other areas, inspectors should examine the
dust on the floors and walls for insect tracks,
as well as for resting or flying moths. Mills
and Pedersen (1990) suggested that inspec-
tion include examination for damp lower
areas that collect dust and provide conditions
conducive to the proliferation of molds,
mites, and fungus-feeding insects. Further
inspection should include checking for any
unusual odors that could indicate mold,
insects, or chemicals. It is especially impor-
tant to inspect handling equipment, such as
elevators and conveyors that may harbor
residual product. Unused equipment may
retain residual material that will encourage
insect growth and subsequent migration to
storage areas or contamination of new
product.
Storage areas require regular inspection to
observe for live insects on product surfaces,
floors, and walls. Thermocouple cables
should be used for grain in extended storage
so that temperature can be monitored.
Increased temperature during storage should
be investigated. Samples should be taken
with probes or as the product is transferred
to another location to determine whether the
temperature rise could cause developing
populations of insects or molds. Mold
growth can normally be controlled through
drying or blending with other dry products.
If insects are present, treatment or fumiga-
tion should be conducted. Heating from
insect infestation can also cause moisture to
spread, with resultant mold development.
Inspection should be accompanied through
a complete record of inspections, cleaning
and fumigation, or other corrections admin-
istered.
Sanitation requirements for product stor-
age are similar to those for bulk storage. An
orderly storage arrangement is essential to
ease inspection and cleaning, and to reduce
the potential for sanitation problems.
According to Marriott et al. (1991), records
of regular inspections and housekeeping are
essential. Inspectors and other employees
should be aware of the presence of pests and
of eradication methods.
Storage practices suggested by Mills and
Pedersen (1990) should be followed to ensure
an effective sanitation program. They recom-
mend that bags and cartons be stacked on
pallets and spaced away from the walls and
from each other for inspection and that the
surrounding area be cleaned. Stock should
be rotated to reduce insect infestation and
rodent entrance. Inspections should include
visual observation, using a light for looking
in dark corners, under pallets, and between
stacks. Insects may be detected while flying;
crawling on walls, ceilings, and floors; and
while hovering over bags and cartons. Prod-
uct spoilage should be sifted to detect insects.
(Information on insect and rodent control is
provided in Chapter 13.)
Cleaning and inspection frequency
depends on temperature and moisture condi-
tions. Under ambient temperature (25 to
30ºC) conditions, the life cycle of many
insects that infest low-moisture grains and
foods is approximately 30 to 35 days. Insect
reproduction normally ceases when the stor-
age temperature is below 10ºC. When storage
temperature increases, the cleaning and
inspection interval should be decreased. Raw
material or product temperature has more
influence on insect growth than does ambi-
ent temperature. Areas where high moisture
(humid) conditions exist will require more
frequent inspections and cleaning. High-
moisture conditions should be reduced
through proper ventilation. Moist materials
that remain static at room temperature or
above will increase immediate development
of molds, yeasts, and/or bacteria. Suction
can be used to remove moist air.
Ledges and other locations that can accu-
mulate static material should be eliminated.
External supports, braces, and other con-