It used to be that gas stations sold prepared foods as a secondary convenience to their customers. Today, that relationship is reversed - customers are just as likely to stop in to buy take-out food at a gas station without refueling their tanks. The result is that convenience stores are now viewed as food retailers that also sell gas, according to NACS, formerly known as the National Association of Convenience Stores.
What that means for companies that manage workers preparing a host of deli foods, hot foods and beverages in convenience stores is that food safety has become as big an issue for them as for anyone running a restaurant.
The workers on the front line are subject to similar food sanitation standards and inspections that other food establishments must observe. For many places that sell processed foods, pre-packaged edible items and food made on-premises, part of food safety is pest management so that their food services aren't compromised by the presence of insects and rodents.
When it comes to pest control in food preparation, whether at convenience stores or food manufacturing sites, the best services are conducted by experts from firms like Abell Pest Control. They're able to determine the scope of a pest problem and conduct a comprehensive treatment plan as well as provide recommendations to food workers on preventive steps to minimize future outbreaks.
Consumers should be able to stop at a convenience store and buy food without fear of germs and bacteria being spread by pests that are typically drawn to food preparation sites. Companies that want to be sure their employees and work sites are meeting sanitation standards for food preparation and sales should introduce additional food safety training for their workers.
The most recent survey of the food processing industry by Alchemy Systems found that additional oversight and training at the point of operation is just as important as classroom training for staffers who work the front line at food manufacturing plants.
"What we find most interesting about the responses is that more than 40 percent believe supervisory coaching and influencing behavior on the job are as integral to establishing a food safety culture as is training in the classroom," said Alchemy CEO Jeff Eastman.
That appeared to be the case when it came to food safety inspections. One survey finding was that more deficiencies in food safety were found in cases when employees were given classroom training. Those who received instruction as they worked the front line at processing plants weren't cited for violations as frequently.
You probably already know that most people are repulsed by the simple sight of cockroaches. If you are personally dealing with a cockroach infestation, the feelings of disgust are probably even more intense. Unfortunately, the cold winter weather tends to be one of the reasons this pest ends up in your home in the first place, according to Any Pest. While you may know that you don't want to share your home with cockroaches this winter, there are a number of interesting facts about this pest that you've probably never heard.
Because of the high amount of traffic and the versatility of the facilities, pests are naturally attracted to long-term care institutions. Many nursing homes, rehabilitation centers and other care facilities include on-site kitchens and cafeterias as well as private rooms and common spaces. All of these places are susceptible to attracting pests because of the presence of food, water and viable habitats.
During the summer months, some people love to go camping with family and friends. Yet this fun trip can be ruined with a few unwanted visitors, most notably different types of bugs. Crawling spiders, hungry mosquitoes and buzzing flies can become annoying quickly. How can you avoid these pests when you're outdoors? Consider these tips to keep bugs out of your campsite.
Carpenter ants can chew through the strongest studs and stringers in a house as they hollow the wooden beams out for nesting. The resulting damage can weaken the home's structural support and require expensive repairs. Professional pest control workers can remove a colony of ants, but the best practice for homeowners is to learn the best ways to keep out an ant colony and prevent the problem before it begins.
As the weather cools, you'll probably see fewer pests than you did during the warmer months, but that doesn't mean they're all gone just yet. Some insects can actually come out in full force during the autumn, while others might seek refuge in your warm home. Here are some key tips to keep in mind as fall gets underway:
As the middle of summer approaches, you need to be vigilant about keeping your garden free of pests. Many insects breed during the summertime, which means they're on the lookout for great places to lay their eggs. For many bugs, that means near a source of food. In fact, some species of insects will lay their eggs inside budding vegetables and fruit so their larvae have something to eat as soon as they hatch. That's why you have to keep harmful bugs out without damaging the bugs that could help you, such as bumble bees.
You might have noticed that, with the exception of the kitchen, you find more pests in your bathroom than in the rest of your home. This is because insects and rodents see the bathroom as a convenient watering hole. Pests love leaky pipes and standing water because these offer them a hydrating oasis in the otherwise dry biome that is your house or apartment. And if your bathroom develops mold, all the better for pests, who may eat fungus or use it to lay their eggs.
The kitchen is largest gathering place for pests in a residential home. The reason is simple: pests can grab a bite to eat and take a sip of water while they're here. And when they find such a bountiful place, they will return home to their nests and report the finding - before you know it, your whole pantry is a buffet for ants! The problem could get even worse if a piece of food falls somewhere and begins to rot. Similarly, fruit and vegetables you bring into your home may be harboring unseen pests waiting to hatch.
