BPCA took the voice of professional pest management to Europe’s leading food safety conference last week, when it attended BRCGS Connect Europe 2026 at County Hall, London.
The event brought together retailers, manufacturers, brands and technical leaders from across the UK and Europe to explore developments in food safety, quality and manufacturing standards.
Promoting recognised standards
For BPCA, the conference provided an opportunity to engage directly with major food producers and distribution businesses about the role of professional pest management within BRCGS-audited environments.
A consistent message across the two days was straightforward: food businesses should look for the BPCA logo when appointing a pest control contractor.
BPCA representatives discussed the importance of working with properly qualified, independently assessed and fully insured pest management companies. In high-risk settings such as food manufacturing and storage, contractor competence is under increasing scrutiny.
The association highlighted how BPCA membership provides visible assurance of recognised standards and accountability.
There was strong interest from delegates in:
- BPCA’s member standards and audit processes;
- Technician qualifications and ongoing CPD;
- The contribution of professional pest management to BRCGS certification; and
- Integrated pest management approaches across complex supply chains.
Conversations reflected a clear appetite among food businesses for clarity, consistency and demonstrable competence from pest control providers.
Aligning with food safety priorities
BPCA chief executive Rosina Robson and technical manager Niall Gallagher also attended a session on key indicators of food safety risk and their role in management systems.
The discussion focused on how organisations use data and trend analysis to identify early warning signs and prevent failures before they escalate. From a pest management perspective, the link is clear. Pest activity is often symptomatic of wider site issues, and early intervention can prevent costly non-conformances.
Across the event, discussions covered audit expectations, documentation and digital record-keeping, as well as the growing focus on environmental impact and responsible product use.
Representing the sector
Ms Robson said: “Being present at events like BRCGS Connect is about making sure professional pest management has a seat at the table in food safety discussions.
“Our members play a critical role in protecting public health and safeguarding food supply chains. We’re here to champion their professionalism and make it clear to major food businesses that choosing a BPCA member means choosing recognised standards and accountability.”
BPCA said it will continue engaging with food industry stakeholders, auditors and certification bodies to ensure the role of professional pest management remains firmly embedded within food safety conversations.
The association is also encouraging members to suggest future exhibitions and conferences where it can represent the sector and promote the value of professional pest management.
