Three disinfectants in the food industry

The cleaning and disinfection of equipment and surfaces is essential to prevent infections, especially in certain areas and sectors, such as the food industry, healthcare facilities, laboratories, kitchens or bathrooms. In this article we will show you 3 disinfectants in the food industry to purchase if you are a professional or private customer.

Disinfection in the food industry has 2 purposes:

1. Prevent foodborne diseases.
2. Prevent food spoilage.

A disinfectant must:

• Not be toxic or corrosive to equipment.
• Have the capacity to form a protective antiseptic layer.
• Have a broad effective range and proven effect against bacteria, viruses, fungi, etc.

Disinfectants for the food industry:

1. Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)

Hydrogen peroxide, also known as hydrogen oxide, is a liquid chemical agent, colourless at room temperature and which has antiseptic properties. Many people assume that hydrogen peroxide is a man-made chemical. But it is actually a substance found in nature. Small traces of hydrogen peroxide are found in rainwater, rivers, lakes, snow, ice, breast milk, honey and in a variety of plants. In this way Mother Nature balances the ecosystem without causing damage or toxic by-products. Our own body also produces small amounts of this substance, it is found in breast milk, which is why babies get sick less when fed breast milk, as it has effective antibacterial, antiviral and even anti-fungal properties.

Its bactericidal action is due to two reasons:

• Production of hydroxyl ions and free radicals, which act by oxidizing essential components of the microorganism (lipids, proteins and DNA).
• Release of O2 by tissue catalases, which acts by preventing the germination of spores of anaerobes such as Clostridium tetani. Additionally, the O2 released in its decomposition in the form of bubbles favours the elimination of cellular debris, bacteria and devitalised tissues. Inside the bacterium, by the action of myeloperoxidase on chlorides and on hydrogen peroxide, hypochlorite is formed (which has oxidative and germicidal power).

Uses of H2O2:

• Natural and effective pesticide that acts on plants, killing destructive organisms in the soil, oxygenating roots to prevent fungal rot.
• Water treatment, suppressing algae growth.
• Surface disinfection (widely used in the food industry and healthcare).
• Disinfection of closed circuits (Non-foaming).
• General antiseptic.

2. Peracetic acid (C2H4O3)

This substance is produced by reacting hydrogen peroxide with acetic acid in an aqueous solution. Due to its non-foaming nature, it is widely used in the disinfection of circuits in closed installations.

It is active against bacteria, fungi, yeasts and viruses. Peracetic acid is suitable for water disinfection in cooling towers; it prevents biofilm formation and prevents Legionella bacteria (these cases require special certificates).

This product is used for postharvest control of rot caused by moulds on fruits and vegetables as a non-polluting treatment, respectful of the environment, while also helping to protect consumer health, but its use is not valid for all fruits, as it can cause pigment bleaching (strawberries and raspberries). However, it is widely used for bleaching animal casings.

The disinfectant activity of peracetic acid lies in its oxidizing capacity on the external membrane of bacteria, endospores and yeasts. The oxidation mechanism consists of the transfer of electrons from the oxidized form of the acid to microorganisms, thereby causing their inactivation or even death. It exerts its activity by decomposing into acetic acid, hydrogen peroxide and oxygen (non-harmful products).

Due to its characteristics and benefits, this disinfectant helps in a wide variety of industries such as food, food and beverage processing, ranging from operations in plants where meat and poultry are processed, to canneries and dairy products; as well as in environments with the presence of carbon dioxide, such as fermentation tanks, ageing containers or carbonators, which also makes its use attractive in the brewing, wine and bottling industries among others.

3. NEOBACTER-100

Bactericidal cleaner based on benzalkonium chloride. Benzalkonium chloride is a disinfectant, surfactant, bactericide and viral activity inhibitor. It is used as a sanitizer and hygienizer, and also has excellent fungicidal capacity. It belongs to a family of disinfectants known as “Quaternary Ammonium”, widely used in the food and healthcare industry, and also have emulsifying and detergent properties.

Benzalkonium chloride acts at three levels on bacteria:

1. Alteration of the cell membrane.
2. Protein denaturation.
3. Enzymatic inactivation.

It is active at any pH, but its optimal working pH is alkaline. Its activity is enhanced by alcohols.

Main uses of this disinfectant in the food industry:

• Algicide for pools.
• Disinfectant in healthcare and food industry.
• Floor disinfection.
• Fungicide and antibacterial.
• Antiseptic in dental industry.

At Neoquim we have many products for the food industry. You can contact our team of experts for any questions or clarifications.