The chemicals used in food production must be safe, effective, and often specific for the task at hand. Choosing the correct chemical or mixture of chemicals to sanitize and clean your facility is not only important— it has to meet or exceed standards set by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and other agencies specific to your industry. Industrial chemical supplier Bell Chem shares information on choosing the correct chemicals for your industry.

Cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting 

Most consumers believe these words are interchangeable, but industrial cleaners are far different than industrial-strength sanitizers, which differ from disinfectants. A cleaner is a chemical used to remove surface debris and some materials from surfaces. Cleaners are great for maintaining your equipment and environment, but must be paired with an antimicrobial to meet strict safety standards. 

Sanitizers, on the other hand, remove many pathogens on surfaces. Sanitizers work far better on surfaces free of debris, which means cleaners are generally used before sanitizers are applied. Many products are labeled “cleaner/sanitizer,” covering both functions simultaneously. 

Disinfectants remove 99.9% of disease-spreading pathogens. Many disinfectants are manufactured with certain pathogens in mind, such as bacteriocides. 

Hypochlorites

This disinfectant combines chlorine and calcium, sodium, or another inorganic compound. Hypochlorites are most effective when used in a specific pH range, temperature, and for the correct amount of time. Too little time could provide inadequate coverage while too much time can corrode equipment. 

Peroxyacetic acid (PAA)

Bacteria, viruses, yeasts, and other microorganisms have cellular membranes necessary for their functioning. Peroxyacetic acid destroys these membranes by breaking the chemical bonds holding them together, thereby destroying the organism, be it bacteria, yeast, or other form of pathogen. PAA is ideal for refrigerated areas and for biofilm removal. Because it breaks down into acetic acid, water, and oxygen, PAA leaves no harmful environmental byproducts. When compared to hypochlorites, PAA performs better, is environmentally friendlier, and corrodes equipment less frequently. 

Quaternary Ammonium Compounds (Quats)

When nitrogen bonds to alkyl chains, it forms quaternary ammonium compounds (quats), disinfectants that can be applied to lightly soiled surfaces and used in a wide temperature range. In other words, quats might replace cleaners, sanitizers, and disinfectants in some applications. Thoroughly rinse all surfaces after using quats as part of your cleaning regimen.

What method works best for you?

Many chemicals are distributed in multiple forms, such as tablets, powders, liquids, or foams. How you use your chemicals determines which method is most advantageous: will the chemical be used on a flat surface or between tiny crevices, or will it come in direct contact with food? 

Remember, mixing chemicals is often dangerous; if your organization does not have ample manpower to manipulate chemical processing, it would be to your benefit to choose pre-mixed solutions. 

Consider more sustainable options. 

Many companies are opting for more environmentally friendly or green products that break down into harmless chemicals or those with a lesser impact on the environment. Choose chemicals effective against the pathogens you wish to eradicate, ensure they are FDA approved, and find those with the lightest environmental footprint.

Bell Chem is an industrial chemical supplier based in Longwood, FL (just north of Orlando) with hundreds of products stocked in their 50,000+ square-foot warehouse, including industrial cleaners, sanitizers, and disinfectants. You can expect the highest quality products, expedited shipping options for maximum efficiency, and unrivaled personalized customer service. Let our knowledgeable and friendly customer service representatives and accounting staff personalize all your needs by either calling 407-339-BELL (2355) or by sending us an online message.