Start-up patents new pest-control pallets

A Paisley-based start-up company has launched an innovative device, which enables manufacturers and distributors to identify and isolate contaminated food cargoes.

Pallet Detection Systems, the brainchild of Pest Protection Services' md Iain Lawson and Airlink Group founder John McGlynn, has just secured a European patent for its device, and is now in advanced negotiations with a clutch of leading pallet manufacturers to install it in new pallets.

The device - a cassette with an identity number containing an attractant that lures pests into a viewing area - can be incorporated into wooden or plastic pallets, said Lawson. “It's actually a very simple device enabling people to quickly identify contaminated stock without detailed inspection. They can also pinpoint when the infestation has occurred, because each cassette has a serialised number. When they move through the supply chain, carriers will sign off that the consignment is clear.”

The device would prove particularly useful for products prone to insect infestations such as flour, cereals and fruit, he predicted. “At the moment, less than 5% of food crossing borders is inspected properly. Our invention allows even low-skilled workers to check much greater volumes and identify potential problems.”

The World Health Organisation estimates that 5-20% of food production is lost owing to pest contamination, said McGlynn, who secured some funding from Scottish Enterprise to support the scheme. “This gives a good indication of the potential scale of the problem. A single infested pallet can lead to the contamination and destruction of a full trailer load or warehouse stock if the infestation remains unchecked.

“Furthermore, since the original source of the infestation is frequently difficult to identify, liability for the contamination of the load is often difficult to place, and compensation for loss impossible to recover.”

Because the device helped identify at what point goods had become contaminated, insurance companies were also interested in it, he added.

Mike Still, md, corporate client practice Scotland, for insurer Marsh, said: “As well as being an early detection system, it will help to control any spread to other product lines and goods. I am confident that once the insurance sector understands fully the benefit that this can bring, this will lead to reduced claims and premiums for those exposed to the potential of insect contamination.”