Area of Concern
Sterilex was contacted by a new hydroponic growhouse looking to explore solutions for powder chemistry at critical control points.
Issue
The facility does not have many drains, was concerned that standing water from liquid sanitizers was contributing to microbial growth, and was conscientious about how much water it was using. Additionally, the facility does not have a clean break for hygienic zoning and was concerned about cross-contamination from forklifts entering and exiting the growhouse.
Background
The facility was using a liquid quaternary ammonium (quat) product in foot baths as the only intervention at entryway critical control points. The facility regularly performs environmental monitoring (EMP) swabbing and is primarily concerned with Salmonella and Listeria, and struggles with fungal growth on non-public health surfaces. The customer was looking to reduce water usage and was interested in trying a powder product.
Results
Microbial Testing
Prior to Sterilex Ultra Step application, the plant swabbed and recorded the data for Aerobic Plate Count (APC) and Enterobacteriaceae in their entryway foot pans using only a liquid quat. The growhouse suspended use of liquid quat and applied Sterilex Ultra Step at the recommended amount. After applying Sterilex Ultra Step, the facility saw a complete reduction in APC on footwear and forklift wheels 10–20 ft away from footbaths. Download the case study to view the complete data clearly illustrates Sterilex Ultra Step controlled APC and Enterobacteriaceae bacteria better throughout the day than liquid quat.
