ADVANTAGES
|
DISADVANTAGES
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HYPOCHLORITES
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Effective against a broad spectrum of microorganisms
|
Corrosive to stainless steel and other metals, if misused
|
Effective against spores and bacterial phages
|
May oxidize lipids
|
Easy to use
|
May discolor products
|
Least expensive
|
Effectiveness diminished by organic matter
|
Not affected by water hardness
|
May irritate skin
|
Concentration easily measured by convenient field test
|
May affect the flavor and odor of food
Hazardous at high temperatures or under acid conditions
|
IODOPHORES
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Non-corrosive
|
May affect the flavor and odor of food
|
Easy to use
|
Forms purple colored stains with starch
|
Non irritating
|
Moderately expensive
|
Effective against a broad spectrum of microorganisms, both
spore and non-spore forming
|
Should not be used at temperatures above 122°F
(50°C)
Narrow effective pH range (2.5 to 3.5)
|
Not affected by water hardness
|
Less effective than chlorine in killing bacterial spores
|
QUATERNARY AMMONIUM COMPOUNDS (QUATS)
|
Non-corrosive
Non-irritating
|
Not effective against coliforms and gram negative bacteria
|
Leaves no flavor or odor
|
Forms films on surface
|
Effective over a wide pH range (6 to 10)
|
May enhance the growth of Pseudomonas spp.
|
Effective against most microorganisms, especially gram positive
slime formers and molds
|
Expensive
Moderately toxic
|
Effective at high temperatures
Stable in the presence of organic matter
|
|
HOT WATER AND STEAM
|
Non-corrosive
Leaves no residue
|
Antimicrobial effect depends on temperature and exposure
time
|
|
Not effective against some spores
|
|
Mineral deposits on equipment, if water is hard
Higher energy costs
|