How can I avoid insects & pests getting into my food?
It is important to remember that organic grains and flours are most vulnerable to pest infestation in hotter months, as they do not have any chemical residue protection against pests. During harvest and production a number of ‘weapons’ are used to control pest infestation organically (including maintaining plant health, using C02 gas to kill anything living and cold storage).
The level of processing to which a product has been subject to will have a large impact on its susceptibility to pest infestation. Minimally processed products like whole grain may have microscopic eggs still attached to them, whereas these eggs will have been destroyed, in large part, by the milling process for flour.
Tips for keeping your grain and flour pest free:
1. Storage in cool dry conditions (ideally between 10 and 12 degrees C) is the most effective and efficient method to control pests in an organic product.
2. Ensure you have a clean shelf/product storage environment. Other products can cause cross contamination issues and inspection of packaging for leaks etc. on arrival can stop a widespread infestation.
3. Move to an airtight container if possible - this will stop bugs getting through calico or paper bags
4. Infested items can be placed in a deep freeze for three to four days
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