NPMA Launches 2026 Pest Management Standards for Food Processing & Handling Facilities and Centralized Food Safety Resources Hub
NPMA today announced the publication of the 2026 Pest Management Standards for Food Processing and Handling Facilities — the first major revision since 2016. Since 2007, NPMA's guidance in this area has shaped how pest control work is performed in food handling and processing environments. The updated Standards reflect current integrated pest management (IPM) practices and control technologies, and include:
- Updated U.S. laws and regulations governing pest management work in food facilities
- New language addressing Canadian food safety regulations affecting pest control in food processing and handling facilities
- Health Canada's list of major food allergens, alongside an updated list of major allergens identified by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration
- A new sample Pest Management Inspection Report
- A new sample Risk Assessment
NPMA also published the 2026 Pest Management in Food Processing and Handling Facilities Study Guide. This study guide was developed to help pest management professionals and their technicians prepare for the new 2026 NPMA Pest Management in Food Processing & Handling Facilities Exam. Technicians who pass the exam earn a certificate of completion recognized as training aligned with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), the industry standard for sanitation, documentation, and recordkeeping in food facilities.
To accompany the publication of these updated resources for PMPs working in food handling and processing facilities, NPMA is launching a new, centralized Food Safety resource page that brings together NPMA’s Standards, training materials, and technical tools for pest management professionals (PMPs) who service food processing and handling facilities. The new Food Safety page also houses NPMA's broader library of food safety resources, including the association's free Food and Commercial Pest Management Hub, Food Safety Audit Scheme Quick Reference Guide, and other guidelines developed to help PMPs support clients' compliance with food safety regulations and standards.
