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