Quat Sanitizer validation

Hello All,

My question is this;

In a system that is using quaternary sanitizer for food contact surfaces, and verifying the correct dilution (200 ppm) IS there a time limit that this verification should be honored or believed? I mean, does the quaternary compound dissipate? If we mix the sanitizing solution, verify correct dilution and fill respective sanitizing buckets at the beginning of a shift will that same batch still be acceptable for the day? Shift? In this scenario the rags used are single use, as in they do not return to the bucket after use.

All thoughts appreciated...

Cordially,

Plastic Ducky

Hello All,

 

My question is this;

 

In a system that is using quaternary sanitizer for food contact surfaces, and verifying the correct dilution (200 ppm) IS there a time limit that this verification should be honored or believed? I mean, does the quaternary compound dissipate? If we mix the sanitizing solution, verify correct dilution and fill respective sanitizing buckets at the beginning of a shift will that same batch still be acceptable for the day? Shift? In this scenario the rags used are single use, as in they do not return to the bucket after use.

 

 

All thoughts appreciated...

 

Cordially,

 

 

Plastic Ducky

I would suspect that how often to make up the solution is on the label or in a technical data sheet.  I looked at one quat sanitizer online, and they said to make up a fresh solution daily.

http://www.nclonline...TDS English.pdf

They should be comparable, but you will never go wrong if you follow the manufacturer's instructions.

Martha

Hi Plastic Ducky,

Claimed to be (very) stable but with some back-covering.

 Some manufacturers and d... – Essential Industries.pdf   808.01KB   68 downloads

I suppose you could try measuring the quat level at start/finish.of day. I predict it will change.

The rag factor sounds like an interesting challenge if you are supposed to apply a uniform quantity of quat to the surface.?

I agree with Charles... set up a study where you are testing the concentration every couple of hours throughout the day. That should give you a good idea of whether or not you should mix fresh sanitizer at some point during the day,

The chemical supplier may also have literature on file that tells the effect of time or temperature on the sanitizer concentration. 

Plastic Ducky -

      I agree with the previous statements about testing multiple times throughout the day to determine the usable 'shelf-life' of the at-use soln. Might want to check multiple buckets across several days. If you can put the at-use soln in a closed container, that may help maintain the concentration. What about a sprayer of some kind?

     Your concern must be not only the concentration, but proper usage overall. In the US, you are also required to follow the man'f instructions for usage. In many cases for quat, this involves letting the quat completely dry on the surface before food contact. I assume you are using one of the earlier quats (2 chain versus 4 chain), as many of the newer formulation are usable at higher concentrations tahn 200 PPM. Might look at switching, as the newer formulations will probably have a wider range of at-use concentrations.

KTD