Alternative Sanitizers

Can’t use bleach at your school?  Sometimes we need to use something else because of reactions with water or personal allergies.  If that is the case, “Food Service Grade Quaternary Compound” could be used.  Be sure the product meets the following to be considered OK to use around food and food contact surfaces.

• The product must have an EPA Registration # on the container.
• The product must make claim that it is a sanitizer for food contact surfaces.
• The label must give use and mixing instructions for sanitizing or disinfecting (whatever the intended use).
• If used on food contact surfaces the label must have instructions for preparing the solution for sanitizing and if the sanitized surface must be rinsed off after 10 minutes with a potable water rinse.
• The product must be used according to the label directions.

If the product meets all the above it would be approved for use and be safe around food.

Dave Micklos, Administrator
Office of Health Protection
State Department of Health

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