5 Questions with Rachel Conrad, National Account Manager, Best Sanitizers, Inc.

1. How do you assess the surface sanitation needs of your food processing partners?

Through observation and discussion of their current processes, we evaluate the specific needs of each production facility, cultivate a unique program tailored to fit their requirements and improve existing procedures. Our unique surface sanitation products allow us both flexibility and creativity when problem-solving and finding solutions that optimally serve customers on a case-by-case basis.

2. What are some common misconceptions in the food processing industry regarding surface sanitation?

A surface cannot be cleaned and sanitized in one step. However, a facility can save staff time and simplify the training process by using one product to clean and then the same no-rinse surface sanitizer to sanitize. Also, log reduction matters. Killing 99.999% (LOG5) of tested pathogens means leaving fewer CFUs behind.

3. What should I look for in surface sanitizing wipes?

Aside from versatility and log reduction claims, a chemistry suited for your hard surfaces that doesn’t introduce unnecessary moisture/water into the environment. Alcohol-based formulas are highly evaporative and ideal for water-sensitive equipment and low moisture environments. A surface sanitizer that has the fastest kill time recognized by the EPA should yield the best results. The EPA recognizes that food contact surfaces can be sanitized in 60 seconds and non-food contact surfaces in 10 seconds. Choose a surface sanitizer that is NSF-listed, EPA-registered and holds certificates important to your facilities, such as Kosher, Pareve and Halal.

4. What other factors should I consider?

A durable, high-quality woven substrate that prevents the wipes from breaking down and leaving particulates/lint on your food-contact surfaces during use is extremely important. Additionally, a food contact surface sanitizing wipe should not leave residue on the surface. Lastly, a self-closing lid on the wipe canister ensures the wipes do not dry out.

5. Which surface sanitizing wipes would you recommend for food processors?

Alpet^® D2 Surface Sanitizing Wipes are a ready-to-use, pre-saturated and highly evaporative wiping system with the fastest kill times available for food contact and non-food contact surfaces. The woven substrate is strong and lintless, and the self-closing lid prevents the drying of wipes, eliminating unnecessary waste. This durable and versatile wiping system is NSF-listed, EPA-registered, Kosher, Pareve and Halal certified.