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Food Safety in the Workplace

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pests

Keep Pests Out of Your Kitchen!

window screens closed

Don't let pests inside!

  • Check all deliveries for pests before storage.
  • Keep doors shut when not in use.
  • Keep window screens closed.
  • Keep outdoor garbage containers away from doors and windows.
  • Report holes in walls, screens or door seals.
wipe up spills

Don't give pests water!

  • Clean spills promptly.
  • Keep storage and preparation areas clean and dry.
  • Clean mops and buckets after each use. Dry buckets and hang mops on a rack above floor drain.
  • Report dripping faucets, clogged or slow drains, leaks and other plumbing problems.
trash can lid

Don't give pests a place to live!

  • Inspect food storage areas for signs of pests.
  • Tell your supervisor about ANY SIGNS OF PESTS.
  • Store paper products and cardboard boxes in dry areas, 6 inches off the floors and away from walls.
  • Recycle or throw away cardboard packaging as soon as possible.
  • Keep trash and recycling rooms clean and dry.
  • Keep floor drains, strainers, and grates clean.
  • Seal cracks and crevices with caulk or paint.
  • Move waste and recyclables off site at least weekly.
sealed container

Don't feed pests!

  • Keep all food in sealed containers made to store food. Cardboard and paper are not pest-proof.
  • Use FIFO (first in - first out). Do not mix new food with older stored food.
  • Rinse disposable food containers before throwing them away.
  • Clean and sanitize food preparation equipment after use.
  • Each day, sweep and mop floors and let them dry.
  • Clean grease from vents, ovens and stoves.
  • Keep indoor garbage in lined, covered containers and empty containers daily.
  • Put garbage in sealed plastic bags before placing them in a covered, rodent-proof Dumpster.
  • Keep garbage cans and Dumpsters clean.

DON'T USE PESTICIDES IN YOUR KITCHEN.

Only licensed applicators may apply pesticides in Massachusetts schools, day-care centers or commercial kitchens.

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United States Department of Agriculture
National Institute of Food and Agriculture