Who Can Apply Pesticides in a Food Service Establishment?

"Who’s Actually Allowed to Apply Pesticides in a Food Service Establishment?"

It seems that every restaurant, canteen, or even food truck has encountered someone who thinks a can of spray from under the sink counts as pest control. And of course, it doesn't. “Who can apply pesticides in a food service establishment?” is a question with a very short answer: a licensed, certified pest control professional.

Federal law under the EPA requires that restricted-use pesticides (RUPs) in commercial food environments should be handled only by a certified applicator or someone working under their direct supervision. Your line cooks and managers don't qualify, no matter if their aim is as good as their intentions.

Staff can set mechanical traps and use tamper-resistant bait stations in non-food areas, but chemical treatments are a different matter entirely. Every product applied must be EPA registered and approved for food handling environments. Crack and crevice applications keep chemicals away from food contact surfaces while targeting the voids where pests actually live and travel.

Health inspectors expect to see service contracts, treatment logs, Safety Data Sheets, and a current applicator license number on file. And they are thorough. You can be assured that any missing paperwork will be flagged just as fast as a live roach.

So, that can rusting away under the sink? It belongs in the trash. The professional belongs on speed dial.

Contact Assured Environments for Rodent Control

Assured Environments provides licensed, documented pest control programs for commercial food service operations. Contact us today.