A Comparison of Pre and Post COVID-19 Pandemic Pest Related Violations in Restaurants within the Fraser Health Authority

Abstract

Abstract
Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the food service sector, particularly in-person
dining at restaurants and bars, leading to a decrease in regular inspections by Environmental Health
Officers (EHOs) in British Columbia. As restrictions on indoor dining ease, it is essential to ensure that
food is being prepared and handled in a safe and sanitary manner. However, neglecting pest management
and sanitation practices in restaurants can lead to food-borne illnesses. The research project investigated
whether there had been an increase in the number and severity of pest-related violations in the Fraser
Health Authority (FHA) following the COVID-19 pandemic
Methods: Electronic inspection data from FHA HealthSpace Cloud was analyzed using Microsoft Excel
and NCSS 2023 Statistical Software. The data analysed only included routine restaurant inspections
conducted in 2019 and 2022 throughout FHA’s jurisdiction. 2019 represented the year pre-COVID-19
while 2022 represented the year post COVID-19.
Results: The data analysis showed an increase in violations for code 304 (“Premises not free of pests”)
and code 305 (“Conditions favoring pests”) and a decrease in code 306 (“Premises not maintained in a
sanitary condition”) from 2019 to 2022. Statistically significant associations with the year of inspection
were found for violation codes 304 and 306, while the observed increase in code 305 was not statistically
significant. Mean violation scores for codes 304 and 306 were significantly higher in 2022 compared to
2019, indicating an increase in the severity of these violations post-pandemic. Regional differences were
also identified, with Fraser North exhibiting the largest increase in the proportion of violations related to
codes 304, 305, and 306.
Conclusion: The findings of this study show that the COVID-19 pandemic has led to a significant
increase in pest-related violations in the FHA, with violation codes 304 and 306 displaying statistically
significant associations with the year of inspection. These findings could also inform future research on
pest management practices and the development of more effective pest control strategies during public
health emergencies. Additionally, exploration of potential factors behind the discrepancy between the
high proportions of pest-related violations in Fraser North and other regions in FH could be beneficial.