What is Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and its purpose in a food facility?

• A. A program to maximize pesticide use regardless of cost
• B. A scheduling plan for meals
• C. Integrated Pest Management; a proactive plan to prevent, monitor, and control pests with minimal chemical use.
• D. A method to eliminate odors using chemicals

Answer: (C)

Integrated Pest Management is a proactive plan to prevent, monitor, and control pests with minimal chemical use. In a food facility, the emphasis is on keeping pests out and catching any activity early through thorough sanitation, eliminating harborage, sealing entry points, and proper storage of food and waste. Ongoing monitoring—like inspections and traps—tells you when and what kind of action is needed. If intervention is required, pesticides are used sparingly and only as needed, with a preference for safer, targeted products and execution by licensed professionals, following label directions. The aim is to protect food safety, meet regulatory expectations, and reduce reliance on chemicals. The other options don’t fit because they describe heavy pesticide use, a meal-scheduling plan, or odor control, none of which captures the preventive, monitored, and low-chemical approach of IPM.