THE HIDDEN DANGERS OF HYPOCHLORITE IIN BEVERAGE PROCESSING AND HOW TO AVOID THEM

INTRODUCTION

In the intricate world of the food and beverage industry, safety and hygiene are constant pursuits. The delicate balance between providing consumers with nourishment and safeguarding their health demands meticulous attention to detail at every step of the supply chain.

Today, chlorination with Sodium Hypochlorite is an integral part of public health infrastructure worldwide.

Although a high concentration of Sodium Hypochlorite could be harmful due to the formation of disinfection by-products (DPBs) derived from the generation of chlorine, studies have demonstrated that, in washing processes, effective disinfection is obtained by reaching free chlorine concentrations in the range of 50 to 200 mg/L, which are far below the allowed DBP concentrations in drinking water.

Here, Chlorine Dioxide emerges as a powerful ally—a reliable guardian that upholds the principles of safety and hygiene. It’s about creating an environment that is inhospitable to harmful microorganisms and safe for human contact or consumption. Combining a strong kill factor and a lasting disinfectant residual makes Chlorine Dioxide a top choice in beverage production companies.

In this guide, we’ll explore every dimension of Sodium Hypochlorite and Chlorine Dioxide for the beverage processing industry.

WHAT IS SODIUM HYPOCHLORITE?

Sodium hypochlorite is an alkaline inorganic chemical compound with the formula NaOCl. Sodium hypochlorite is a liquid with an odor of chlorine. Usually, it is clear, but some solutions are greenish to yellow in colour.

Sodium hypochlorite exists in solution at room temperature. It has a sweetish, faint odour of chlorine. It is non-combustible under normal conditions. Mixing hypochlorite bleach with other household cleaners can produce corrosive gases.

WHERE CAN SODIUM HYPOCHLORITE BE FOUND AND WHERE IT IS USED:

Sodium hypochlorite is mainly used as a bleaching agent or disinfectant. A disinfectant that kills bacteria that can carry diseases.

It is found in consumer and commercial bleaches.

SODIUM HYPOCHLORITE IS USED IN:

Wastewater treatment
Aquatics and pool
Odor control /corrosion control
Food & Beverage processing
Cooling Tower, inland power station & industry
Irrigation systems
Agriculture/Farming
Water treatment

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SODIUM HYPOCHLORITE HANDLING AND APPLICATION

Secure Storage and Precise Handling:

Proper storage—away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures—is crucial in maintaining its potency. Handling, whether in concentrated form or when diluted, demands attention to detail. It necessitates using appropriate containers to prevent deterioration and minimize the risk of leaks or spills that could lead to contamination or injury.

Safeguarding with Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):

Those who handle this chemical directly must prioritize personal safety. This involves wearing designated personal protective equipment (PPE), such as gloves, goggles, and aprons. PPE acts as a barrier, protecting workers from potential skin or eye contact and inhalation of fumes. Proper training in PPE usage is crucial to ensure that protective measures are effective.

Effective Application Techniques:

Applying sodium hypochlorite effectively while preserving food & beverage quality requires skilful techniques. Factors like proper dilution, appropriate contact time, and rinsing procedures play a pivotal role. Overcoming challenges like chlorine odor or taste requires careful application and knowledge of chemical interactions.

SODIUM GYPOCHLORITE AFFECTS: ON HEALTH

Sodium Hypochlorite can affect you when inhaled.
Contact with Sodium Hypochlorite can severely irritate and burn the skin and eyes, with possible eye damage.
Inhaling Sodium Hypochlorite can irritate the nose and throat.
Inhaling Sodium Hypochlorite can irritate the lungs. Higher exposures may cause a build-up of fluid in the lungs (pulmonary edema).
Exposure to Sodium Hypochlorite can cause headache, dizziness, nausea, and vomiting.
Sodium Hypochlorite is not combustible but is a strong oxidizer that enhances the combustion of other substances.
Sodium Hypochlorite can severely irritate and burn the skin, causing a rash and blisters.

HOW CAN PEOPLE BE EXPOSED TO SODIUM HYPOCHLORITE?

You could be exposed to sodium hypochlorite through:

Breathing fumes while using products containing sodium hypochlorite.
Drinking water from public drinking water supplies where these chemicals were added to kill bacteria.
You could also be exposed by drinking sodium hypochlorite by accident.
Touching sodium hypochlorite if gloves are not worn when using products containing it.
Eye Contact by splashing sodium hypochlorite during use.
People who work where sodium hypochlorite is used to bleach paper and textiles may have slightly higher levels of exposure in all of the above areas.

CHLORINE DIOXIDE FOR FOOD & BEVERAGE INDUSTRY:

Chlorine dioxide is a highly effective and versatile disinfectant in the beverage industry. It provides a range of benefits, including broad-spectrum microbial control, no residual taste, and a lower risk of harmful by-products compared to traditional chlorine-based disinfectants. It should be used with care, in proper concentrations, and by safety and regulatory guidelines to ensure its effectiveness without compromising product quality.

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APPLICATIONS OF CHLORINE DIOXIDE IN THE FOOD & BEVERAGE INDUSTRY

Elevating Surface and Equipment Hygiene:

In Food and beverage production companies, Chlorine dioxide is used to clean equipment such as tanks, pipes, conveyors, and filling machines, to prevent microbial contamination (e.g., bacteria, yeast, and mold). This ensures that the beverage produced is safe for consumption. It facilitates thorough disinfection, eradicating biofilm buildup, which is a common issue in beverage production and can lead to contamination. Chlorine dioxide contributes significantly to preventing cross-contamination and maintaining hygienic conditions throughout the food & beverage processing journey.

Enhancing Fresh Produce Safety:

Fruits and vegetables, essential components of our diets, are subject to a multitude of contaminants. Chlorine dioxide plays a pivotal role in enhancing their safety. By incorporating this disinfectant in the washing process, it effectively reduces the microbial burden carried by produce. The chemical’s antimicrobial action assists in removing soil, pesticides, and potential pathogens, culminating in a safer, cleaner product for consumption.

Fortifying Food Contact Surface Sanitation:

In beverage processing, surfaces that directly contact fluid demand heightened attention. Chlorine dioxide’s role extends to sanitizing these surfaces, preventing the transference of harmful microorganisms. By ensuring equipment are sanitized with the chemical and the risk of contamination is significantly reduced, reinforcing the integrity of the final product.

ABOUT SVS AQUA & CDD 5000®

SVS Aqua is Chlorine dioxide manufacturing company providing water treatment solutions. 13 years on, SVS Aqua is globally recognized by countries like UAE, USA, Indonesia, Thailand, Botswana, South Africa, Colombia, Bhutan, and Sri Lanka, with numerous certifications. We pride ourselves on providing high-quality, innovative, and revolutionary treatments and establishments around the globe.

Disinfection processes are essential for smooth, hygienic operations. SVS Aqua offers solutions suitable

for the entire beverage production. And the good news is that this investment pays off in no time.

CDD 5000^®(chlorine dioxide powder) is the perfect solution to deal with pathogens, viruses, bacteria, mould, Fungi, yeast, protozoa, odour control and more.

CONCLUSION

In wrapping up our exploration of Chlorine Dioxide’s and sodium hypochlorite’s safe handling, it’s clear that responsible practices are pivotal. By adhering to the dos and don’ts, we minimize risks while maximizing benefits.

Effective disinfection relies on informed application. Safeguarding ourselves and those around us requires adherence to safety protocols and a swift response to emergencies. Responsible use extends beyond personal protection—it’s a commitment to community well-being.

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