Guidelines for Risk Assessment, Prevention and Management - Health risks and safety hazards related to pest organisms in stored products (2008)

A variety of human health problems result from infestation of stored food products due to inadequate protection. Among the health problems feature allergic reactions, illness resulting from introduced pathogens and adverse reactions to toxic substances. These problems derive from the contamination of the food with excretions, body parts, toxic metabolites from pest organisms and pesticide residues.This report reviews the biology, current control measures and consumer health risks associated with infestation of stored food products by insects, mites, birds, rodents and fungi. It also identifies a number of key actions required by all stakeholders to minimise these risks and thus ensure that stored food products are safe for human consumption.