Principles of Food Sanitation

Normal wear on seals can cause gearbox and
hydraulic system leaks, releasing minute lev-
els of oil to contaminate food. When added
to lubricant formulations, glutaraldehyde
reduces bacterial levels by 99.99% and fungal
levels by 99.9% in 30 minutes. Synthetic
food-grade lubricants, whose polyalphaolefins
synthetic chemistry render them resistant to
attack by microorganisms, are biostatic and
not biodegradable (Hodson, 2003, 2004).

Microbicides

The microbicide, 2-methyl-5-chloro-2-
methyl isothiazolone, has potential for the
control ofL. monocytogeneson product con-
veyors. This microbicide has been found to
be effective against L. monocytogeneswhen it

is incorporated in the use dilution of a con-

veyor lubricant at a continuous dosing rate

of 10-ppm active ingredient. This biocide

kills microorganisms quickly at a pH higher

than 9.0, which is typical of most conveyor

lubricants. Table 10–2 summarizes the impor-

tant characteristics of the commonly used

sanitizers. Table 10–3 matches the recom-

mended sanitizer with the specific area or

condition.

Applications for Pathogen Reduction

of Carcasses

The potential presence ofE. coliO157:H7

on carcasses (especially beef ) has necessi-

tated the need for intervention processes to

reduce microbial load, including pathogens

Sanitizers 183

Table 10–2Characteristics of Commonly Used Santizers

Characteristics Steam Iodophors Chlorine Acid Quats

Germicidal efficiency Good Vegetative cells Good Good Somewhat
selective
Yeast destruction Good Good Good Good Good
Mold destruction Good Good Good Good Good
Toxicity use dilution — Depends on None Depends on Moderate
wetting agent wetting
agent
Shelf strength — Yes Yes Yes Yes
Stability stock — Varies with Low Excellent Excellent
temperature
Use – Varies with Varies with Excellent Excellent
temperature temperature
Speed Fast Fast Fast Fast Fast
Penetration Poor Good Poor Good Excellent
Film forming No None to slight None None Yes
Affected by organic None Moderate High Low Low
matter
Affected by other No High pH Low pH High pH Yes
water constituents and iron
Ease of measurement Poor Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent
Ease of use Poor Excellent Excellent High foam High foam
Odor None Iodine Chlorine Some None
Taste None Iodine Chlorine None None
Effect on skin Burns None Some None None
Corrosive No Not to stainless Extensive on Bad on mild None
steel mild steel steel
Cost High Moderate Low Moderate Moderate

Source:Adapted from Lentsch (1979).