Is Your Pest Control Program Truly GMP-Compliant?

Pest control isn’t just a housekeeping issue — it’s a GMP-critical requirement.

If you only react to pests after you see them, you’re already non-compliant.
A truly GMP-compliant pest control program must be proactive, documented, and verifiable.

Let’s explore what makes a pest control program meet GMP, ISO 22000, and FSSC 22000 standards — and the common mistakes that could cost you during audits.

🐀 Why Pest Control Is a Core Element of GMP

• Pests carry microbial contaminants, allergens, and foreign bodies

• Infestations compromise product safety, hygiene, and regulatory compliance

• GMP-certified facilities must maintain a clean and pest-free environment at all times

• Regulatory agencies and certification bodies (e.g., MOH, NPRA, ISO, GFSI) expect a structured and documented pest control plan

⚠️ Common Signs Your Pest Control Program Is Not GMP-Compliant

• No documented pest control procedures or SOPs

• Missing or outdated pest control service reports

• Infrequent monitoring or irregular technician visits

• Poor placement of traps or lack of zoning strategy

• No trend analysis or corrective action records

• Staff not trained to recognize or report pest evidence

• No verification by QA or food safety team

✅ Elements of a GMP-Compliant Pest Control Program

1. Engage a Certified Pest Control Provider

• Choose licensed companies familiar with food industry standards

• Ensure technicians are trained and follow GMP protocols

2. Have a Written Pest Control Procedure

• Define:

  • Frequency of inspections

  • Target pests (rodents, insects, birds, etc.)

  • Methods of control (non-toxic baits, UV traps, glue boards, etc.)

  • Chemicals used (must be approved and used safely)

3. Facility Zoning and Trap Placement

• Identify high-risk areas: raw material zones, waste bins, loading bays

• Label all pest control devices and ensure proper spacing

• Avoid placing traps near food handling areas unless justified

4. Maintain a Pest Control Map

• Visual layout showing:

  • Each trap’s location

  • Numbering system

  • Date of last inspection/service

5. Keep Accurate Records

• Monthly service reports from pest control provider

• Documentation of:

  • Observations

  • Corrective actions

  • Chemical usage (with MSDS)

6. Trend Analysis

• Log pest sightings and trap activity over time

• Identify problem areas and escalate control measures

7. Internal Verification

• Conduct regular GMP walkthroughs

• Cross-check pest control records against SOPs

• Include pest control in your internal GMP audit checklist

8. Employee Awareness & Training

• Train staff to recognize:

  • Droppings, nests, chewed packaging

  • Dead insects or live pest sightings

• Ensure prompt reporting to the QA department

🛑 Audit Red Flags to Avoid

• Trap stations not labelled or blocked

• Expired pest control service contracts

• Records missing technician signatures

• Rodenticides used inside production zones without justification

• No evidence of corrective action for repeated sightings

📌 Final Thoughts

A truly GMP-compliant pest control program isn’t reactive — it’s strategic, documented, and consistently monitored.

Ask yourself:
✅ Are your traps properly placed and mapped?
✅ Do you have service records and SOPs?
✅ Can you prove that pest risks are controlled and reviewed?

If the answer is no, your pest control program might look fine on paper — but fail in front of an auditor.

💼 Need help reviewing or building a GMP-compliant pest control program?
At CAYS Scientific, we support Malaysian manufacturers with:
✔️ GMP documentation for pest control SOPs
✔️ Internal audits and factory walkthroughs
✔️ ISO, HACCP & FSSC 22000 implementation support

📞 Let us help you seal the gaps — before the pests get in.