  Schendel recently hosted a training seminar for our food grade clients with Al St. Cyr, AIB’s Head of Food Safety Education.  St. Cyr did a great job outlining AIB changes related to pest management programs, and I thought it would be helpful to summarize some of his comments here.  Since this is just a general overview, you should contact us directly if you have specific questions or concerns about the pest management program in your inspected facility.  

Facility Assessment

Critical Requirements:

   * Personnel conduct an annual assessment of the facility, evaluating all areas inside and outside.
   * Assessment Results and Corrective Actions are documented and used to develop and update the IPM Program.
   * Assessments are conducted by trained IPM personnel, either from the pest management provider or provided from within the facility

Signed Contracts

The following are added contract requirements:

   * Facility name
   * Facility contact person
   * Frequency of services
   * Description of contracted services and how they will be completed
   * Term of the contract
   * Equipment and material storage specifications, where applicable
   * Scope of emergency service calls
   * Service records to be maintained
   * Requirement to notify facility of any changes in service or materials used

Credentials and Competencies

Critical Requirements:

   * Applicators provide verification of GMP training.
   * The facility maintains a current copy of the pest management company license issued by the appropriate government body, if required.

Exterior Rodent Monitoring Devices

Critical Requirements:

    * All exterior monitoring devices are inspected at least monthly.  These devices are to be checked more often when activity levels increase.

Interior Rodent Monitoring Devices

Critical Requirements:

Based on the detailed facility survey, interior monitoring devices are placed in sensitive areas specific to the rodent species, and other areas of pest activity, including:

   * Incoming materials warehouses or primary storage areas for raw materials
   * Maintenance areas with exterior access
   * Staging areas where materials are placed after delivery from the warehouse
   * Finished product warehouse areas
   * Areas with the potential for rodent access due to traffic patterns or activities that take place
   * Overhead areas when roof rat activity is evident or likely
   * High traffic areas
   * Both sides of doors that open to the exterior of the facility

Pheromone Monitoring Devices

Minor Requirement:

   * Facilities that handle materials prone to stored product infestations (e.g., grains, cereals, spices, or herbs) implement a comprehensive pheromone monitoring program.

Critical Requirement:

   * Pheromone monitoring devices are installed according to label requirements.
   * Pheromone monitoring devices are inspected on a defined frequency.

The facility documents the types and quantities of insects found during device inspections and uses the information to identify and eliminate the source of activity.