360 Training Food Handlers Practice Exam

What does an integrated pest management system (IPM) balance?

1. Speed of service and food quality

2. Cost efficiency and employee safety

3. Prevention and control

4. Ingredient freshness and preservation

The correct answer is: Prevention and control

An integrated pest management system (IPM) focuses on balancing the prevention of pest infestations with the control measures required when pests are detected. The key concept behind IPM is to utilize a combination of techniques that minimize the use of chemical pesticides while still effectively managing pest populations. This approach emphasizes proactive strategies to prevent pests from becoming a problem in the first place, such as proper sanitation, storage practices, and regular inspections, alongside reactive strategies that may involve targeted interventions when pests are found. By focusing on both prevention and control, IPM helps to ensure that food safety and sanitation standards are maintained. This balance is essential in food handling environments, where a pest problem can directly affect the safety and quality of the food being served. The emphasis on prevention ensures that food establishments can create an environment that is less inviting to pests, while the control aspect provides a plan for addressing any infestations that may occur despite best efforts. The other choices do not capture the essence of what an IPM system is designed to address. While speed of service and food quality, cost efficiency and employee safety, and ingredient freshness and preservation are important in food service settings, they do not directly relate to the specific strategies and goals of pest management, which is centered around preventing and controlling