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Vermin Control

Version 5.1 (modified)

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Key – Those standards which have greater significance (all other standards are normal)

Recommendation – Those which do not affect certification

New – A completely new standard which the member must now adhere to

Revised – A standard that has changed and requires the member to take some different or additional action to before

Upgraded – The standard has been upgraded to a Key standard or from a Recommendation to a full standard

Appendix – Referenced in ‘How you will be measured’. Indicates that additional information is provided in the Appendices, which are available at the end of each section.

This icon indicates that a record is required.

Where to find help – at the end of each section we have indicated where you can get extra guidance if you need it.

Aim:

Effective and responsible control of birds, rodents, insects and other animals to prevent contamination and food safety risk

CR.VC.1 Key

Standards

There must be effective control of vermin

How you will be measured

CR.VC.1.a

No build-up of vegetation close to farm structures that could harbour vermin

CR.VC.1.b

A site survey is completed at least quarterly, detailing: - date of inspection - locations inspected - findings - actions required - date actions completed

CR.VC.1.c

Dead/trapped vermin are searched for and disposed of when bait points are checked

CR.VC.1.d

Birds, rodents and domestic animals are prevented from entering all long-term storage

Site surveys

CR.VC.2

Standards

Toxic bait must be used responsibly

How you will be measured

CR.VC.2.a

Prior to treatment with baits the use of non-chemical control methods is considered first followed by the least toxic alternatives (see Appendix – risk hierarchy)

CR.VC.2.b

An Environmental Risk Assessment is undertaken in accordance with the Appendix before bait is laid

CR.VC.2.c

Where baits are used a Bait Plan identifies: - location of bait points - bait used - bait point inspection - replenishment dates

CR.VC.2.d

Non-target animals do not have access to baits

CR.VC.2.e

Bait stations/boxes are secured and clearly identified

CR.VC.2.f

Permanent baiting is not routinely undertaken and toxic bait is removed when treatment is finished

CR.VC.2.g

Product label directions are followed

CR.VC.2.h

A documented COSHH assessment is carried out where there are 5 or more employees

Environmental Risk Assessment
Bait Plan
COSHH assessment (where applicable)

Aim:

Ensuring toxic rodent bait is used safely in grain stores whilst combinable crops are being stored

CR.VC.3 Key

Standards

Toxic rodent baits can only be used in grain stores whilst combinable crops are being stored where the following criteria are met

How you will be measured

CR.VC.3.a

There is a defined need for toxic bait to be used to prevent or treat a mouse infestation

CR.VC.3.b

*Only gel/paste products can be used within the store (Loose grain baits, pasta/wax blocks and gel sachets are not permitted)

CR.VC.3.c

Toxic pastes / gels are only placed within the store in lockable, secure, identifiable bait boxes which are secured to the building with the positions recorded on a store map (The assessor will check that boxes are locked when present)

CR.VC.3.d

Bait boxes are placed where there is minimal risk of being crushed or displaced

CR.VC.3.e

Where farmers or farm personnel are baiting grain stores, they must have read and understood the Red Tractor ‘Safe mouse control in a grain store’ guidance / training document**. The training must be documented. (This can be N/A if using a professional vermin control contractor.)

Site survey and/or vermin control contractor's visit reports that identify a significant risk during storage
Baiting records
Store bait box map
Training records

Vermin Control Bait Plan

Site Survey

Permanent baiting is the application of a rodenticide product when no active infestation is present. Permanent baiting is strictly limited to sites with a high potential for reinvasion when other methods of control have proven insufficient and can only be carried out by professional users and only with products authorised for this use.