Which of the following is NOT a recommended cultural control for stored food pests?

The choice indicating that microwaving packaged foods before storing them in the pantry is not a recommended cultural control for stored food pests is accurate due to the fact that cultural control methods focus on practices that modify the environment to reduce pest establishment and development.

Storing food in airtight containers, regularly cleaning storage areas, and properly rotating food stock are all effective cultural controls that help prevent pest infestations. These methods minimize pests’ access to food sources, eliminate potential breeding grounds, and ensure that older products are used before newer ones, thereby reducing waste and pest attraction.

Microwaving packaged foods, however, is not a standard practice for controlling stored food pests. While it may kill some pests if they are present, it is not feasible as a regular method of prevention and does not address the broader environmental factors that contribute to infestations. Therefore, while it may temporarily reduce the presence of some pests, it does not align with established cultural control practices that focus on long-term prevention strategies.