What is the role of pest control in GMP?

• A. To improve product flavor.
• B. Prevention and elimination of pests through barriers, traps, and preventive maintenance to protect product safety.
• C. To reduce cleaning frequency.
• D. To replace sanitation procedures.

Answer: (B)

Pest control in GMP centers on preventing and eliminating pests to protect product safety. Pests can contaminate food through droppings, hair, or physical contact and can carry pathogens, so stopping their entry and survival in the facility is essential. This is achieved with an integrated approach using physical barriers (such as sealed doors and screens), traps, and preventive maintenance (like sealing cracks, fixing leaks, and proper waste handling) to reduce harborage and food sources for pests. By keeping the production environment hygienic and free from pests, you help ensure product safety and compliance with food safety standards. It isn’t about improving flavor, reducing cleaning frequency, or replacing sanitation procedures—cleaning and sanitation remain necessary, and pest control supports them rather than substituting for them.