Total quality control in insect mass production for insect pest management 1

Total quality control in insect mass production involves eight generic elements: Management, Research, Methods Development, Material, Production, Utilization, Personnel and Quality Control. Management determines policy, performs planning and administration and controls program design as it evolves. Research is the source of new technologies and Methods Development creates new operational procedures. Material encompasses purchasing, establishing specifications and standards, assigning responsibility for quality materials and verifying compliance, and storage. The components of production are facilities, equipment, operations, and production control. Utilization is the treatment, handling and distribution of finished insect products. Management delegates responsibility for the selection, training, motivation and health and safety of employees to personnel. Quality control impinges on all program elements with primary emphasis on process and product control. This element provides information management must have to optimize the entire pest management program.