Sanitation Products Used in the Food Industry

Sanitizing seems straightforward within the food industry: sanitize surfaces to keep them safe. But what is the definition of “sanitized”? What is considered “safe”? Sanitation chemical supplier Bell Chem wants to shed light on these very important questions to allow our customers the safest route to protect themselves and their customers.

What Most People Know

COVID-19 has caused the majority of people to understand the difference between “washing” and “sanitizing,” especially as these terms relate to hands. Can sanitizing only occur with alcohol in a bottle, though? No. A surface is sanitized when cleaning kills 99% of microbial life considered harmful, the product remains stable under normal conditions, is not considered toxic, and can be used on food and the surfaces food comes into contact with. 

Differences Between Sanitizers

Surprisingly, hand sanitizers and surface sanitizers have different base ingredients: hand sanitizers are primarily alcohol based, and non-alcohol hand sanitizers contain chlorine. Surface sanitizers, however, contain chlorine, quaternary ammonium, or iodine as their primary sanitizing ingredient. 

Types of Surface Sanitizers

Chlorine

The most recognizable surface sanitizer is chlorine because of its effectiveness in breaking down microbial membranes, oxidizing proteins, and disturbing the metabolic processes of organisms. Chlorine has the added benefit of being inexpensive. Examples include chlorine dioxide and hypochlorides.

Quaternary Ammonium

Quaternary ammonium compounds are positively charged ions in the form of a surfactant, which naturally finds negatively-charged proteins — such as those in bacteria, viruses, yeasts, mold or other enveloped microbes — and denatures proteins as it breaks the electron transport chain in cellular respiration. Quaternary ammonium compounds are stable, much friendlier to skin than chlorine, and non-corrosive.

Iodine

Iodine converts to iodide in the presence of bacteria or other microbes. In this form, it denatures proteins and disrupts the transport of electrons responsible for cellular respiration, much like quaternary ammonium compounds. Iodine is very effective, but it may stain plastic surfaces and is more expensive than other sanitizers.

How to Choose a Sanitizer

The type of sanitizer you choose will be based on information more than simply price, though. The amount of time the product is in contact with the surface, whether the sanitizer contains cleaners and detergents, the shape of the surface, the concentration of the sanitizer, and the overall temperature of the cleaner or surface all have to be considered. Contact the knowledgeable staff at Bell Chem to discuss the best sanitizer option for your organization. 

Bell Chem is a sanitation chemical supplier based in Longwood, FL (just north of Orlando) with hundreds of products stocked in their 50,000+ square-foot warehouse, including CSANTM sanitation products. 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.

Tri San Acid Sanitizer in the Food and Brewing Industries

As an industrial chemical supplier, Bell Chem understands the importance of sanitizing food and brewing equipment, as well as work surfaces, to ensure inactivation or elimination of unwanted microorganisms. Our inventory relies on quality chemicals such as Tri SanTM Acid Sanitizer, a unique product combining the power of different acids in a low-foaming concentration that reduces phosphate levels. Learn how this powerful sanitizer can ease your food or brewing industry’s workload. 

Removing Microorganisms

As a sanitizer, Tri San Acid Sanitizer reduces microorganisms known as public health threats by approximately 99.999% within 30 seconds. Tri San also has the advantage of no rinsing after application. One step on a cleaned surface, and you’re finished. 

Low concentrations of Tri San™ Acid Sanitizer effectively remove an abundance of microorganisms, including both gram-positive and gram-negative families of bacteria, including Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella enterica, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and other dangerous bacteria and fungi.

Acidic Properties

Because it is an acid, Tri San actively removes mineral stone and scale deposits, which are especially problematic in brewing. Scale encrusts standard potable water sources  used in the brewing process and is present in beer. Tri San quickly cleans fermenters, kegs, bottles, and lines throughout the brewing machinery. 

Tri San combines the cleaning power of several acids to clean as it sanitizes. Scale, milkstone (hard deposits of accumulated milk residue that may alter milk flavor and introduce bacteria) and mineral stone buildup are removed with the help of Tri San Acid Sanitizer. Tri San is a low-phosphate, low-foam sanitizer for clean-in-place (CIP) and clean-out-of-place (COP) hard, non-porous food-contact surfaces, such as stainless steel. As an acid, Tri San also extends the working life of stainless steel. 

Removing Buildup

Tri San has been approved by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) for use in poultry and meat processing plants. In the food industry, the buildup of iron is an extreme problem. The application of Tri San Acid Sanitizer removes iron buildup and the possibility of rust.

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 Tri San acid sanitizer. 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.

Acid Cleaners vs. Alkaline Cleaners

Choosing the correct cleaner and disinfectant for your work surfaces is critical. Chemically, cleaners are generally divided into 2 categories: acidic cleaners and alkaline cleaners. Both perform exceptionally well, but a difference exists outside their being on opposite sides of the pH scale. What exactly is the difference between an acidic cleaner compared to a basic (alkaline) cleaner? Sanitation ingredient supplier Bell Chem wishes to shed light on this conundrum with information pertaining to both and how they can be utilized to the best of their functionality.

As a refresher, “pH” is parts hydrogen, or how many hydrogen ions are in a solution. The pH scale begins at 1 and continues to 14 with the center, 7, being neutral. We consider water to be the neutral pH of 7 with an equal number of hydrogen (H+) ions and hydroxide (OH-) ions. Add the hydrogen and hydroxide ions together and H2O is the result. Any solution with a pH less than 7 is considered acidic while solutions greater than pH 7 are alkaline. Weak acids and alkalis are closer to 7 with strong acids and bases skirting the perimeter of the pH scale.

Here are some examples of how different cleaners are used across industries:

• Janitorial services: This industry turns to alkaline cleaners for removing grime and dirt from surfaces or waxed floors, and the 

• Restaurant and food and beverage: These industries rely heavily on alkaline cleaners to emulsify fat, grease, oil, and wax and keep surfaces clean. 

• Restaurant and food processing: Acids effectively eradicate biofilm from surfaces.

• HVAC environments: Slightly alkaline cleaners are ideal here because they remove water-soluble coolants. This same power is harnessed to disrupt molecular bonds in oils to remove them from heavy machinery.

• Public restrooms: Using weak acid cleaners to remove hard water, soap residue, rust, or other mineral deposits expedites the task. 

• Water treatment facilities: A strong acid applied to hard water deposits in sanitation stations or water treatment facilities removes rust and other corrosives.

• Dairy farmers: These farmers find glycolic acid’s affinity to metals ideal in removing casein residue from stainless steel.

These cleaners have many industrial uses, and they all have unique abilities to clean especially difficult areas. Because they react favorably to metals, acids are employed to brighten aluminum and brass. Highly alkaline cleaners focus on emulsification as well as removing traces of carbon and paint. Glycolic acid is strong enough to dissolve concrete, but safe enough to use on a variety of metals. Knowing which cleaner is best utilized with your specific problem will ensure an easier method of removing unwanted dirt and corrosion. Look to Bell Chem for all your chemical cleaning needs.

Bell Chem is a sanitation ingredient supplier based in Longwood, FL (just north of Orlando) with hundreds of products stocked in their 50,000+ square-foot warehouse, including a strong line of acidic and alkaline cleaning products. You can expect the highest quality products, expedited shipping options for maximum efficiency, and unrivaled personalized customer service from Bell Chem. 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.

Csan™ Sanitation Chemicals at Bell Chem

The Daytona Beach chemical supplier, Bell Chem, offers CsanTM sanitation chemicals to provide our customers with the ultimate in sanitation products. Read below for a list of Csan sanitation chemicals your company may require depending on your need.

• General purpose cleaners – Used to remove dirt, dust, stains, and odors, general purpose cleaners may take on a liquid, granulated, powder, or spray form. While some general purpose cleaners kill bacteria, others may not.
• Chlorinated detergents – These chemicals kill bacteria, molds, and yeasts as they disinfect and bleach. Used primarily in food preparation areas or other locations where the threat of vegetative bacteria are present, chlorinated detergents disinfect as they sterilize. From bleaching wood pulp to killing weeds, chlorinated detergents have a variety of uses.
• Foaming cleaners – Normal spray cleaners are not able to cling to surfaces as readily as foaming cleaners. Foaming cleaners are effective in the removal of fat, protein-based stains, food soil, and other residues on surfaces in the food processing industry. Foaming cleaners adhere more thoroughly to vertical or inverted surfaces to better clean these difficult-to-reach areas.
• Alkaline cleaners – With strong bases as their cleaning agent, alkaline cleaners dissolve fat, grease, oil, and protein-based substances. Alkaline cleaners are often paired with dispersants to prevent the redeposition of chelants and dissolved soil.
• Acid Degreasers – Oils and other soils are no match for the chemical reactions of acid degreasers. Used on non-organic deposits, acid degreasers prevent scaling, remove calcium deposits, and dissolve grease and proteins.
• Sanitizer –  Cleaners differ from sanitizers in that sanitizers are able to clean while they disinfect. Used in areas where bacteria and viruses are an issue – hospitals, dental offices and surgery centers, food prep areas, and bathrooms – sanitizers destroy most microorganisms with their antimicrobial properties by destroying the cell walls of microbes and interfering with their metabolism.

Csan sanitation chemicals can be used in all industries demanding sanitary conditions. Demand the best; contact the Daytona Beach chemical supplier, Bell Chem, today at 407-339-BELL (407-339-2355) to learn more about our Csan line of sanitation chemicals.

Bell Chem & Partner Safe Chem Solutions

For more than 20 years, Bell Chem, your sanitation chemical supplier, has worked side by side with Safe Chem to deliver high-quality chemicals across many industries. Along with Bell Chem’s product line, Safe Chem offers products and services to industries, such as the citrus industry, the dairy production industry, food and beverage manufacturers, and produce industries. Safe Chem provides a variety of services with Bell Chem. Along with training and technical service, Safe Chem specializes in food industry sanitation, wet and dry conveyor and chain lubrication, facility assessment, and fruit and vegetable washing. Packaging and processing equipment are cleaned and sanitized by Safe Chem, the chemical company specializing in chlorine dioxide. Together with Bell Chem, their line of CsanTM sanitation chemicals provides general purpose and foaming and alkaline cleaners, acid and chlorinated detergents, lubricants for conveyors and chains, and an abundance of sanitizers.

Safe Chem offers both services and technical support to industry leaders. With training seminars in Good Manufacturing Practices, safety, and sanitation techniques, Safe Chem focuses on reducing costs and increasing profitability for businesses with their quality control plans that evaluate performance by developing measurement techniques and creating common goals.

Sanitation chemical supplier, Bell Chem, and Safe Chem have a proven partnership that has worked since 1994. With Safe Chem’s line of products and services and Bell Chem’s industrial and technical-grade chemicals and nutritional and cosmetic supplements, these two companies are the perfect combination. Call Bell Chem today at 407-339-2355 (BELL) for more product information.

Urea, Granular USP

While urea is a naturally occurring organic compound, synthetic urea is the most widely used nitrogen fertilizer in the world, particularly because of its minimal expense and positive results. Urea in a granular formation gives it the advantage of easy handling as well as even blending and spreading. Below are facts about granular urea USP brought to you by the sanitation chemical supplier in Florida, Bell Chem.

• Knowing that urea is a derivative of ammonia, it is important to recognize that ammonia’s ionized state, ammonium (NH4+), is nitrogen with four hydrogen atoms. Nitrogen is necessary for plant growth and maintenance, and its absence is often the limiting factor in plant growth. Urea, then, is dissolved into the soil, converted to ammonium, then transformed into nitrate.

• Granular urea is the result of combining ammonia and carbon dioxide, then passing the liquid through a fluid bed granulation system. The end product is evenly sized granules that slowly release nutrients to plant roots. While many varieties of urea exist for fertilizer needs, granulated urea creates less dust.

• Temperature, organic matter, and moisture are all factors on the speed of granular urea’s uptake. Normal reaction time begins after 24 hours and is complete within two to five days. Cold, soggy conditions slow reaction time considerably.

• Because urea must be chemically altered before it is thoroughly utilized by plants, it has longer uptake availability. This slows release rates to the average rate of plant growth, which translates to fewer applications over time.

Contact Bell Chem, your sanitation chemical supplier in Florida, at (407) 339-2355 (BELL) for information pertaining to granulated urea or any of their other chemicals and products, and read our blogs to learn more about our products.

Learning About Lubricant-Free Chains

When I was growing up, I was taught to properly maintain my bicycle. One of the requirements of maintenance was to ensure the chain was not corroded, did not rub more than necessary, and had the correct amount of oil. The amount of oil was tricky for me, and most of the time I was faced with the quandary of applying too much oil and risking grit and road grime from building up on the chain, or neglecting to add enough with the result of the chain grinding the gears, causing both to wear more quickly than normal.

Nearly every industry utilizes chains for most of its assembly line processes. Much like the chain on my bicycle, industrial chains are maintained by people who strive to maintain them to the best of their abilities. However, the same conundrum of too much or too little oil perseveres. Too little oil causes the chains, bearings, and other equipment to wear much more rapidly than expected. Too much oil invites contamination from airborne particles, which may spray oil in droplets across the surface of the product being manufactured. This latter predicament is extremely detrimental when the material is fabric or technology hardware, for instance.

To address this problem, sanitation chemical suppliers developed lubricant-free chains. These chains have an initial cost more than double that of a traditional chain, but because they are not maintained by the unintentional over- or under-oiling of maintenance personnel, the span of usefulness may stretch more than ten times that of a lubricated chain.

Lubricated chains are created with the lubricant added as the components are manufactured, a process known as sintering by sanitation chemical suppliers, or by packing the rollers with a high-viscosity grease lubricant. Of the two, the former is more highly recommended. Both have the advantage of dispersing oil internally to the chain rather than externally on the chain. Internal application repels more of the airborne particulate matter from adhering to the surface of the chain and causing undue wear.

Give your products and machinery the advantage of lubricated chains. The amount of man-hours saved in maintaining the chains of your equipment along with the greater amount of clean, oil-free products will certainly make the purchase of lubricated chains beneficial.

To learn more about sanitation chemicals, contact the Orlando sanitation chemical supplier at Bell Chem today.

Chlorinated Detergents

Detergents purchased from sanitation chemical suppliers are renowned for their ability to clean. This process begins when detergents break the surface tension of water used to rinse stainless steel, plastic, or any other hard surface. Once water’s tensile strength is relaxed, water is able to penetrate soiled areas on most hard surfaces and remove grime. Adding a chlorinated component to the detergent will also disinfect surfaces as they are cleaned.

Chlorinated detergents sanitize and bleach stainless steel surfaces, floors, and most plastics. Breweries and wineries use chlorinated detergents as part of their post-fermentation cleaning process to remove brewing deposits. Professional painters find chlorinated detergents excellent for washing walls because it can be entirely rinsed off the surface to be primed and painted. The dairy industry uses chlorinated detergents to clean its milking apparatus and pipelines. Power and spray washers incorporate chlorinated detergents in their equipment; and many convoluted, hard-to-clean machines benefit from the use of chlorinated detergents.

Tannin, a substance released from decaying leaves, stubbornly clings to most hard surfaces. Chlorinated detergents easily remove these stains, leaving a gleaming surface where dark stains once lingered. Along with removing tannin, the sanitation chemicals in chlorinated detergents are also effective in removing proteins, food, and soil.

Add to the above benefits the facts that chlorinated detergents are low-foam, safe to use on soft metals, widely utilized in food manufacturing and production, and hard water tolerant, it is no wonder so many industries turn to chlorinated detergents as their cleaning and disinfecting needs.

At Bell Chem, we are the sanitation chemical supplier offering a variety of products to suit your needs. It’s our goal to provide our clients with the best service in the industry. Along with sanitation chemicals, we provide food, pharmaceuticals, and personal care materials, as well as technical-grade chemicals and custom-blended compounds. If you’re looking for a reliable Florida chemical supply company, contact us today at 407-339-BELL (2355).

Sanitizing vs. Disinfecting

Ask most homeowners the difference between sanitizing and disinfecting and you will probably receive a blank stare. While they seem similar and the two words are often used interchangeably, take it from a knowledgeable sanitation chemical supplier: sanitizing and disinfecting are not the same.

When a countertop is disinfected, the adult forms of bacteria and fungi are either destroyed or inactivated. Sanitizing, on the other hand, decreases the number of pathogens to an amount viewed as safe by public health standards. As an example, food-processing areas are typically disinfected (removing 100% of all organisms within a specified time, such as ten minutes) while other areas may be sanitized (destroying 99.999% for food service areas or 99.9% for non-food surfaces within 30 seconds). Because the chemicals may work quickly to destroy most of the bacteria and more slowly before killing all pathogens, several chemicals are listed as both sanitizers and disinfectants.

Among the list of sanitizing chemicals provided by sanitation chemical suppliers are hypochlorites, chlorine dioxide, iodophors, peroxyacetic acid, and quaternary ammonia compounds.

• Hypochlorites: Hypochlorites are strong oxidizers. Their low cost and effectiveness give them the title of most widely used sanitizers.

• Chlorine dioxide: Chlorine dioxide works on a greater pH range than hypochlorites, and is relatively safe to use in a solution. The cost is greater than hypochlorites, but less chlorine dioxide is necessary to sanitize an area.

• Iodophors: Iodophors work best in slightly acidic conditions. Because the iodine content stains many surfaces, especially plastics, iodophors are typically used on glass surfaces. Iodophors are sustained release, giving continuous levels of sanitizer for extended periods of time without re-application.

• Peroxyacetic acid: Peroxyacetic acid works well in temperatures below 4°C. Less corrosive and environmentally friendlier than hypochlorites, peroxyacetic acid is often combined with hydrogen peroxide for better results.

• Quaternary ammonium compounds: Quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs) do not stain or corrode, and are relatively nontoxic. QACs also perform well in a wide pH and temperature range. Once QAC dries on a surface, an anti-microbial film is formed that prevents pathogen growth.

Knowing the difference between a sanitizer and a disinfectant will assist in choosing the correct product for your business needs. If you’re looking to purchase sanitation or disinfectant chemicals from a sanitation chemical supplier, look no further than Bell Chem. We’re located in Central Florida and we’re happy to help with all of your sanitation chemical needs. For additional information, contact us today at 407-339-BELL (2355).