CIP Sanitiser use prior to pasteurisation
When manufacturing dairy products, is it recommended to eliminate sanitiser step (in order to reduce the cost) from CIP when cleaning tanks prior pasteurisation stage? Can I rely on caustic wash only in pre-pasteurised area?
You can...BUT...you will end up with shelf-life problems. It won't be a safety issue unless you wash without sanitizing after for longer period. Why? Cleaning DOES not remove or eliminate all bacteria. AND...if you only clean without sanitizing biofilms can develop even in equipment with good sanitary design for CIP.
If you are really inclined to do this you still need to use sanitizer at some frequency; the frequency based on your process, products, and overall cleanliness of facility & equipment.