Technology for Growth

Two years after the start of methyl bromide phase out from the UK market, we have had reports of increased problems with flour beetles in flour mills and other food manufacturing units.  Although a lot of research has been carried out in recent years on alternative control methods it may be that industry has been a little slow in adopting new approaches to manage pest beetle populations.

Who is to blame? As expected, this is a regular question in legal cases and we have been signed up as Expert Witnesses in a dispute between a supplier of flour and their customer, concerned about the presence of insects in the product. Where did the pest contamination take place? And when? And was the product as delivered fit for purpose, in quality terms? TfG adopts a forensic approach.

Industrial chemicals manufactured or imported into the EU will in future be subject to a new regime currently under negotiation. On the 29 October 2003, the European Commission adopted proposals for a single system to gather hazard information, assess risks, classify, label, and restrict the marketing and use of individual chemicals and mixtures. This is known as the REACH Regulation(Registration, Evaluation and Authorisation of Chemicals).

TfG continues to assist the developers of high quality leisure resorts on the Costa Calida in southern Spain with pest management strategies.