What Food Processors Should Know About Peracetic Acid (PAA)

As food safety standards tighten and sustainability expectations rise, peracetic acid (PAA) is becoming the sanitizer of choice for processors seeking reliable microbial control, operational efficiency, and environmental stewardship.

What disinfectant should food processors use? There is no universal ‘best’ disinfectant for every food processing operation, but peracetic acid (PAA) has become one of the fastest-growing sanitation technologies because it provides rapid, broad-spectrum antimicrobial performance while supporting water conservation, sustainability initiatives and operational efficiency. Many processors now evaluate PAA based on its total operational value rather than cost per gallon alone.

Why More Food Processors Are Switching to PAA

Food processors are not abandoning chlorine overnight—but many are asking a different question: ‘Which sanitizer delivers the best overall operational value?’ Modern sanitation programs are increasingly evaluated by food safety, production uptime, water use, wastewater management, worker safety, sustainability, and total operating cost. That’s where PAA continues to gain momentum.

Why PAA Stands Out

Peracetic acid has become increasingly popular because it checks multiple boxes at once. It offers rapid antimicrobial performance, broad-spectrum effectiveness, strong performance in the presence of organic matter, minimal environmentally persistent byproducts, support for water conservation initiatives and compatibility with modern sustainability programs. Rather than solving a single sanitation challenge, PAA often improves several parts of an operation at once.

“Food processors aren’t simply replacing one sanitizer with another—they’re rethinking how sanitation supports the entire operation. The conversation today includes food safety, water stewardship, operational reliability, and long-term sustainability. Peracetic acid has become an important tool because it helps facilities address all of those objectives simultaneously.”

— Derk Pinkerton, Market Manager – Water Treatment, Brainerd Chemical Company

Today, PAA is commonly used across broad food processing applications:

  • Poultry, beef, pork and seafood processing
  • Fresh produce washing
  • Dairy and beverage production
  • Breweries and wineries
  • Process water treatment
  • Food-contact surface sanitation
  • Select Clean-in-Place (CIP) applications

The Cheapest Sanitizer Can Become Your Most Expensive Decision

Chemical price is only one line on the budget. Production interruptions, equipment downtime, wastewater treatment, worker training and environmental reporting all influence the true cost of a sanitation program. Leading processors increasingly evaluate total operational value rather than cost per gallon.
The question is no longer whether to evaluate PAA—but where it can create measurable value in your operation. Peracetic acid isn’t intended to replace every traditional sanitizer, but its growing adoption reflects a broader shift toward smarter sanitation strategies.
Whether you’re expanding production, improving food safety protocols, reducing wastewater challenges or exploring more cost-effective solutions, Brainerd Chemical’s water treatment specialists can help evaluate where peracetic acid fits into your operation.

Brainred’s team works alongside food processors to develop practical, application-specific sanitation programs backed by technical expertise, dependable supply, and decades of experience serving North American industry. Contact Brainerd Chemical today to schedule a consultation with a member of the water treatment team and discover whether PAA is the right solution for your facility.

PFAS: What’s Changing, What’s Emerging, and Why It Matters

PFAS reporting

BRIEF: EPA’s TSCA Section 8(a)(7) PFAS reporting rule now requires manufacturers and importers to begin reporting on April 13, 2026. The rule demands detailed, “reasonably ascertainable” data across uses, volumes, byproducts, exposure, and disposal. At the same time, attention is expanding to persistent degradation products like TFA. Together, these forces are pushing PFAS beyond compliance into transparency and risk management. Companies that organize product data now will be better positioned as deadlines—and scrutiny—approach.

PFAS oversight has become less linear and more unsettled. EPA’s TSCA Section 8(a)(7) reporting rule was designed to bring structure to how PFAS have been manufactured and used, but recent extensions and clarifications reflect how complex that task has proven to be in practice. For most manufacturers and importers, reporting begins April 13, 2026.

In November 2025, the EPA proposed changes to the scope of TSCA 8(a)(7) PFAS reporting regulations. Read the Federal Register Notice.  

The scope of what must be reported is broad. Companies are expected to submit information that is known to or reasonably ascertainable. This includes chemical identity, uses, production volumes, byproducts, worker exposure, disposal practices, and any available health or environmental data. Reporting must be completed electronically through EPA’s CDX system, which places additional emphasis on data readiness and internal coordination well before the submission window opens.

At the same time, the conversation is moving beyond familiar PFAS compounds. Trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) has appeared with increasing frequency in global water studies. It is not broadly regulated in the United States, but its prevalence has prompted questions about long-term environmental behavior and whether existing oversight frameworks are keeping pace with emerging science.

For manufacturers, this moment is less about compliance checklists and more about preparedness. Customers ask different questions than they did even a few years ago. They want to know what materials are present, how those materials persist, and what happens downstream. PFAS has shifted from a narrow regulatory topic to a broader transparency issue, touching procurement, product stewardship, and executive risk discussions—often well before regulators knock.

For customers paying closer attention to PFAS and emerging contaminants, Brainerd Chemical’s product portfolio reflects a practical advantage grounded in formulation discipline and documentation. The company emphasizes chemistries that meet performance needs without introducing unnecessary persistence concerns, supported by clear product data and traceability. In applications such as water treatment, sanitation, and industrial processing, this approach gives customers better visibility into what they are using and why—an increasingly important factor as reporting deadlines approach and expectations continue to sharpen.

Why this has become a board-level issue

The April 2026 reporting start date may seem distant, but the data required spans more than a decade of activity. Customers, auditors, and regulators are already pressing for clarity around inputs, intermediates, and byproducts—often earlier in the sourcing process.

PFAS compliance is no longer viewed solely as a regulatory requirement. It has become a measure of credibility—tied to how clearly a company understands its products, how well it documents them, and how confidently it can explain both today and five years from now.

Looking ahead

As the April 2026 reporting deadline approaches, the difference between manageable compliance and a costly scramble will come down to preparation. For many customers, Brainerd Chemical plays a quiet but important role in that process by reducing uncertainty early—through clear product documentation, consistent data, and chemistries designed with stewardship in mind. When suppliers can answer questions clearly, customers spend less time chasing historical data, reconciling gaps, or responding under pressure. That clarity doesn’t just support compliance; it saves time, limits disruption, and helps prevent the kind of last-minute reporting issues that turn regulatory obligations into operational crises.

Why Formaldehyde Matters in Poultry Feed Safety

Poultry feed production facility using formaldehyde-based food intervention controls

Feed safety is where food safety truly begins. Long before processing or packaging, controlling pathogens at the feed level plays a major role in protecting flock health and reducing downstream risk.

That’s where industrial formaldehyde comes in. Because of its powerfully effective characteristics, formaldehyde demands disciplined handling, accurate dosing, and dependable supply. Poultry operations don’t have room for variability or interruptions, especially when feed safety programs are tightly integrated into overall production schedules.

Effective intervention isn’t about reacting later. It’s about controlling risk early, consistently, and responsibly. That starts with the right formaldehyde supply partner. Brainerd Chemical is an ACD Responsible Distribution–verified supplier, a designation that reflects audited standards for safety, environmental responsibility, and supply-chain stewardship. In food intervention applications, that level of discipline helps reduce risk where it matters most. And, the Brainerd Chemical team supports poultry producers with consistent industrial formaldehyde supply backed by a strong focus on safe handling, packaging integrity, and logistics reliability. Customers benefit from a partner that understands both the chemistry and the operational realities of poultry feed manufacturing.

About Brainerd Chemical Company

Brainerd Chemical Company is a leading U.S. manufacturer and distributor of specialty and commodity chemicals. Our mission is simple yet powerful: to safely supply the solutions our customers need, the expertise they want, and the reliability they depend on—every single day.

Media Inquiries

Brainerd Chemical Company

📞 +1 (918) 622-1214

🌐 www.BrainerdChemical.com

5 Reasons Wastewater Plants Are Switching to Peracetic Acid

Brief: Brainerd Chemical Company is a trusted national leader in peracetic acid (PAA) supply, helping wastewater facilities meet tightening regulatory and sustainability demands with confidence. Through strategically located production sites, rigorous quality control, and responsive logistics, Brainerd ensures reliable, high-purity PAA delivery nationwide. Its technical experts provide hands-on guidance—from pilot testing to safety and compliance—making PAA adoption seamless, efficient, and future-ready for municipalities and industrial operators alike.

Across the U.S., wastewater treatment facilities are re-evaluating their disinfection methods in response to tighter regulatory limits, sustainability goals, and safety concerns. Peracetic acid (PAA) is rapidly emerging as a preferred solution—offering powerful microbial control, minimal by-products, and simplified operations compared to traditional chlorine-based systems. This article explores why so many municipalities and industrial plants are making the switch, how PAA supports permit compliance, and how Brainerd Chemical Company is leading the way with reliable supply, technical guidance, and unmatched expertise in PAA applications.

Regulatory Pressures Are Driving Change

Tightening effluent limits and stricter NPDES permit conditions have forced utilities to reconsider their legacy disinfectants. Traditional chlorination, while effective, often produces halogenated disinfection by-products (DBPs) such as trihalomethanes (THMs) and haloacetic acids (HAAs)—compounds that are increasingly restricted due to their toxicity and persistence in aquatic ecosystems.
PAA, by contrast, decomposes into oxygen, water, and acetic acid, leaving virtually no harmful residuals. This makes it easier for wastewater facilities to meet evolving discharge requirements and avoid DBP-related violations.
In many states, regulators now actively encourage utilities to evaluate non-chlorine disinfection methods. PAA’s strong oxidation potential and rapid microbial kill rate make it one of the most permit-friendly options available—particularly for plants facing low toxicity limits or sensitive receiving waters.

Simplified Operations and Reduced Chemical Handling Risks

Unlike chlorine gas or sodium hypochlorite, PAA does not require specialized gas storage systems, de-chlorination chemicals, or complex feed controls.
Because it is a liquid, ready-to-use oxidant, PAA can be fed directly into existing contact chambers with minor infrastructure modifications. This simplicity translates into less operator exposure, lower capital investment, and fewer moving parts to maintain.
Facilities that transition from chlorine and sulfur dioxide systems also enjoy improved safety profiles, eliminating the hazards associated with toxic gas cylinders and leak detection systems.

Proven Performance and Flexibility Across Wastewater Types

PAA’s efficacy is well documented in both municipal and industrial wastewater systems. Its broad-spectrum antimicrobial action effectively neutralizes bacteria, viruses, and spores—even in high-solids, low-clarity, or variable-pH environments.
PAA’s disinfection mechanism is based on oxidation; it remains effective over a wide range of organic loads and maintains residual power even when other disinfectants are inhibited by ammonia or nitrogen compounds.
In addition, the fast reaction kinetics of PAA mean that many facilities can achieve target log-reductions with shorter contact times, enabling higher throughput and better operational flexibility during peak flow events.

Lower Lifecycle Costs and Fewer Permit Headaches

Although the chemical cost per gallon of PAA may initially appear higher than chlorine, the total cost of ownership often favors PAA when safety, de-chlorination, maintenance, and regulatory compliance are considered.
For example, eliminating sodium bisulfite for de-chlorination can reduce both chemical consumption and storage complexity, while minimizing operator training requirements.
Equally important: the elimination of DBPs and residual chlorine in effluent often helps facilities avoid expensive permit violations, costly remediation, or negative public scrutiny.

A Sustainable, Future-Proof Choice

Sustainability is becoming a core KPI for wastewater utilities. PAA’s eco-friendly breakdown products—oxygen, water, and acetic acid—align perfectly with green infrastructure and ESG goals.
Unlike chlorine, PAA leaves little to offers a scalable, sustainable solution that aligns with no halogenated footprint, making it the preferred option for facilities that discharge into sensitive aquatic habitats or supply reclaimed water for reuse. As utilities face increasing pressure to modernize infrastructure and minimize chemical hazards, PAA represents a scalable, sustainable solution that fits both regulatory and environmental priorities.

Meeting Compliance with Confidence

Regulatory momentum continues to build in favor of peracetic acid. State environmental agencies and the U.S. EPA are recognizing its potential as a safe, effective alternative that meets both microbial and toxicity standards without contributing to chlorinated by-products.
For municipalities preparing for permit renewals or plant upgrades, now is the time to evaluate pilot testing and document performance data. Early adopters have already demonstrated reliable disinfection performance across a variety of wastewater matrices, paving the way for broader regulatory acceptance nationwide.

Brainerd Chemical Is Your Trusted PAA Supply Partner

When reliability, regulatory expertise, and on-time delivery matter most, Brainerd Chemical stands as the nation’s benchmark for peracetic acid (PAA) supply and support. With more than a century of chemical manufacturing experience and one of the industry’s most robust distribution footprints, Brainerd Chemical delivers consistency, safety, and performance that utilities can depend on.

From production through delivery, every stage of Brainerd’s PAA program is designed for quality assurance and continuity of supply. The company’s strategically located facilities—including regional production and transloading hubs—allow rapid fulfillment to wastewater treatment facilities across the U.S., minimizing lead times and transportation costs. Advanced storage, blending, and packaging capabilities ensure that every gallon meets strict purity standards, backed by rigorous testing and quality control.

Beyond supply, Brainerd Chemical partners with clients to ensure successful PAA adoption and optimization. Its technical experts offer field-level assistance, pilot testing guidance, dosage calibration, safety and handling training, and regulatory compliance support—helping operators integrate PAA seamlessly into existing systems. This consultative approach ensures plants achieve consistent microbial control, predictable costs, and permit ready performance with minimal operational disruption.

In an industry where downtime is costly and compliance is non-negotiable, Brainerd Chemical’s scale, reliability, and service excellence make it the trusted PAA partner for municipalities and industrial operators nationwide.

A Stronger Tomorrow Through Smarter Wastewater Treatment

Peracetic acid (PAA) represents a decisive step forward for organizations interested in advancing sustainability, protecting operators, and safeguarding communities. By eliminating halogenated by-products, reducing chemical handling risks, and simplifying compliance, PAA helps facilities operate more safely and sustainably while maintaining exceptional microbial control.

For utilities facing aging infrastructure, tighter permit renewals, or public pressure to reduce risks, PAA offers a future-proof path that aligns operational efficiency with environmental responsibility. Facilities that make the switch gain more than just regulatory peace of mind—they gain operational resilience, community trust, and a disinfection strategy built for tomorrow’s standards.

With Brainerd Chemical as a supply partner, wastewater operators can count on reliable delivery, deep technical support, and industry expertise that turns the promise of PAA into real-world performance. Together, these advantages make PAA not only a better disinfectant, but a smarter investment in the future of clean water.

About Brainerd Chemical Company

Brainerd Chemical Company is one of the nation’s leading chemical manufacturers and distributors, supporting industries from energy and agriculture to water treatment and manufacturing. We combine proven expertise with innovative packaging, logistics, and service solutions to help our partners achieve efficiency, safety, and long-term success.

Focus on Food Safety at CheeseCon 2025

Tulsa, OK April 3rd, 2025 // Specialty chemical manufacturer Brainerd Chemical Company is showcasing its food safety, processing, and facility hygiene products at CheeseCon, April 15-17, 2025, at the Alliant Energy Center, Madison, WI.

Brainerd Chemical Company helps food producers across the country win the battle against pathogenic organisms and deliver goods more safely while improving operational efficiencies. Rely on Brainerd Chemical company to supply an comprehensive array of chemistries including mixed acids, phosphoric acid, sodium hydroxide and sodium hydroxide blends, sulfuric acid, and our Terrastat® line of PAA antimicrobial products.

Want to learn more? Visit https://brainerdchemical.com/safety-food/ and find out how the Brainerd team and our comprehensive product line will help you improve your operational efficiency.

About Brainerd Chemical Company

Brainerd Chemical Company is a leading manufacturer and supplier of innovative food safety chemistries, delivering wide-ranging solutions that optimize operational efficiencies for managing food, water and facilities safe and clean. Brainerd Chemical offers a complete line of EPA and FDA approved products for a variety of industries including food & beverage, meat and poultry processing, agriculture, animal health, industrial water treatment, oil & gas, wastewater treatment and more.

Media Inquires

1.918.622.1214

Brainerd Chemical Company

Source: Brainerd Chemical Company

Do You Know? Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide is an incredibly versatile chemical used in a variety of applications including:

  • Healthcare:  Hospitals use hydrogen peroxide products to kill pathogens like cryptosporidiosis and norovirus.
  • Aerospace: H2O2 propulsion systems powered thrusters in the Gemini and Apollo spacecraft; today, many small satellites are controlled with H2O2 vapor systems.
  • Energy: Oil & natural gas producers use hydrogen peroxide based PAA biocides because they are effective while reducing environmental risks.
  • Water and sewage treatment: Hydrogen peroxide is a prime ingredient in PAA, an eco-friendly disinfectant revolutionizing the industry with safer, more responsible solutions.

Brainerd Chemical supplies hydrogen peroxide in concentrations ranging from 1-50% in pail, drum, or tote packaging as well as bulk delivery.

About Brainerd Chemical Company

Brainerd Chemical Company is one of the largest independent suppliers of chemicals and related services in the continental United States. They specialize in manufacturing, blending, packaging, and distributing chemical products across a diverse range of industrial sectors.

Media Inquiries:

Brainerd Chemical Company:  1+ (918) 622-1214

Brainerd Celebrates 5 Years of PAA Innovation

The 5th anniversary of Brainerd Chemical’s Danville facility opening reminds us of the progressive steps our leadership team have taken to streamline our distribution processes and expand our capabilities into a strategic hybrid supply network that provides customers with flexible PAA solutions and a resiliently dependable supply chain that maximizes efficiencies.

With the addition of two state-of-the-art PAA production facilities – our Scooba, MS location opening in 2022 and Seaford, DE in 2023, President Brian Miller commented, “We are excited about how our strategic network streamlines our customers supply chain through the highest quality products, packaged to their specifications and safely delivered on demand.”

Brainerd Chemical companies’ hybrid supplier model allows our customers to boost bottom line growth through fully integrated services. Simplifying operations through a single partner reduces potential biases and inefficiencies often inherent within traditional supply practices by unifying three fundamental supply chain benefits:

Product Manufacturing Expertise –highly skilled chemical experts offer in-house blending, quality control, custom solutions, and flexible production capabilities.

Logistics Services – robust warehouse, inventory management and inbound/outbound logistics capabilities provide lower total system costs by consolidating inventory across the entire supply chain, including taking inventory off customers’ floors and delivering goods on an as-needed basis.

Integrated Solutions – such as custom packaging and white-label solutions further streamline operations, reduce operational costs and accelerate time-to-market.

Growing PAA Demand

With the rise of PAA as a preferred sanitizer, disinfectant, sterilant and bleach across a broad range of industries, sourcing from a hybrid supplier able to provide reliable supply-chain resilience is a critical advantage.

The market for PAA is projected to grow significantly, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) in the United States of 5.1% and 7.4% globally through 2028.

A major factor contributing to this growth is the increased use of PAA in industrial wastewater treatment, where it is favored for its effectiveness as a disinfectant and its environmentally friendly properties. The disinfectant segment is expected to hold 41.2% of the market share in 2024 due to its extensive use in industries such as food processing, healthcare, and agriculture​.

Water treatment facilities are eager to transition to peracetic acid products as they aim to meet stringent regulatory standards and efficiently control microbial contamination and biofilm formation with safer, more eco-friendly solutions.

In healthcare, the demand for PAA is projected to account for 34.3% of the market share in 2024, driven by its application in sterilizing medical instruments, surfaces, and equipment.

Oil and gas producers use PAA to scavenge hydrogen sulfide, iron sulfide, and other contaminants from drilling, completion, and production waters while avoiding the harmful byproducts and safety hazards of traditional chemicals.

Hybrid Supplier Benefits to Buyers

Integrating a hybrid supplier like Brainerd Chemical into your supply chain helps companies by:

  • Growth-focused advice. With growth mindset and resources to execute, hybrid suppliers bring innovations that help reduce expenses, accelerate revenue growth and improve safe and responsible operations to you.
  • Comprehensive solutions: Through a comprehensive solution portfolio, hybrid suppliers often facilitate growth and reveal cost savings through experience, analysis, and access to a wide array of services for different customers helping you be more efficient and potentially boost your growth trajectory.
  • Reduced overhead: Through strategic logistics networks, hybrid suppliers can hold and deliver goods on-demand, freeing up storage, handling, insuring, and administration resources.
  • Flexibility and speed to market: Improve time to market through lower minimum-order sizes and in-stock availability. This allows for faster time-to-market for you.
  • Turnkey services and SPOC coordination: One call can replace many while also improving quality consistency and ensuring acute accountability. The same consolidation role benefits geographically spread organizations, where hybrid suppliers like Brainerd provide a strategic network serving your full business footprint.
  • Simplified operations: With a wide array of products, valuable services, and flexible solutions, a hybrid supplier can replace many single-purpose vendors. Our single-point of contact allows you to cut back on administration and focus on what you do best.

Conclusion

By integrating advanced production facilities and leveraging a hybrid supplier model, Brainerd Chemical provides its customers with unparalleled efficiency, reliability, and customized solutions. The company’s commitment to quality, logistics, and integrated services not only streamlines operations but also supports significant bottom-line growth for its clients. As the demand for PAA continues to rise across various industries, Brainerd is well-positioned to meet these needs with innovative and eco-friendly solutions. This comprehensive approach meets current market demands while anticipating significant future growth. Celebrating five years of success at the Danville facility marks just the beginning of Brainerd’s continued evolution and leadership in providing exceptional PAA solutions.

About Brainerd Chemical Company:

Brainerd Chemical Company is one of the largest independent suppliers of chemicals and related services in the continental United States, manufacturing, blending, packaging and distributing chemical products to a wide variety of industrial sectors.

Media Inquiries:

Brainerd Chemical Company:  1+ (918) 622-1214

SOURCE: Brainerd Chemical Company

White Label Chemical Packaging Services

Brainerd Chemical Company provides innovative packaging and white-label solutions that help customers accomplish their goals safely and sustainably.

Dealing with hard-to-handle acids, solvents or other industrial chemicals? With decades of experience and six strategically located facilities, Brainerd Chemical Company is recognized as the industry’s leading custom-packaging solution provider for hazardous and non-hazardous materials.

We offer custom packaging solutions at any scale. Customize labels to your specifications and blind ship. We tailor your labels to your specific requirements repackaging products from bulk chemicals down to smaller labeled containers—making the products ready for immediate use.

Our team harnesses extensive technical expertise and specialized capabilities that include:

  • White labeling
  • Blind shipping
  • Drop shipping
  • Glass, pail, drums, totes and bulk trailer
  • Warehousing

For more information about Brainerd Chemical Company packaging services, please visit brainerdchemical.com.

ABOUT BRAINERD CHEMICAL COMPANY

Brainerd Chemical Company, Inc., based in Tulsa, OK, is a premier provider of chemical products, blending, packaging, and transportation services and recognized as a top 100 U.S. Chemical distributor.

MEDIA INQUIRIES

1.918.622.1214

@Brainerd Chemical Company

SOURCE:  Brainerd Chemical Company, Inc.

Sustainable Water Treatment

Peracetic acid (PAA) is a powerful disinfectant with the potential to revolutionize water treatment. It is environmentally friendly, safer to handle and more cost-effective. Because of these benefits, PAA has rapidly become a preferred choice sanitizer, disinfectant, sterilant and bleach for a host of applications across a wide variety of industries. In this article, we will provide a deep-dive into what makes Peracetic Acid the smart choice – not just a viable alternative.

An Effective and Sustainable Solution

The chlorine compounds that industries have relied on for decades to accomplish disinfection and sanitation are wrought with significant drawbacks such as toxicity, corrosiveness, environmental harm and safety hazards. Chlorine is widely used because it is inexpensive and potent however, chlorine has the potential for forming carcinogenic and mutagenic disinfection by-products1 (DBPs).

Peracetic Acid is an eco-friendly alternative that addresses these concerns while providing equal or superior results. PAA boasts a unique chemistry that effectively targets bacteria and other contaminants, has no known DBP formations, rapidly reacts with pollutants, and breaks down into safe chemicals (acetic acid, oxygen and water).

Peracetic acid is an equilibrium mixture of acetic acid and hydrogen peroxide and water. PAA has the chemical formula CH3CO3H and is produced as an equilibrium solution as shown in Figure 1. Commercially available PAA such as the Terrastat® line of products from Brainerd Chemical Company, typically contains a stabilizer to increase storage life.

Figure 1: PAA Formula
Figure 1. PAA has the chemical formula CH3CO3H and is commercially available as an equilibrium solution.

Commercial preparation includes reacting acetic acid with hydrogen peroxide in the presence of a catalyst; specific grades of PAA are formulated by controlling the concentration and amounts of reagents during the manufacturing process.

With a half-life in the order of minutes, PAA typically degrades before entering waterways. The result is an effective disinfection, sanitation, and sterilization agent with minimal potential threat to aquatic environments or reduced water quality. Bioaccumulation in aquatic organisms or in sediments is highly unlikely because PAA has low octanol water partition coefficients (KOW) (0.3, 0.4, and 0.68, respectively) and low sediment adsorption coefficients2 and, PAA typically degrades before entering waterways because its half-life is in the order of minutes.

Extensive testing has shown that this powerful oxidant successfully passes fish toxicity testing and poses no harm to aquatic life. A study conducted by Davidson et al. (2019)3 discovered that PAA does not have any adverse effects on water quality or the performance metrics of rainbow trout, including growth, survival, and feed conversion ratio. To ensure the protection of aquatic ecosystems, the EPA recommends residual PAA concentration at the effluent discharge be below 1mg/1 which is commonly achieved when recommended application guidelines are followed.

Versatility That Goes Beyond Expectations

One of the biggest advantages of PAA is its versatility as a highly adaptable oxidizing that is effective in the order of minutes, is easy handle safely, offers a one-year shelf life when stored properly, it leaves no harmful residues and decomposes into harmless byproducts. In most applications, versus other alternatives, capital cost savings are immediate because retrofitting does not require additional equipment5.

Brainerd Chemical Company stands at the forefront as one of the leading producers of peracetic acid, offering a diverse range of top-tier products and comprehensive services from experienced professionals. With various peracetic acid concentrations, the Terrastat® line of products find extensive utility in chemical synthesis, bleaching, sanitization, disinfection, hygiene, and sterilization across numerous industries.

Safety Doesn’t Have to Be Compromised

Organizations often choose Peracetic Acid because it is equally or more effective without compromising safety.

Traditional disinfectants like chlorine compounds raise concerns about safety hazards to people and our environment. These corrosive substances can cause skin irritation, respiratory problems, and other health issues in people as well as disinfection by-products that wreak havoc on eco-systems.  However, Peracetic Acid (PAA) offers a safer, more secure, and environmentally friendly alternative throughout the entire chemical manufacturing process, from production and service to storage, handling, transportation, and disposal.

What sets PAA apart is its safety approvals from regulatory bodies such as the EPA and FDA. With low toxicity levels, PAA is safe for both workers and food products. Its use doesn’t leave any harmful residues, making it environmentally friendly.

When utilized for antimicrobial applications, PAA is typically diluted5 (ranging from 50 to 2,000 ppm in solution). It’s important to note that exposure to PAA in its diluted form as a vapor or mist may cause temporary eye, nose, throat, or respiratory irritation, but these symptoms usually subside once exposure ceases. To minimize any potential over-exposure, it is crucial to implement adequate containment, ventilation, and process controls, thereby reducing direct contact between workers and the vapor, mist, or droplets.

Water Management, Water and Wastewater Treatment

PAA is a game-changer for organizations seeking to mitigate bacterial and effluent wastewater impacts. Facilities are adopting PAA at an exponential rate because it provides more than just an eco-friendly and effective solution – PAA reduces operational headaches and minimizes compliance considerations.  

As described in the Alternative Disinfection Methods Fact Sheet: Peracetic Acid’, the need for an economical and relatively simple retrofit to an existing wastewater treatment facility is obvious because of concerns of formation of halogenated disinfection byproducts (DBPs). Peracetic acid (PAA) is a viable alternative to halogenated disinfection chemicals (such as chlorine-based products).

Facilities choose Peracetic Acid because:

  • PAA is an effective disinfection compound that does not generate harmful DBPs; toxic residuals and mutagenic or carcinogenic compounds are absent after disinfection.
  • PAA is a more rapid acting disinfectant than chlorine-based disinfectants.
  • PAA can be economically retrofitted and/or work in series with an existing disinfection system.
  • PAA dissipates rapidly and does not generate harmful disinfectant by-products even if overdosed.
  • PAA allows for safer and easier handling, storage, and shipping.
  • Does not require expensive capital investment to implement.
  •  Does not require quenching (i.e., no dechlorination).
  • Eliminates the possibility of over feeding or under feeding Sodium Bisulfite making it easier to meet regulated discharge permits.
  • Normally does not require a Risk Management Plan (RMP).
  • Absence of persistent toxic or mutagenic residuals or by-products.
  • Small dependence on pH.
  • Requires short contact time (minutes vs hours).
  • Effective for primary and secondary effluents.
  • Effective under varying influent conditions.

PAA is federally approved for use in wastewater disinfection and is currently permitted in approximately 18 states, with several more states in the process of gaining approval. PAA is regulated under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide ACT (FIFRA, 7 U.S.C. Section 136)8.  North Carolina, New Jersey, Tennessee, West Virginia, Oklahoma, and Texas all have current policies/permitting requirements for PAA usage.

PAA is more effective than Sodium Hypochlorite in wastewater management. It is a stronger oxidizer with oxidation potential higher than that of chlorine or chlorine dioxide9. Significantly shorter contact times (minutes vs hours) are required while using less product to accomplish the same job. And PAA is effective where UV treatment is ineffective in treating industrial wastewater.

Disinfection of wastewater effluents with peracetic acid has been shown to reduce levels of fecal contamination by 97%. The process of disinfection with peracetic acid is easier to manage than other more common methods and the tests performed confirm that from the bacteriological point of view good results can be obtained for urban effluents15.

PAA is proven effective and efficient in treating wastewater at scale for over a decade.  The first full scale commercial application of PAA occurred at the St. Augustine Wastewater Treatment Plant, Florida, in 201212 with other large municipalities following such as the Metropolitan Sewer District of Greater Cincinnati13 and the M.C. Stiles Wastewater Treatment Plant14 in Memphis, TN. Their success is paving the way for similar facilities eager to take advantage of all the benefits Peracetic Acid offers.

Broad Application Potential

Industries benefiting from peracetic acid solutions are not limited to municipal and industrial wastewater treatment facilities. PAA benefits food and beverage processing (think fruit and vegetable processing, poultry processing), pharmaceutical manufacturing, environmental remediation, industrial sanitization as well as oil and gas production.

As a broad-spectrum biocide with fast reaction time that leaves no harmful by-products Peracetic Acid is effectively being used as a disinfectant and sterilant in aquaculture, food, oil and gas water treatment, medical, and pharmaceutical industries. Its potency against viruses and bacteria has earned it a reputation as one of the most versatile disinfectants, and as a result, it has become a preferred choice in these industries.

EPA regulation establishes an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance for residues of peroxyacetic acid6, in or on all raw and processed food commodities when used in sanitizing solutions containing a diluted end-use concentration of peroxyacetic acid up to 500 ppm, and applied to tableware, utensils, dishes, pipelines, tanks, vats, fillers, evaporators, pasteurizers, aseptic equipment, milking equipment, and other food processing equipment in food handling establishments including, but not limited to dairies, dairy barns, restaurants, food service operations, breweries, wineries, and beverage and food processing plants. This regulation eliminates the need to establish a maximum permissible level for residues of peroxyacetic acid.

Safer Water Treatment for People and Our Planet

Peracetic acid is recognized as a potent force multiplier that facilitates thorough water treatment and supports a more sustainable future. Compared to traditional chemical treatments, PAA is safe, effective and offers low corrosive qualities while being easy to handle, store, and apply. PAA is a fast-acting disinfectant7. It offers effectiveness, low toxicity, and high biodegradability. This makes PAA versatile delivering powerful performance, minimizing environmental damage, ensuring safety, and reducing the overall cost.

Peracetic acid is making remarkable waves, giving water treatment facilities sustainable and efficient cleaning methods that cater to many different industries. Its versatility, eco-friendliness, and thoroughness have made it the preferred choice for a growing number of plant & facility managers, food, oil and gas producers, and municipalities. By accomplishing tasks faster and reducing operating costs, PAA empowers organizations to achieve more while promoting environmental sustainability that safeguards the planet for all of us.

ABOUT BRAINERD CHEMICAL COMPANY: 

Brainerd Chemical Companies dedicated team of engineers, chemists and skilled technicians proudly serve as an industry leader in the manufacturing and supply of peracetic acid. Our expertise in oxygenation and oxidative chemistry sets us apart, enabling us to deliver exceptional solutions through an extensive range of peracetic acid products registered as sanitizers, disinfectants, and antimicrobial agents through the EPA, FDA, and USDA.

Brainerd Chemical Company offers specialty PAA blends under the following tradenames: Terrastat® 15, Terrastat® 15-S, Terrastat® 15-OF, Terrastat® 5-S, Terrastat® 22 and Terrastat® 22-S.

Brainerd Chemical safely manufactures, blends, packages, and distributes custom industrial chemical products and services.

Media Inquiries

1+ 918.622.1214

Brainerd Chemical Company

SOURCE: Brainerd Chemical Company

Citations

  1. Goveas et al. 2010. Bench-Scale Evaluation of Peracetic Acid and Twin Oxide™ as Disinfectants in Drinking Water, US EPA
  2. Bell, Kati and Wylie, Varsha. 2016. The Age of Peracetic Acid –A Solution to Increasingly Challenging Regulations, Water Online.
  3. Davidson et al. 2019. Evaluating the effects of prolonged peracetic acid dosing on water quality and rainbow trout Oncorhynchus performance in recirculation aquaculture systems, Aquacultural Engineering.
  4. Pileggi et al. 2022. Side-Stream Comparison of Peracetic Acid and Chlorine as Hypochlorite for Disinfection of Municipal Wastewater Effluent at a Full-Scale Treatment Facility, Ontario, Canada. ACS EST Engg.
  5. Health Hazard Information Sheet Peroxyacetic Acid (PAA), FSIS ESHG-Health-03.00
  6. U.S. EPA 2000. Peroxyacetic Acid; Exemption From the Requirement of a Tolerance
  7. U.S. EPA 2012. Alternative Disinfection Methods Fact Sheet: Peracetic Acid
  8. FIFRA, 7 U.S.C. Section 136
  9. USDA 2020. Peracetic Acid Processing.
  10. Bai et al. 2023. Enhanced inactivation of Escherichia coli by ultrasound combined with peracetic acid during water disinfection, Chemosphere.
  11. Stampi et al. 2001. Evaluation of the efficiency of peracetic acid in the disinfection of sewage effluents, Journal of Applied Microbiology.
  12. Graham and Skipp. 2015 Peracetic acid replaces chlorine at Florida wastewater treatment plant, The Municipal.
  13. Garg et al. 2019. Wastewater Disinfection with Peracetic Acid (PAA) and UV Combination: A Pilot Study at Muddy Creek Plant [Cincinnati, OH], EPA/600/R19/084
  14. Bettenhausen. 2020. How peracetic acid is changing wastewater treatment Chemical and Engineering News.
  15. Ryther and Champion. 2013. Peracetic acid gains traction as a multifaceted water management tool.
  16. Au, K and Dunkley, Barry. 2016 Peracetic Acid to Replace Gaseous Chlorine for Wastewater Disinfection: From Bench Scale Testing to Pilot Demonstration. Water Environment Federation pg. 319-330.
  17. FIFRA, 7 U.S.C. Section 136
  18. NSF Approval Letter Peracetic Acid 15%
  19. OSHA Chemical Database PAA
  20. NIH compound summary
  21. The Water Resource Foundation. 2019. Application of Peracetic Acid for Municipal Wastewater Processes (PROJECT NO.LIFT14T16/4805)
  22. Water Environment Federation. 2020. Peracetic Acid Disinfection: Implementation Considerations for Water Resource Recovery Facilities, Access Water.

    More Sustainable Food Safety

    Microbial contamination is one of the top challenges for producing safe foods. Peracetic acid (PAA) is among the most effective methods for control of microbial contamination.

    PAA is used in food and beverage industries as an antimicrobial agent, surface cleaner and sanitizer. Aqueous hypochlorite solutions are quickly being replaced by peracetic acid washes.

    PAA has proven to be an effective food contact sanitizer for both produce and meats. Meat and poultry establishments rely on peracetic acid (PAA) to reduce bacterial contamination and foot spoilage when processing carcasses, parts, trim, and organs. Many bottling plants use peracetic acid as a sanitizer and disinfectant to reduce microbial contamination. Peracetic acid is also widely used as a sanitizer for the brewing industry.

    In the meat production industry, peracetic acid has been shown to be very effective at reducing pathogen levels through direct intervention. Some research has found that chlorine/hypochlorite can react with fats and proteins to form various chlorinated compounds5 some which are potentially carcinogenic.  Peroxyacetic-based process is approved (21 CFR 173.370) for washing, rinsing, cooling, or otherwise processing fresh beef carcasses.

    The food and beverage industry uses Brainerd Chemical Company’s Terrastat® line of products for a variety of applications where they are typically mixed with water and/or ice and used to:

    • Wash, rinse, cool, or process whole or cut red meat; including parts, trim, and organs.
    • Apply as a spray, wash, rinse, dip, chiller, and/or scalding water to whole or cut poultry; including parts, trims, and organs.
    • Wash fruits and vegetables.
    • Prepare seafood for processing.
    • Wash shell eggs.

    Peracetic acid offers numerous benefits to food producers and processors, ranging from sanitization to sterilization. Not only is it highly effective, it also rapidly breaks down into harmless byproducts in the environment. This versatile acid finds application throughout the food spectrum, including dairy, produce, and meat processing. PAA’s usage is on the rise.

    ABOUT BRAINERD CHEMICAL COMPANY

    Brainerd Chemical Companies dedicated team of engineers, chemists and skilled technicians proudly serve as an industry leader in the manufacturing and supply of peracetic acid. Our expertise in oxygenation and oxidative chemistry sets us apart, enabling us to deliver exceptional solutions through an extensive range of peracetic acid products registered as sanitizers, disinfectants, and antimicrobial agents through the EPA, FDA, and USDA.

    Brainerd Chemical Company offers specialty PAA blends under the following tradenames: Terrastat® 15, Terrastat® 15-S, Terrastat® 15-OF, Terrastat® 5-S, Terrastat® 22 and Terrastat® 22-S.

    Brainerd Chemical safely manufactures, blends, packages and distributes custom industrial chemical products and services.

    Media Inquiries

    1+ 918.622.1214

    Brainerd Chemical Company

    SOURCE: Brainerd Chemical Company

    CITATIONS

    1. Peracetic Acid in the Fresh Food Industry.
    2. Bai et al. 2023. Enhanced inactivation of Escherichia coli by ultrasound combined with peracetic acid during water disinfection, Chemosphere.
    3. NSF Approval Letter Peracetic Acid 15.
    4. Bauermeister et al. 2008. The microbial and quality properties of poultry carcasses treated with peracetic acid as an antimicrobial treatment.