Sterilex
Birko Now Carries Sterilex Products for Biofilm Removal
Biofilm covered surface Before Treatment.
Surface After Sterilex Ultra-Kleen CW502 Treatment.
Sterilex products work synergistically with BIRKO sanitation and cleaning chemicals.
Biofilms:
When bacteria are free to move around they are said to be planktonic. They will also attach themselves to surfaces in a moist, temperature-permissive environment and begin forming colonies. As these colonies grow they produce a protective, adhering matrix called biofilm.
Biofilms are a leading source of bacteria in the food plant environment because of the presence of moisture. Many of the problem bacteria such as Listeria and Salmonella readily produce biofilm protected colonies. Not removing the biofilm means that colonies continue to produce more bacteria releasing them into the plant.
Most general cleaning and sanitation products will not penetrate or detach the sturdy polysaccharide biofilm matrix that holds these bacterial colonies in place and protects them allowing them to flourish.
Sterilex manufactures the first group of products approved by the E.P.A. for biofilm remediation. They remove E. Coli, Salmonella, Listeria and other problem organic contaminants on environmental surfaces.
ULTRA-KLEEN™ CW502 HF (pdf) is a powdered, self-foaming biocide concentrate for use on equipment and environmental surfaces that do not have direct contact with food products. Birko recommends a 5% solution for biofilm remediation and a 2.5% solution for ongoing maintenance.
Currently approved for use in all states except California.
ULTRA DISINFECTANT CLEANER SOLUTION 1 (pdf) liquid is used for equipment and environmental surfaces in contact with edible food products. Ultra Disinfectant Cleaner Solution 1 is a two-part product that requires mixing with
Sterilex Ultra Activator Solution.
Contact your Birko Technical Representative for complete details and usage information.
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Download a PDF Copy of the Sterilex Drain Foamer Handout
For Further Reading:
Birko suggests this short overview of biofilm issues in food plants:
John Sofos, Ph.D. "Biofilms: Our Constant Enemies." Food Safety Magazine, February/March 2009.
Ongoing research on biofilm is being done at the Center for Biofilm Engineering at Montana State University.