Efficient removal and prevention of biofilms

Detecting and removing biofilms is not easy. After all, the bacteria hide under a layer of mucus that is not easily broken open. To efficiently tackle this often stubborn contamination, Ecolab uses a four-step approach. The finishing touch is the recently launched Nodsan EAS disinfectant, an in-house Ecolab development that guarantees more efficiency, less time and lower costs. The disinfectant can be added to both acidic and alkaline cleaners, so you can perform two steps in the process in one move.

Food plants are increasingly faced with biofilms. In some places, often harder to reach for cleaning, bacteria can adhere and over time create polymeric substances. If they have enough of these, the adhesion is irreversible and there is an incipient biofilm. This EPS matrix will also help the bacteria stay together and protect them from certain chemical cleaners. "A thorough approach is therefore an important requirement to combat biofilms. It takes time to detect biofilms through audits and analyses, but we do notice that this topic is starting to live more and more in the food sector." Speaking is Arne Daneels, Marketing Associate at Ecolab.

Biofilms detection, analysis and break-up

Everything starts with identifying potential contamination. To do this, Ecolab opts for a holistic approach, both in open and closed systems. "The stronger the hygiene program, the better we can protect machines and installations. The idea is to very specifically identify where current cleaning techniques fall short and where extra attention is needed to, initially, remove biofilms and, most importantly, avoid biofilm formation in the future." The second step is a thorough analysis of the contamination found to find out if it is indeed biofilm. Various analysis tools exist for this, ranging from UV light, ATP, swabs, ... Daneels: "We investigate in the laboratory which pathogenic cultures are involved. That way we know what is needed to break open the biofilm and remove the bacteria." To this end, Ecolab has the SEEC™ technology that can clean in depth for a high degree of hygiene.

Disinfection as the final piece

Last but not least, disinfection: "An important step in the prevention of new biofilm formation and to reduce food safety risks," Daneels knows. Recently, Ecolab has introduced an additional innovation for this purpose: Nodsan EAS. "It is a versatile disinfectant that works against bacteria, fungi, yeast and spores, but it can also serve perfectly in CIP applications. It retains its active effect over a long period of time, without risk of corrosion, even in environments where temperatures can rise considerably. This makes it the ideal choice in the fight against biofilms. In many cases, cleaning and disinfection with Nodsan EAS can be done in one step, which allows customers to save a lot of time and costs."

'Protecting what matters'

Ecolab is using its vast experience to help the food industry increase food safety in its production. The company is celebrating its centennial this year. To mark the occasion, the logo received a makeover and the tagline changed from "everywhere it matters" to "protecting what's vital. A promise that you can continue to expect the same quality and service for which you have relied on Ecolab for years.