(a) The operator of
a food establishment shall ensure that the presence on the premises of insects,
rodents, and other pests is minimized by
(1)
routinely inspecting incoming shipments of food and supplies;
(2) routinely inspecting the premises for
evidence of pests;
(3) using, if
pests are found, trapping devices or other means of pest control allowed under
this chapter and in accordance with 18 AAC 90; and
(4) eliminating conditions that contribute to
the harboring of pests.
(b) The department may require the operator
to hire a commercial pest control applicator certified under 18 AAC 90 to
handle an insect, rodent, or other pest problem if the operator does not
demonstrate to the department's satisfaction that the operator has adequately
controlled the problem with pesticides and traps, or if an imminent health
hazard exists. If the department requires a certified commercial pest control
applicator under this section, the operator shall provide documentation to the
department detailing the actions taken by the applicator.
(c) The operator of a food establishment
shall ensure that insect light traps and flypaper, if used in the
establishment, are
(1) located so that dead
insects cannot fall on food, food-contact surfaces, or food storage areas;
and
(2) changed often enough to
prevent a heavy accumulation of insects in the traps or on the
flypaper.
(d) The
operator of a food establishment shall ensure that
(1) pesticides and pesticide use comply with
18 AAC 90 and
18 AAC 31.570; and
(2) dead or trapped birds, insects, rodents,
and other pests are removed from control devices and the premises at a
frequency that prevents their decomposition, or the attraction of other
pests.
(e) The operator
of a food establishment shall ensure that openings to the outside and perimeter
walls and roofs are effectively protected against the entrance of rodents,
insects, and other pests by tight-fitting, self-closing doors, closed windows,
screening, controlled air currents, or other means. Screening material must be
tight-fitting, free from breaks, and not less than 16 mesh to the
inch.
