FS14

Basic Elements of Equipment Cleaning and Sanitizing

in Food Processing and Handling Operations1
Ronald H. Schmidt2

This document explains the details of equipment cleaning

and sanitizing procedures in food-processing and/or foodhandling operations.

Background
Cleaning and Sanitizing Program
Since cleaning and sanitizing may be the most important
aspects of a sanitation program, sufficient time should be
given to outline proper procedures and parameters. Detailed procedures must be developed for all food-product
contact surfaces (equipment, utensils, etc.) as well as for
non-product surfaces such as non-product portions of
equipment, overhead structures, shields, walls, ceilings,
lighting devices, refrigeration units and heating, ventilation
and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, and anything else
which could impact food safety.
Cleaning frequency must be clearly defined for each process
line (i.e., daily, after production runs, or more often if
necessary). The type of cleaning required must also be
identified.
The objective of cleaning and sanitizing food contact
surfaces is to remove food (nutrients) that bacteria need to
grow, and to kill those bacteria that are present. It is important that the clean, sanitized equipment and surfaces drain
dry and are stored dry so as to prevent bacteria growth.

Necessary equipment (brushes, etc.) must also be clean and

stored in a clean, sanitary manner.
Cleaning/sanitizing procedures must be evaluated for
adequacy through evaluation and inspection procedures.
Adherence to prescribed written procedures (inspection,
swab testing, direct observation of personnel) should be
continuously monitored, and records maintained to evaluate long-term compliance.
The correct order of events for cleaning/sanitizing of food
product contact surfaces is as follows:
1. Rinse
2. Clean
3. Rinse
4. Sanitize.

Definitions
Cleaning
Cleaning is the complete removal of food soil using appropriate detergent chemicals under recommended conditions.
It is important that personnel involved have a working
understanding of the nature of the different types of food
soil and the chemistry of its removal.

1. This document is FS14, one of a series of the Food Science and Human Nutrition Department, UF/IFAS Extension. Original publication date July 1997.
Revised March 2009. Reviewed June 2015. Visit the EDIS website at http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu.
2. Ronald H. Schmidt, Ph. D., professor and food science Extension specialist, Food Science and Human Nutrition Department, UF/IFAS Extension,
Gainesville, FL 32611.
The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) is an Equal Opportunity Institution authorized to provide research, educational information and other services only to
individuals and institutions that function with non-discrimination with respect to race, creed, color, religion, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, national
origin, political opinions or affiliations. For more information on obtaining other UF/IFAS Extension publications, contact your countys UF/IFAS Extension office.
U.S. Department of Agriculture, UF/IFAS Extension Service, University of Florida, IFAS, Florida A & M University Cooperative Extension Program, and Boards of County
Commissioners Cooperating. Nick T. Place, dean for UF/IFAS Extension.

Cleaning Methods
Equipment can be categorized with regard to cleaning
method as follows:
Mechanical Cleaning. Often referred to as clean-in-place
(CIP). Requires no disassembly or partial disassembly.
Clean-out-of-Place (COP). Can be partially disassembled
and cleaned in specialized COP pressure tanks.
Manual Cleaning. Requires total disassembly for cleaning
and inspection.

Sanitization
It is important to differentiate and define certain
terminology:
Sterilize refers to the statistical destruction and removal
of all living organisms.

The impurities in water can drastically alter the effectiveness of a detergent or a sanitizer. Water hardness is the
most important chemical property with a direct effect on
cleaning and sanitizing efficiency. (Other impurities can
affect the food contact surface or may affect the soil deposit
properties or film formation.)
Water pH ranges generally from pH 5 to 8.5. This range is
of no serious consequence to most detergents and sanitizers. However, highly alkaline or highly acidic water may
require additional buffering agents.
Water can also contain significant numbers of microorganisms. Water used for cleaning and sanitizing must be
potable and pathogen-free. Treatments and sanitization
of water may be required prior to use in cleaning regimes.
Water impurities that affect cleaning functions are presented in Table 1.

Disinfect refers to inanimate objects and the destruction

of all vegetative cells (not spores).

Cleaning

Sanitize refers to the reduction of microorganisms to

levels considered safe from a public health viewpoint.

Food soil is generally defined as unwanted matter on foodcontact surfaces. Soil is visible or invisible. The primary
source of soil is from the food product being handled.
However, minerals from water residue and residues from
cleaning compounds contribute to films left on surfaces.
Microbiological biofilms also contribute to the soil buildup
on surfaces.

Appropriate and approved sanitization procedures are

processes, and, thus, the duration or time as well as the
chemical conditions must be described. The official
definition (Association of Official Analytical Chemists) of
sanitizing for food product contact surfaces is a process
which reduces the contamination level by 99.999% (5 logs)
in 30 sec.
The official definition for non-product contact surfaces
requires a contamination reduction of 99.9% (3 logs). The
standard test organisms used are Staphylococcus aureus and
Escherichia coli.

PROPERTIES OF FOOD SOILS

Since soils vary widely in composition, no one detergent is

capable of removing all types. Many complex films contain
combinations of food components, surface oil or dust,
insoluble cleaner components, and insoluble hard-water
salts. These films vary in their solubility properties depending upon such factors as heat effect, age, dryness, time, etc.

Water Chemistry and Quality

It is essential that personnel involved have an understanding of the nature of the soil to be removed before selecting
a detergent or cleaning regime. The rule of thumb is that
acid cleaners dissolve alkaline soils (minerals) and alkaline
cleaners dissolve acid soils and food wastes. Improper
use of detergents can actually set soils, making them
more difficult to remove (e.g., acid cleaners can precipitate
protein). Many films and biofilms require more sophisticated cleaners that are amended with oxidizing agents (such
as chlorinated detergents) for removal.

Water comprises approximately 9599% of cleaning and

sanitizing solutions. Water functions to do the following:

Soils may be classified as the following:

carry the detergent or the sanitizer to the surface

soluble in water (sugars, some starches, most salts);

General types of sanitization include the following:

Thermal Sanitization involves the use of hot water or
steam for a specified temperature and contact time.
Chemical Sanitization involves the use of an approved
chemical sanitizer at a specified concentration and
contact time.

carry soils or contamination from the surface.

soluble in acid (limestone and most mineral deposits);

Basic Elements of Equipment Cleaning and Sanitizing in Food Processing and Handling Operations

 soluble in alkali (protein, fat emulsions);

soluble in water, alkali, or acid.
The physical condition of the soil deposits also affects its
solubility. Freshly precipitated soil in a cool or cold solution
is usually more easily dissolved than an old, dried, or
baked-on deposit, or a complex film. Food soils are complex in that they contain mixtures of several components.
A general soil classification and removal characteristics are
presented in Table 2 .

Fat-based Soils

Fat usually is present as an emulsion and can generally be

rinsed away with hot water above the melting point. More
difficult fat and oil residues can be removed with alkaline
detergents, which have good emulsifying or saponifying
ingredients.

Protein-based Soils

In the food industry, proteins are by far the most difficult

soils to remove. In fact, casein (a major milk protein) is
used for its adhesive properties in many glues and paints.
Food proteins range from more simple proteins, which
are easy to remove, to more complex proteins, which are
very difficult to remove. Heat-denatured proteins can be
extremely difficult.
Generally, a highly alkaline detergent with peptizing or
dissolving properties is required to remove protein soils.
Wetting agents can also be used to increase the wettability
and suspendability of proteins. Protein films require
alkaline cleaners that have hypochlorite in addition to
wetting agents.

Carbohydrate-based Soils

Simple sugars are readily soluble in warm water and are

quite easily removed. Starch residues, individually, are also
easily removed with mild detergents. Starches associated
with proteins or fat scan usually be easily removed by
highly alkaline detergents.

Mineral Salt-based Soils

Mineral salts can be either relatively easy to remove or be

highly troublesome deposits or films. Calcium and magnesium are involved in some of the most difficult mineral
films. Under conditions involving heat and alkaline pH,
calcium and magnesium can combine with bicarbonates to
form highly insoluble complexes. Other difficult deposits
contain iron or manganese. Salt films can also cause
corrosion of some surfaces. Difficult salt films require an
acid cleaner (especially organic acids that form complexes

with these salts) for removal. Sequestering agents such as

phosphates or chelating agents are often used in detergents
for salt film removal.

Microbiological Films

Under certain conditions, microorgranisms (bacteria,

yeasts, and molds) can form invisible films (biofilms) on
surfaces. Biofilms can be difficult to remove and usually
require cleaners as well as sanitizers with strong oxidizing
properties.

Lubricating Greases and Oils

These deposits (insoluble in water, alkali, or acid) can often

be melted with hot water or steam, but often leave a residue.
Surfactants can be used to emulsify the residue to make it
suspendable in water and flushable.

Other Insoluble Soils

Inert soils such as sand, clay, or fine metal can be removed

by surfactant-based detergents. Charred or carbonized
material may require organic solvents.

QUANTITY OF SOIL
It is important to rinse food-contact surfaces prior to
cleaning to remove most of the soluble soil. Heavy deposits
require more detergent to remove. Improper cleaning can
actually contribute to build-up of soil.

THE SURFACE CHARACTERISTICS

The cleanability of the surface is a primary consideration
in evaluating cleaning effectiveness. Included in surface
characteristics are the following:

Surface Composition

Stainless steel is the preferred surface for food equipment

and is specified in many industry and regulatory design
and construction standards. For example, 3-A Sanitary
Standards (equipment standards used for milk and milk
products applications) specify 300 series stainless steel or
equivalent. Other grades of stainless steel may be appropriate
for specific applications (i.e., 400 series) such as handling of
high fat products, meats, etc. For highly acidic, high salt, or
other highly corrosive products, more corrosion resistant
materials (i.e., titanium) is often recommended.
Other soft metals (aluminum, brass, copper, or mild
steel), or nonmetallic surfaces (plastics or rubber) are also
used on food contact surfaces. Surfaces of soft metals and
nonmetallic materials are generally less corrosion-resistant
and care should be exercised in their cleaning.

Basic Elements of Equipment Cleaning and Sanitizing in Food Processing and Handling Operations

Aluminum is readily attacked by acids as well as highly

alkaline cleaners, which can render the surface noncleanable. Plastics are subject to stress cracking and clouding from prolonged exposure to corrosive food materials or
cleaning agents.
Hard wood (maple or equivalent) or sealed wood surfaces
should be used only in limited applications such as cutting
boards or cutting tables, provided the surface is maintained
in good repair. Avoid using porous wood surfaces.

Surface Finish

Equipment design and construction standards also specify

finish and smoothness requirements. 3-A standards specify
a finish at least as smooth as a No. 4 ground finish for most
applications. With high-fat products, a less smooth surface
is used to allow product release from the surface.

Surface Condition

Misuse or mishandling can result in pitted, cracked,

corroded, or roughened surfaces. Such surfaces are more
difficult to clean or sanitize, and may no longer be cleanable. Thus, care should be exercised in using corrosive
chemicals or corrosive food products.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS
Detergents can be significant contributors to the waste
discharge (effluent). Of primary concern is pH. Many
publicly owned treatment works limit effluent pH to the
range of 5 to 8.5. So it is recommended that in applications
where highly alkaline cleaners are used, that the effluent be
mixed with rinse water (or some other method be used)
to reduce the pH. Recycling of caustic soda cleaners is also
becoming a common practice in larger operations. Other
concerns are phosphates, which are not tolerated in some
regions of the U.S., and the overall soil load in the waste
stream that contributes to the chemical oxygen demand
(COD) and biological oxygen demand (BOD).

CHEMISTRY OF DETERGENTS
Detergents and cleaning compounds are usually composed
of mixtures of ingredients that interact with soils in several
ways:
Physically active ingredients alter physical characteristics
such as solubility or colloidal stability.
Chemically active ingredients modify soil components to
make them more soluble and, thus, easier to remove.
In some detergents, specific enzymes are added to catalytically react with and degrade specific food soil components.

Physically Active Ingredients

The primary physically-active ingredients are the surface

active compounds termed surfactants. These organic
molecules have general structural characteristic where a
portion of the structure is hydrophilic (water-loving) and
a portion is hydrophobic (not reactive with water). Such
molecules function in detergents by promoting the physical
cleaning actions through emulsification, penetration,
spreading, foaming, and wetting.
The classes of surfactants are as follows:
Ionic surfactants that are negatively charged in water
solution are termed anionic surfactants. Conversely,
positively charged ionic surfactants are termed cationic
surfactants. If the charge of the water soluble portion
depends upon the pH of the solution, it is termed an
amphoteric surfactant. These surfactants behave as
cationic surfactants under acid conditions, and as anionic
surfactants under alkaline conditions. Ionic surfactants
are generally characterized by their high foaming ability.
Nonionic surfactants, which do not dissociate when
dissolved in water, have the broadest range of properties
depending upon the ratio of hydrophilic/hydrophobic
balance. This balance are also affected by temperature. For
example, the foaming properties of nonionic detergents is
affected by temperature of solution. As temperature increases, the hydrophobic character and solubility decrease.
At the cloud point (minimum solubility), these surfactants
generally act as defoamers, while below the cloud point they
are varied in their foaming properties.
It is a common practice to blend surfactant ingredients to
optimize their properties. However, because of precipitation problems, cationic and anionic surfactants cannot be
blended.

Chemically Active Ingredients

Alkaline Builders
Highly Alkaline Detergents (or heavy-duty detergents) use
caustic soda (sodium hydroxide) or caustic potash (potassium hydroxide). An important property of these highly
alkaline detergents is that they saponify fats: forming soap.
These cleaners are used in many CIP systems or bottlewashing applications.
Moderately Alkaline Detergents include sodium, potassium, or ammonium salts of phosphates, silicates, or
carbonates. Tri-sodium phosphate (TSP) is one of the oldest
and most effective. Silicates are most often used as a corrosion inhibitor. Because of interaction with calcium and

Basic Elements of Equipment Cleaning and Sanitizing in Food Processing and Handling Operations

magnesium and film formation, carbonate-based detergents

are of only limited use in food processing cleaning regimes.
Acid Builders
Acid Detergents include organic and inorganic acids. The
most common inorganic acids used include phosphoric,
nitric, sulfamic, sodium acid sulfate, and hydrochloric.
Organic acids, such as hydroxyacetic, citric, and gluconic,
are also in use. Acid detergents are often used in a two-step
sequential cleaning regime with alkaline detergents. Acid
detergents are also used for the prevention or removal of
stone films (mineral stone, beer stone, or milk stone).
Water Conditioners
Water conditioners are used to prevent the build-up of various mineral deposits (water hardness, etc.). These chemicals
are usually sequestering agents or chelating agents.
Sequestering agents form soluble complexes with calcium
and magnesium. Examples are sodium tripolyphosphate,
tetra-potassium pyrophosphate, organo-phosphates, and
polyelectrolytes. Chelating agents include sodium gluconate
and ethylene diamine tetracetic acid (EDTA).
Oxidizing Agents
Oxidizing agents used in detergent application are
hypochlorite (also a sanitizer) andto a lesser extentperborate. Chlorinated detergents are most often used to clean
protein residues.

Enzyme Ingredients

Enzyme-based detergents, which are amended with enzymes such as amylases and other carbohydrate-degrading
enzymes, proteases, and lipases, are finding acceptance in
specialized food industry applications.
The primary advantages of enzyme detergents are that
they are more environmentally friendly and often require
less energy input (less hot water in cleaning). Uses of most
enzyme cleaners are usually limited to unheated surfaces
(e.g., cold-milk surfaces). However, new generation enzyme
cleaners (currently under evaluation) are expected to have
broader application.

Fillers

Fillers add bulk or mass, or dilute dangerous detergent

formulations that are difficult to handle. Strong alkalis are
often diluted with fillers for ease and safety of handling.
Water is used in liquid formulations as a filler. Sodium
chloride or sodium sulfate are often fillers in powdered
detergent formuations.

Miscellaneous Ingredients

Additional ingredients added to detergents may include

corrosion inhibitors, glycol ethers, and butylcellosolve
(improve oil, grease, and carbon removal).

Sanitizing
THERMAL SANITIZING
As with any heat treatment, the effectiveness of thermal
sanitizing is dependant upon a number of factors including
initial contamination load, humidity, pH, temperature, and
time.

Steam

The use of steam as a sanitizing process has limited application. It is generally expensive compared to alternatives, and
it is difficult to regulate and monitor contact temperature
and time. Further, the byproducts of steam condensation
can complicate cleaning operations.

Hot Water

Hot-water sanitizingthrough immersion (small parts,

knives, etc.), spray (dishwashers), or circulating systemsis
commonly used. The time required is determined by the
temperature of the water. Typical regulatory requirements
(Food Code 1995) for use of hot water in dishwashing and
utensil sanitizing applications specify immersion for at
least 30 sec. at 77C (170F) for manual operations; and
a final rinse temperature of 74C (165F) in single tank,
single temperature machines and 82C (180F) for other
machines.
Many state regulations require a utensil surface temperature
of 71C (160F), as measured by an irreversibly registering
temperature indicator in warewashing machines. Recommendations and requirements for hot-water sanitizing in
food processing may vary. The Grade A Pasteurized Milk
Ordinance specifies a minimum of 77C (170F) for 5 min.
Other recommendations for processing operations are 85C
(185F) for 15 min., or 80C (176F) for 20 min.
The primary advantages of hot-water sanitization are
relatively inexpensive, easy to apply, and readily available,
generally effective over a broad range of microorganisms,
relatively non-corrosive, and penetrates into cracks and
crevices. Hot-water sanitization is a slow process that
requires come-up and cool-down time; can have high
energy costs; and has certain safety concerns for employees.
The process also has the disadvantages of forming or
contributing to film formations and shortening the life of
certain equipment or parts thereof (gaskets, etc.).

Basic Elements of Equipment Cleaning and Sanitizing in Food Processing and Handling Operations

CHEMICAL SANITIZING
The ideal chemical sanitizer should:
be approved for food contact surface application.
have a wide range or scope of activity.
destroy microorganisms rapidly.
be stable under all types of conditions.
be tolerant of a broad range of environmental conditions.
be readily solubilized and possess some detergency.
be low in toxicity and corrosivity.
be inexpensive.
No available sanitizer meets all of the above criteria.
Therefore, it is important to evaluate the properties,
advantages, and disadvantages of available sanitizer for each
specific application.

Regulatory Considerations

The regulatory concerns involved with chemical sanitizers

are antimicrobial activity or efficacy, safety of residues
on food contact surfaces, and environmental safety. It is
important to follow regulations that apply for each chemical
usage situation. The registration of chemical sanitizers and
antimicrobial agents for use on food and food product
contact surfaces and on nonproduct contact surfaces is
through the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
(Prior to approval and registration, the EPA reviews efficacy
and safety data, and product labeling information.)
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is primarily
involved in evaluating residues form sanitizer use that
may enter the food supply. Thus, any antimicrobial agent
and its maximum usage level for direct use on food or
on food product contact surfaces must be approved by
the FDA. Approved no-rinse food contact sanitizers and
nonproduct contact sanitzers, their formulations and usage
levels are listed in the Code of Federal Regulations (21 CFR
178.1010). The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)
also maintains lists of antimicrobial compounds (i.e., USDA
List of Proprietary Substances and Non Food Product Contact
Compounds), which are primarily used in the regulation of
meats, poultry, and related products by USDAs Food Safety
and Inspection Service (FSIS).

Factors Affecting Sanitizer Effectiveness

Physical Factors
Surface Characteristics. Prior to the sanitization process,
all surfaces must be clean and thoroughly rinsed to remove
any detergent residue. An unclean surface cannot be

sanitized. Since the effectiveness of sanitization requires

direct contact with the microorganisms, the surface
should be free of cracks, pits, or crevices which can harbor
microorganisms. Surfaces which contain biofilms cannot be
effectively sanitized.
Exposure Time. Generally, the longer time a sanitizer
chemical is in contact with the equipment surface, the
more effective the sanitization effect; intimate contact is as
important as prolonged contact.
Temperature. Temperature is also positively related to
microbial kill by a chemical sanitizer. Avoid high temperatures (above 55C [131F]) because of the corrosive nature
of most chemical sanitizers.
Concentration. Generally, the activity of a sanitizer
increases with increased concentration. However, a leveling
off occurs at high concentrations. A common misconception regarding chemicals is that if a little is good, more is
better. Using sanitizer concentrations above recommendations does not sanitizer better and, in fact, can be corrosive
to equipment and in the long run lead to less cleanability.
Follow manufacturers label instructions.
Soil. The presence of organic matter dramatically reduces
the activity of sanitizers and may, in fact, totally inactivate
them. The adage is you cannot sanitize an unclean surface.
Chemical Factors
pH. Sanitizers are dramatically affected by the pH of the
solution. Many chlorine sanitizers, for example, are almost
ineffective at pH values above 7.5.
Water properties. Certain sanitizers are markedly affected
by impurities in the water.
Inactivators. Organic and/or inorganic inactivators
may react chemically with sanitizers giving rise to nongermicidal products. Some of these inactivators are present
in detergent residue. Thus, it is important that surfaces be
rinsed prior to sanitization.
Biological Factors
The microbiological load can affect sanitizer activity. Also,
the type of microorganism present is important. Spores
are more resistant than vegetative cells. Certain sanitizers
are more active against gram positive than gram negative
microorganisms, and vice versa. Sanitizers also vary in their
effectiveness against yeasts, molds, fungi, and viruses.

Basic Elements of Equipment Cleaning and Sanitizing in Food Processing and Handling Operations

Specific Types of Chemical Sanitizers

The chemicals described here are those approved by

FDA for use as no-rinse, food-contact surface sanitizers.
In food-handling operations, these are used as rinses,
sprayed onto surfaces, or circulated through equipment
in CIP operations. In certain applications the chemicals
are foamed on a surface or fogged into the air to reduce
airborne contamination.
Chlorine-based Sanitizers
Chlorine Compounds. Chlorine, in its various forms, is
the most commonly used sanitizer in food processing and
handling applications. Commonly used chlorine compounds include liquid chlorine, hypochlorites, inorganic
chloramines, and organic chloramines. Chlorine-based
sanitizers form hypochlorous acid (HOCl, the most active
form) in solution. Available chlorine (the amount of HOCl
present) is a function of pH. At pH 5, nearly all is in the
form of HOCl. At pH 7.0, approximately 75% is HOCl.
The maximum allowable level for no-rinse applications is
200ppm available chlorine, but recommended usage levels
vary. For hypochlorites, an exposure time of 1 min at a
minimum concentration of 50ppm and a temperature of
24C (75F) is recommended. For each 10C (18F) drop in
temperature, a doubling of exposure time is recommended.
For chloramines, 200ppm for 1 min is recommended.
Chlorine compounds are broad spectrum germicides that
act on microbial membranes, inhibit cellular enzymes
involved in glucose metabolism, have a lethal effect on
DNA, and oxidize cellular protein. Chlorine has activity
at low temperature, is relatively cheap, and leaves minimal
residue or film on surfaces.
The activity of chlorine is dramatically affected by such
factors as pH, temperature, and organic load. However,
chlorine is less affected by water hardness when compared
to other sanitizers (especially the quaternary ammonium
compounds).
The major disadvantage to chlorine compound is corrosiveness to many metal surfaces (especially at higher temperatures). Health and safety concerns can occur because of
skin irritation and mucous membrane damage in confined
areas. At low pH (below 4.0), deadly Cl2 (mustard gas) can
form. In recent years, concerns have also been raised about
the use of chlorine as a drinking water disinfectant and as
an antimicrobial with direct food contact (meat, poultry
and shellfish). This concern is based upon the involvement
of chlorine in the formation of potentially carcinogenic
trihalomethanes (THMs) under appropriate conditions.

While chlorines benefits as a sanitizer far outweigh these

risks, it is under scrutiny.
Chlorine dioxide. Chlorine dioxide (ClO2) is currently
being considered as a replacement for chlorine, since it
appears to be more environmentally friendly. Stabilized
ClO2 has FDA approval for most applications in sanitizing
equipment or for use as a foam for environmental and nonfood contact surfaces. Approval has also been granted for
use in flume waters in fruits and vegetable operations and
in poultry process waters. ClO2 has 2.5 times the oxidizing
power of chlorine and, thus, less chemical is required.
Typical use concentrations range from 1 to 10ppm.
CLO2s primary disadvantages are worker safety and
toxicity. Its highly concentrated gases can be explosive
and exposure risks to workers are higher than that for
chlorine. Its rapid decomposition in the presence of light
or at temperatures greater than 50C (122F) makes on-site
generation a recommended practice.
Iodine
Use of iodine as an antimicrobial agents dates back to the
1800s. This sanitizer exists in many forms and usually exists
with a surfactant as a carrier. These mixtures are termed
iodophors. The most active agent is the dissociated free
iodine (also less stable). This form is most prevalent at
low pH. The amount of dissociation from the surfactant is
dependent upon the type of surfactant. Iodine solubility is
very limited in water. Generally recommended usage for
iodophors is 12.5 to 25ppm for 1 min.
It is generally thought that the bactericidal activity of iodine
is through direct halogenation of proteins. More recent
theories have centered upon cell wall damage and destruction of microbial enzyme activity.
Iodophors, like chlorine compounds, have a very broad
spectrum: being active against bacteria, viruses, yeasts,
molds, fungi, and protozoans. Iodine is highly temperaturedependent and vaporizes at 120F. Thus, it is limited to
lower temperature applications. The degree to which
iodophors are affected by environmental factors is highly
dependant upon properties of the surfactant used in the
formulation. Iodophors are generally less affected by
organic matter and water hardness than chlorine. However,
loss of activity is pronounced at high pH.
Iodine has a long history of use in wound treatment.
However, ingestion of iodine gas does pose a toxicity risk
in closed environments. The primary disadvantage is that

Basic Elements of Equipment Cleaning and Sanitizing in Food Processing and Handling Operations

iodine can cause staining on some surfaces (especially

plastics).

imperative. Further, many QAC formulations can cause

foaming problems in CIP applications.

Quaternary Ammonium Compounds (QACs)

Under recommended usage and precautions, QACs pose

little toxicity or safety risks. Thus, they are in common use
as environmental fogs and as room deodorizers. However,
care should be exercised in handling concentrated solutions
or use as environmental fogging agents.

Quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs) are a class

of compounds that have the general structure as follows
(Figure 1):

Acid-Anionic Sanitizers
Like QACs, acid-anionic sanitizers are surface-active
sanitizers. These formulations include an inorganic acid
plus a surfactant and are often used for the dual function of
acid rinse and sanitization.

The properties of these compounds depend upon the

covalently bound alkyl groups (R groups), which can
be highly diverse. Since QACs are positively charged
cations, their mode of action is related to their attraction
to negatively charged materials such as bacterial proteins.
It is generally accepted that the mode of action is at the
membrane function. The carbon length of R-group side
chain is, generally, directly related with sanitizer activity in
QACs. However, because of the lower solubility in QACs
composed of large carbon chains, these sanitizers may have
lower activity than short chain structures.
QACs are active and stable over a broad temperature range.
Because they are surfactants, they possess some detergency.
Thus, they are less affected by light soil than are other
sanitizers. However, heavy soil dramatically decreases
activity. QACs generally have higher activity at alkaline
pH. While lack of tolerance to hard water is often listed as
a major disadvantage of QACs when compared to chlorine,
some QACs are fairly tolerant of hard water. Activity can
be improved by the use of EDTA as a chelator. QACs are
effective against bacteria, yeasts, mold, and viruses.
An advantage of QACs in some applications is that they
leave a residual antimicrobial film. However, this would
be a disadvantage in operations such as cultured dairy
products, cheese, beer, etc., where microbial starter cultures
are used.
QACs are generally more active against gram positive than
gram negative bacteria. They are not highly effective against
bacteriophages. Their incompatibility with certain detergents makes thorough rinsing following cleaning operations

Whereas QACs are positively charged, these sanitizers are

negatively charged. Their activity is moderately affected by
water hardness. Their low use pH, detergency, stability, low
odor potential, and non-corrosiveness make them highly
desirable in some applications.
Disadvantages include relatively high cost, a closely defined
pH range of activity (pH 2 to 3), low activity on molds and
yeasts, excessive foaming in CIP systems, and incompatibility with cationic surfactant detergents.
Fatty Acid Sanitizers
Fatty acid or carboxylic acid sanitizers were developed in
the 1980s. Typical formulations include fatty acids plus
other acids (phosphoric acids, organic acids). These agents
also have the dual function of acid rinse and sanitization.
The major advantage over acid anionics is lower foaming
potential. These sanitizers have a broad range of activity,
are highly stable in dilute form, are stable to organic matter,
and are stable to high temperature applications.
These sanitizers have low activity above pH 3.54.0, are not
very effective against yeasts and molds, and some formulations lose activity at temperatures below 10C (50F). They
also can be corrosive to soft metals and can degrade certain
plastics and rubber.
Peroxides
Peroxides or peroxy compounds contain at least one pair of
covalently bonded oxygen atoms (-O-O-) and are divided
into two groups: the inorganic group, containing hydrogen
peroxide (HP) and related compounds; and the organic
group, containing peroxyacetic acid (PAA) and related
compounds.
Hydrogen peroxide (HP), while widely used in the medical field, has found only limited application in the food

Basic Elements of Equipment Cleaning and Sanitizing in Food Processing and Handling Operations

industry. FDA approval has been granted for HP use for

sterilizing equipment and packages in aseptic operations.

5. Food Code 1995. U.S. Public Health Service, Food and

Drug Admin., Washington, DC.

The primary mode of action for HP is through creating

an oxidizing environment and generation of singlet or
superoxide oxygen (SO). HP is fairly broad spectrum with
slightly higher activity against gram-negative than grampositive organisms.

6. Grade A Pasteurized Milk Ordinance, 1995. Revision. U.S.

Public Health Service, FDA, Washington, DC.

High concentrations of HP (5% and above) can be an eye

and skin irritant. Thus, high concentrations should be
handled with care.

7. Marriott, N.G. 1994. Cleaning compounds for Effective

Sanitation. Pp. 85-113. Sanitatizers for Effective Sanitation. Pp. 114-166. Principles of Food Sanitation. Chapman
& Hall, New York, NY.

Peroxyacetic Acid (PAA) has been known for its

germicidal properties for a long time. However, it has
only found food-industry application in recent years and
is being promoted as a potential chlorine replacement.
PAA is relatively stable at use strengths of 100 to 200ppm.
Other desirable properties include absence of foam and
phosphates, low corrosiveness, tolerance to hard water, and
favorable biodegradability. PAA solutions have been shown
to be useful in removing biofilms.
While precise mode of action mechanisms have not been
determined, it is generally theorized that the PAA reaction with microorganisms is similar to that of HP. PAA,
however, is highly active against both gram-positive and
gram-negative microorganisms. The germicidal activity of
PAA is dramatically affected by pH. Any pH increase above
78 drastically reduces the activity.
PAA has a pungent odor and the concentrated product
(40%) is a highly toxic, potent irritant, and powerful
oxidizer. Thus, care must be used in its use.
A general comparison of the chemical and physical properties of commonly used sanitizers is presented in Table 3.

References Used
1. Bakka, R.L. 1995. Making the Right Choice - Cleaners.
Ecolab, Inc./Food & Beverage Div., St. Paul, MN.
2. Barnard, S. Extension. Handout. Penn. State Univ.
3. Boufford, T. 1996. Making the Right Choice - Sanitizers.
Ecolab, Inc./Food & Beverage Div., St. Paul, MN.
4. Cords, B.R. and G.R. Dychdala. 1993. Sanitizers: Halogens, Surface-Active Agents, and Peroxides. Pp. 36-52. In:
P M. Davidson and A. L. Branen, (eds.). Antimicrobials in
Foods. Marcel Dekker, Inc., New York, NY.

Basic Elements of Equipment Cleaning and Sanitizing in Food Processing and Handling Operations

Table 1. Water impurities and associated problems.

Impurity

Problem Caused

Common Impurities
Oxygen

Corrosion

Carbon Dioxide

Corrosion

Bicarbonates
(Sodium, Calcium, or Magnesium)

Scale

Chlorides or Sulfates
(Sodium, Calcium, or Magnesium)

Scale & Corrosion

Silica

Scale

Suspended Solids

Corrosion and Deposition

Unusually high pH (above 8.5)

Mediate Corrosion and Deposition; Alter detergent efficiency

Unusually low pH (below 5)

Mediate Corrosion and Deposition; Alter detergent efficiency

Less Common Impurities

Iron

Filming and Staining

Manganese

Corrosion

Copper

Filming and Staining

Table 2. Characteristics of Food Soils

Surface Deposit

Solubility

Ease of Removal

Heat-Induced Reactions

Sugar

Water soluble

Easy

Carmelization

Fat

Alkali soluble

Difficult

Polymerization

Protein

Alkali soluble

Very Difficult

Denaturation

Starch

Water soluble, Alkali

soluble

Easy to Moderately Easy

Interactions with other constituents

Monovalent Salts

Water soluble; Acid

soluble

Easy to Difficult

Generally not significant

+Polyvalent Salts

Acid soluble

Difficult

Interaction with other constituents

Basic Elements of Equipment Cleaning and Sanitizing in Food Processing and Handling Operations

10

Basic Elements of Equipment Cleaning and Sanitizing in Food Processing and Handling Operations

11

None
None
None
None

Water temperature
sensitivity

Foam level

Phosphate

Soil load tolerance

Low

High

Low

High

25ppm

Dissipates slowly

Highly alkaline
detergents

High

Moderate

Slightly

Moderately

No

Yes

Depends on type

Not irritating

Slightly corrosive

Iodophors

High

None

Moderate

Moderate

200ppm

Stable

Anionic wetting agents,

soaps, and acids

Moderate

Yes

Yes

Moderately

In most cases

In some cases

In most cases

Not irritating

Noncorrosive

Quarternary
ammonium
compounds

*Comparisons made at approved no-rinse use levels. Adapted from B.R. Cords and G.R. Dychdala 1993.

200ppm

Dissipates rapidly

Maximum level
permitted by FDA
without rinse

Stability of use solution

Acid solutions, phenols,

amines

Low

Cost

Incompatibilities

None

No

Affected by water
hardness

Residual antimicrobial
activity

Yes

Yes, but less than at

neutral pH

Yes, but unstable

Affected by organic
material

Effective at alkaline pH

Effective at acid pH

Yes

Irritating

Irritating to skin

Effective at neutral pH

Corrosive

Corrosive

Chlorine

Table 3. Comparison of the Chemical and Physical Properties in Commonly Used Sanitizers*

Low

High

Low/Moderate

Moderate

Varied

Stable

Cationic surfactants and

alkaline detergents

Moderate

Yes

Slightly

Moderately

No

Yes, below 3.03.5

No

Slightly irritating

Slightly corrosive

Acid anionic

Low

Moderate

Low

Moderate

Varied

Stable

Cationic surfactants and

alkaline detergents

Moderate

Yes

Slightly

Partically

No

Yes, below 3.54.0

No

Slightly irritating

Slightly corrosive

Fatty Acid

Low

None

None

None

100200ppm

Dissipates slowly

Reducing agents, metal

ions, strong alkalies

Moderate

None

Slightly

Partially

Less effective

Yes

Yes

Not irritating

Slightly corrosive

Peroxyacetic
acid