Case Studies

Danone and Orkin PCO Services: Creating a Recipe for IPM Success

Danone has built a reputation as a leader in the fresh dairy industry by following its mission to provide Canadians with superior quality brands. For more than 10 years, Danone has worked closely with another company that shares its goal to maintain high quality standards: Orkin PCO Services. The two companies work together to uphold the requirements of Danone’s certified-organic facility in Boucherville, Quebec, where they launched a new certified-organic brand.

Danone relies on Orkin PCO Services’ Gold Medal Protection, a comprehensive Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program developed specifically for the highly regulated food processing industry. With an emphasis on quality assurance and a detailed reporting system, Gold Medal Protection helps the plant meet the company’s high quality standards and the requirements of third-party auditors.

In recognition of Danone’s successful IPM partnership with Orkin PCO Services, the company received a 2008 Gold Medal IPM Partner Award from Orkin, The IPM Institute of North America, and NSF Cook & Thurber. To learn more about their awardwinning program, we spoke with Danone’s Quality Assurance Manager Guylaine Boudreault and St. Laurent-based Orkin PCO Services Branch Manager Ashik Ladha. Here is an edited transcription of those interviews:

Why is IPM so critical to Danone’s business?

Boudreault: “Our plant is certified organic, so we have to put a lot of emphasis on preventive action in order to avoid chemical usage at our facility. Since IPM focuses on preventive measures like sanitation and facility maintenance to reduce the need for pesticides, there is less risk for contaminating our products with chemicals. Gold Medal Protection is like an insurance policy – it helps us ensure the safety of our products.”

Ladha: “Danone is committed to producing quality organic products. Since we cannot use chemicals as part of the treatment process, the success of Danone’s IPM program is even more important. By focusing on preventive measures like sanitation and facility maintenance, Danone is able to keep its commitment to customers.”

What makes Danone’s IPM program so effective?

Boudreault: “We work hard to maintain a chemical-free facility by following best practices in sanitation and the recommendations of our Orkin PCO Services Pest Specialist. Although the removal of chemical treatments makes pest management more challenging, it also shows our commitment to preventive action since we rarely have issues.”

Ladha: “Danone is fully committed to relying on non-chemical control solutions, so they are always quick to respond to our IPM recommendations. They have internal processes in place that allow employees to act on our suggestions quickly. Danone truly has the best maintenance and sanitation programs I have ever seen, which go a long way to making their IPM program a success.”

How does each partner contribute to the pest management efforts at the facility?

Boudreault: “We have worked with Orkin PCO Services for many years because they are knowledgeable and professional. Whenever we have questions or issues that arise, our Pest Specialist is always available to help. He provides solutions for our business that are unique to our specific needs.”

Ladha: “Our Orkin PCO Services Pest Specialist visits Danone’s facility on a weekly basis. Everyone at the plant knows him, and they have complete trust in our service. When we make recommendations, they take them seriously. We could not ask for better communication. Our pest specialist works with Danone to bring attention to any issues that arise, which helps us prevent pest problems before they start. Orkin PCO Services is very grateful for Danone’s partnership.”

What results has your award-winning pest management partnership achieved?

Boudreault: “The Canadian Food Inspection Agency and other auditors have noticed an improvement in our pest management since we switched to Orkin PCO Services’ Gold Medal Protection. Being familiar with the reliable service they provide has helped me in more ways than one. As a Quality Assurance Manager, when I see that one of our suppliers is using Orkin PCO Services, I know their product is safe. I know if Gold Medal Protection is in place, it means the plant is well monitored.”

Ladha: “I think the overall maintenance of the program is the biggest achievement. Danone is constantly adding onto the facility, but the IPM program is still as strong as when we first implemented it. Renovations typically attract rodents, but we have not experienced any issues. When pests aren’t part of the picture, you know the customer is doing their job and we’re doing ours.”