Cleaners and sanitizers are chemicals used to disinfect and sanitize food processing facilities, equipment, tools, and personnel. https://www.food-safety.com/rss/322-cleaners-sanitizers en-us IAFNS-supported researchers have developed a low-moisture cleaning solution that is not only effective and less of a hazard for workers and plants, but also has the potential to save cleaning time. IAFNS-supported researchers have developed a low-moisture cleaning solution that is not only effective and less of a hazard for workers and plants, but also has the potential to save cleaning time.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11485 Wed, 03 Jun 2026 12:18:36 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11485-new-cleaning-agent-for-food-facilities-may-improve-the-bottom-line Studies funded by the Center for Produce Safety (CPS) are investigating ways to improve produce packinghouse brush sanitation, including the use of antimicrobial light and choosing the best time to replace brushes. Studies funded by the Center for Produce Safety (CPS) are investigating ways to improve produce packinghouse brush sanitation, including the use of antimicrobial light and choosing the best time to replace brushes.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11465 Thu, 28 May 2026 05:30:00 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11465-researchers-investigate-antimicrobial-light-optimal-sanitation-protocols-for-produce-packinghouse-brushes A new study demonstrated the efficacy of far-UV-C light at 222 nm for inactivating human norovirus on surfaces. As it is safe for humans, researchers believe UV-C 222 could enable real-time, continuous disinfection in enclosed foodservice settings and food processing environments. A new study demonstrated the efficacy of far-UV-C light at 222 nm for inactivating human norovirus on surfaces. As it is safe for humans, researchers believe UV-C 222 could enable real-time, continuous disinfection in enclosed foodservice settings and food processing environments.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11459 Thu, 28 May 2026 05:00:00 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11459-researchers-recommend-uv-c-for-norovirus-inactivation-continuous-surface-disinfection Element Six and Oxi Tech Solutions have partnered to develop an ozone-powered, synthetic diamond-enabled sanitation solution, which the company says enhances the safety, eco-friendliness, and effectiveness of industrial cleaning. Element Six and Oxi Tech Solutions have partnered to develop an ozone-powered, synthetic diamond-enabled sanitation solution, which the company says enhances the safety, eco-friendliness, and effectiveness of industrial cleaning.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11454 Fri, 22 May 2026 15:38:07 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11454-ozone-and-diamond-based-sanitation-solution-reduces-reliance-on-harsh-chemicals hendersonb@bnpmedia.com (Bailee Henderson) Researchers achieved microbial reductions of 1.56–1.64 log CFU/cm2 by applying plasma-activated water and water–chemical solutions to dual-species E. coli biofilms on stainless steel, suggesting the technology’s potential as a sustainable, safe alternative to traditional sanitizer treatments. Researchers achieved microbial reductions of 1.56–1.64 log CFU/cm² by applying plasma-activated water and water–chemical solutions to dual-species E. coli biofilms on stainless steel, suggesting the technology’s potential as a sustainable, safe alternative to traditional sanitizer treatments.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11409 Thu, 14 May 2026 05:00:00 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11409-plasma-activated-mist-shows-promise-for-biofilm-removal-in-food-facilities According to the researchers, the findings indicate that Salmonella persistence in food processing environments should not be attributed solely to disinfectant resistance. Proper implementation of cleaning and sanitization protocols alongside stringent hygiene practices remains critical. According to the researchers, the findings indicate that Salmonella persistence in food processing environments should not be attributed solely to disinfectant resistance. Proper implementation of cleaning and sanitization protocols alongside stringent hygiene practices remains critical.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11226 Mon, 16 Mar 2026 05:00:00 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11226-pork-slaughterhouse-salmonella-isolates-remain-highly-susceptible-to-common-qac-sanitizer-despite-resistance-genes Researchers have developed and validated a rapidly vaporizing antimicrobial liquid designed for dry sanitization, which, after further optimization and regulatory approvals, could offer a potential alternative to highly flammable alcohol-based solutions. Researchers have developed and validated a rapidly vaporizing antimicrobial liquid designed for dry sanitization, which, after further optimization and regulatory approvals, could offer a potential alternative to highly flammable alcohol-based solutions.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11222 Thu, 12 Mar 2026 05:00:00 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11222-study-suggests-potential-of-low-moisture-antimicrobial-for-dry-food-facilities Today, food processors face the dual challenge of achieving sustainability goals and guaranteeing product safety. Today, food processors face the dual challenge of achieving sustainability goals and guaranteeing product safety. 

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11189 Fri, 27 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11189-sustainability-with-roi-a-beverage-producer-case-study-in-water-savings Potentially offering an effective natural control strategy in food production, a study demonstrated the ability of select essential oils to inactivate multidrug-resistant Campylobacter isolated from poultry and investigated the mechanisms of antibacterial action, while highlighting variability in essential oil potency and species-specific susceptibility. Potentially offering an effective natural control strategy in food production, a study demonstrated the ability of select essential oils to inactivate multidrug-resistant Campylobacter isolated from poultry and investigated the mechanisms of antibacterial action, while highlighting variability in essential oil potency and species-specific susceptibility.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11141 Mon, 16 Feb 2026 05:00:00 -0500 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11141-study-shows-ability-of-some-essential-oils-to-kill-drug-resistant-campylobacter-from-poultry A recent study examined the efficacy of three commonly used sanitizers—chlorine, QACs, and UV-C light—against Listeria monocytogenes biofilms on stainless steel, PET, and silicone rubber surfaces, including organic matter, representing produce packing environments. A recent study examined the efficacy of three commonly used sanitizers—chlorine, QACs, and UV-C light—against Listeria monocytogenes biofilms on stainless steel, PET, and silicone rubber surfaces, including organic matter, representing produce packing environments.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11128 Fri, 13 Feb 2026 05:00:00 -0500 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11128-study-shows-listeria-biofilm-age-surface-properties-affect-sanitizer-efficacy-in-produce-packinghouses hendersonb@bnpmedia.com (Bailee Henderson) The top ten food safety research projects that excited Food Safety Magazine’s audience the most in 2025 covered Listeria monocytogenes (especially related to biofilms), microplastics, Escherichia coli, antimicrobial resistance (AMR), avian influenza in dairy, microbial threats in irrigation water, and food allergens. The top ten food safety research projects that excited Food Safety Magazine’s audience the most in 2025 covered Listeria monocytogenes (especially related to biofilms), microplastics, Escherichia coli, antimicrobial resistance (AMR), avian influenza in dairy, microbial threats in irrigation water, and food allergens.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11003 Mon, 29 Dec 2025 05:00:00 -0500 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11003-top-ten-food-safety-scientific-studies-of-2025 hendersonb@bnpmedia.com (Bailee Henderson) A new USDA study suggests that the “green,” biodegradable enzyme ficin can improve the efficacy of conventional sanitizers when used as a pre-treatment in egg processing environments, reducing the contact time and sanitizer concentration required to achieve Salmonella biofilm inactivation. A new USDA study suggests that the “green,” biodegradable enzyme ficin can improve the efficacy of conventional sanitizers when used as a pre-treatment in egg processing environments, reducing the contact time and sanitizer concentration required to achieve Salmonella biofilm inactivation.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/10969 Fri, 12 Dec 2025 12:55:38 -0500 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/10969-study-shows-sustainable-enzymatic-pre-treatment-speeds-salmonella-biofilm-removal-in-egg-processing rickstier4@aol.com (Richard F. Stier, M.S.) This article discusses how an operation should develop, document, implement, and maintain a program to properly manage the many chemicals that are used in food processing. This article discusses how an operation should develop, document, implement, and maintain a program to properly manage the many chemicals that are used in food processing.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/10967 Fri, 12 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/10967-safe-chemical-handling-and-storage hendersonb@bnpmedia.com (Bailee Henderson) A laboratory study has provided new insights into the efficacy of peroxyacetic acid (PAA) and chlorine dioxide against Escherichia coli, Listeria monocytogenes, and norovirus in wash water during potato processing, and investigated cross-contamination risks in batch washing and water reuse scenarios. A laboratory study has provided new insights into the efficacy of peroxyacetic acid (PAA) and chlorine dioxide against Escherichia coli, Listeria monocytogenes, and norovirus in wash water during potato processing, and investigated cross-contamination risks in batch washing and water reuse scenarios.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/10886 Wed, 19 Nov 2025 10:28:10 -0500 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/10886-study-investigates-sanitizer-efficacy-cross-contamination-in-potato-wash-water hendersonb@bnpmedia.com (Bailee Henderson) A recent study sought to better understand the ability of Listeria monocytogenes biofilms on stainless steel surfaces to withstand common industry sanitizers, chlorine and PAA, using strains and temperature conditions relevant to the fresh leafy greens supply chain. A recent study sought to better understand the ability of Listeria monocytogenes biofilms on stainless steel surfaces to withstand common industry sanitizers, chlorine and PAA, using strains and temperature conditions relevant to the fresh leafy greens supply chain. 

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/10838 Thu, 30 Oct 2025 14:23:23 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/10838-study-explores-sanitizer-limitations-against-listeria-biofilms-in-leafy-greens-production A new study assessed the efficacy of a commercial lytic bacteriophage cocktail as a preharvest agricultural water treatment against Salmonella Infantis, and found modest but consistent pathogen reductions across diverse water conditions. A new study assessed the efficacy of a commercial lytic bacteriophage cocktail as a preharvest agricultural water treatment against Salmonella Infantis, and found modest but consistent pathogen reductions across diverse water conditions.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/10805 Mon, 20 Oct 2025 11:13:24 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/10805-study-suggests-potential-utility-of-bacteriophage-as-supplemental-preharvest-agricultural-water-treatment A study from the Arkansas Center for Food Safety demonstrates the importance of application time and product formulation in the effectiveness of hand sanitizers, which is critical for food handlers. A study from the Arkansas Center for Food Safety demonstrates the importance of application time and product formulation in the effectiveness of hand sanitizers, which is critical for food handlers.  

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/10717 Tue, 23 Sep 2025 11:07:04 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/10717-study-sanitizer-formulation-impacts-efficacy-guidance-for-use-in-food-settings-needed In response to a petition submitted by Cargill, FDA has amended existing regulations to provide for the use of hydrogen peroxide in food production, including meat and poultry, as an antimicrobial agent, oxidizing and reducing agent, and bleaching agent, and to remove sulfur dioxide. In response to a petition submitted by Cargill, FDA has amended existing regulations to provide for the use of hydrogen peroxide in food production, including meat and poultry, as an antimicrobial agent, oxidizing and reducing agent, and bleaching agent, and to remove sulfur dioxide.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/10672 Fri, 05 Sep 2025 12:59:45 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/10672-fda-amends-food-additive-regulation-for-hydrogen-peroxide-to-include-meat-poultry-uses hendersonb@bnpmedia.com (Bailee Henderson) This episode of Food Safety Five discusses two scientific advancements related to Listeria monocytogenes control: 1) a study that showed the effectiveness of combining antimicrobial blue light with chemical sanitizers for pathogen inactivation, and 2) the development of a new growth prediction model for L. monocytogenes in artisanal cheeses. This episode of Food Safety Five discusses two scientific advancements related to Listeria monocytogenes control: 1) a study that showed the effectiveness of combining antimicrobial blue light with chemical sanitizers for pathogen inactivation, and 2) the development of a new growth prediction model for L. monocytogenes in artisanal cheeses.  

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/10303 Tue, 15 Apr 2025 07:30:00 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/10303-food-safety-five-ep-12-new-sanitation-and-growth-prediction-methods-for-listeria hendersonb@bnpmedia.com (Bailee Henderson) A study from the University of Georgia’s Center for Food Safety suggests a synergistic effect between antimicrobial blue light treatment and low concentrations of sanitizers commonly used in industry, finding enhanced inactivation of Listeria monocytogenes on food contact surfaces. A study from the University of Georgia’s Center for Food Safety suggests a synergistic effect between antimicrobial blue light treatment and low concentrations of sanitizers commonly used in industry, finding enhanced inactivation of Listeria monocytogenes on food contact surfaces.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/10279 Wed, 02 Apr 2025 10:16:22 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/10279-study-shows-combining-antimicrobial-blue-light-and-chemical-sanitizers-can-enhance-listeria-inactivation With support from the Dairy Innovation Hub, a professor at University of Wisconsin–Platteville is establishing a research program to explore the use of cold plasma technology for food safety, sustainable agriculture, and dairy processing. With support from the Dairy Innovation Hub, a professor at University of Wisconsin–Platteville is establishing a research program to explore the use of cold plasma technology for food safety, sustainable agriculture, and dairy processing.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/10215 Thu, 13 Mar 2025 12:19:57 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/10215-university-of-wisconsin-researcher-establishing-research-program-for-cold-plasma-in-dairy-food-safety Based on a recent analysis, WaterMagage4You is a free, online tool developed by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) to help industry predict and mitigate microbial contamination risks in process water for fresh, fresh-cut, and frozen produce. EFSA also published recommendations for fit-for-purpose process water management. Based on a recent analysis, WaterMagage4You is a free, online tool developed by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) to help industry predict and mitigate microbial contamination risks in process water for fresh, fresh-cut, and frozen produce. EFSA also published recommendations for fit-for-purpose process water management. 

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/10092 Thu, 30 Jan 2025 12:39:28 -0500 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/10092-efsa-releases-new-tool-to-help-manage-microbial-contamination-in-produce-process-water hendersonb@bnpmedia.com (Bailee Henderson) A new study led by USDA-ARS and Oklahoma State University showed that oregano and cinnamon essential oils can be reused multiple times to effectively wash organic leafy greens contaminated with E. coli without losing antimicrobial activity. A new study led by USDA-ARS and Oklahoma State University showed that oregano and cinnamon essential oils can be reused multiple times to effectively wash organic leafy greens contaminated with E. coli without losing antimicrobial activity. 

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/9999 Thu, 26 Dec 2024 07:00:00 -0500 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/9999-study-shows-reusability-efficacy-of-antimicrobial-essential-oil-washes-for-organic-leafy-greens Filling a critical knowledge gap in light of recent outbreaks and recalls associated with low-moisture foods, a study led by National University of Singapore researchers has characterized dry surface Salmonella biofilms and developed a fit-for-purpose, antibiofilm, waterless sanitization protocol for the low-moisture food industry. Filling a critical knowledge gap in light of recent outbreaks and recalls associated with low-moisture foods, a study led by National University of Singapore researchers has characterized dry surface Salmonella biofilms and developed a fit-for-purpose, antibiofilm, waterless sanitization protocol for the low-moisture food industry. 

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/9989 Tue, 17 Dec 2024 11:50:17 -0500 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/9989-study-characterizes-dry-salmonella-biofilms-offers-sanitization-strategy-for-low-moisture-food-industry A research project funded by the Center for Produce Safety (CPS) is exploring the microbial risks of unconventional surfaces in small and midsized produce packinghouses with the goal of determining sanitation best practices. A research project funded by the Center for Produce Safety (CPS) is exploring the microbial risks of unconventional surfaces in small and midsized produce packinghouses with the goal of determining sanitation best practices.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/9987 Tue, 17 Dec 2024 10:53:13 -0500 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/9987-researchers-investigating-microbial-risks-of-unconventional-surfaces-in-produce-packinghouses hendersonb@bnpmedia.com (Bailee Henderson) Recently concluded research funded by the Center for Produce Safety provides practical, immediately actionable insights that industry can integrate into their operations, ranging from sanitation best practices, to Salmonella and E. coli mitigation, to wild bird management, and more. Recently concluded research funded by the Center for Produce Safety provides practical, immediately actionable insights that industry can integrate into their operations, ranging from sanitation best practices, to Salmonella and E. coli mitigation, to wild bird management, and more.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/9951 Wed, 04 Dec 2024 13:45:25 -0500 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/9951-immediately-actionable-research-results-for-the-produce-industry Setting a new a new precedent for preharvest food safety interventions, the first-ever registration of an antimicrobial treatment for foodborne pathogens in preharvest agricultural water has been approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Setting a new a new precedent for preharvest food safety interventions, the first-ever registration of an antimicrobial treatment for foodborne pathogens in preharvest agricultural water has been approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/9877 Mon, 04 Nov 2024 11:54:39 -0500 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/9877-epa-approves-first-antimicrobial-treatment-of-foodborne-pathogens-in-preharvest-agricultural-water XENON’s new stainless steel washdown lamp housing is powered by Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) -based PUREPULSE technology, providing an eco-friendly and effective sanitization solution for food packaging processes. XENON’s new stainless steel washdown lamp housing is powered by Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) -based PUREPULSE technology, providing an eco-friendly and effective sanitization solution for food packaging processes.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/9872 Thu, 31 Oct 2024 12:50:48 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/9872-new-pulsed-light-based-sanitization-solution-for-food-production-from-xenon Our exclusive eBook, Achieving Sanitation Success with Innovative Techniques, Simplified SSOPs, and Applied Technology, will equip you with expert guidance on chemical applications and sanitation best practices to help your company achieve sanitation success and ensure food safety. Our exclusive eBook, Achieving Sanitation Success with Innovative Techniques, Simplified SSOPs, and Applied Technology, will equip you with expert guidance on chemical applications and sanitation best practices to help your company achieve sanitation success and ensure food safety. 

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/9857 Wed, 23 Oct 2024 01:00:00 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/9857-ebook-achieving-sanitation-success-with-innovative-techniques-simplified-ssops-and-applied-technology Maintaining high standards throughout the production process is crucial in the food industry. Contamination can lurk in the most unexpected places, necessitating constant vigilance. Maintaining high standards throughout the production process is crucial in the food industry. Contamination can lurk in the most unexpected places, necessitating constant vigilance. 

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/9849 Tue, 22 Oct 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/9849-how-belt-cleaning-impacts-food-safety-explore-megadyne-e-book-on-best-practices