Rentokil cracks down on pest-borne diseases
Rentokil claimed the disinfectant used in the service could kill virtually all pathogens and contained a reactive barrier technology, which meant the product remained active for up to seven days.
“Our pest disinfection biocide kills up to 99.9999% of pathogens, including those associated with pest infestations including E.Coli and salmonella, ensuring staff and family members remain safe,” Rentokil Pest Control’s area technical manager Colm Moore said.
‘Unique biocide’
The new service used a “unique biocide” to combat the threat of pathogens, such as salmonella, E.Coli hantavirus and leptosprosis, he said.
The biocide, which Rentokil refused to name for commercially sensitive reasons, is effective against bacteria, viruses, moulds and fungi – including spores – and can be used in all types of premises.
Importantly, as the product is food-safe, it is suitable for use in food and drink manufacturing environments, restaurants and food outlets, Rentokil added.
The pest disinfection service is applied in the form of a spray or mist to all areas of properties affected by pests. It is non-corrosive, non-staining and safe to be applied to any surface including plastic, soft metals and fabric.
Moore said it was vital that food and drink businesses looked beyond simply dealing with pests and considered the impact of traces they might have left behind.
Urine and faeces
Pathogens are often spread throughout an infested food or drink business via urine and faeces, as pests forage for food and build nesting sites.
Infection can then occur through skin contact, particularly through cuts or wounds, or by consuming contaminated food or water.
Meanwhile, earlier this year the head of the Technical Training Academy at Rentokil UK Pest Control David Cross told FoodManufacture.co.uk that changes to the Biocidal Products Directive would create a number of difficulties for food and drink manufacturers.
Watch our exclusive video with Cross to find out what the changes in the directive are and how they have meant the industry has lost the use of certain contact poisons.
