This section features the most commonly asked questions. You will find information here on hygiene, odor control, applicators and insecticides.

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QUESTIONS

1. Does thorough cleaning remove the food source of bacteria?
2. Can bacteria develop in the air?
3. Should cleaning precede sanitizing?
4. Can inorganic deposits be cleaned with an acid cleaner?
5. Are acid and chlorine compatible?
6. Are acid and alkaline degreaser compatible?
7. Is chlorine an environmentally friendly substance?
8. Can a disinfectant be used for cleaning?
9. Is a phosphate based highly alkaline product dangerous for the environment?
10. Do foaming agents boost the performance of degreasers?
11. Is it important to sanitize work boots?
12. Is it necessary to use a drain cleaner?
13. Is it possible to combat bacteria resistance?
14. Can stainless steel rust?
15. Does the COMPACT I vaporization system require any maintenance?
16. Is the COMPACT I system effective in treating all food odors, including meat?

ANSWERS

1. Does thorough cleaning remove the food source of bacteria?
   
   Yes. Use of a degreaser removes organic deposits and cleans surfaces well. The more the degreaser is in contact with the food preparation surface, the better the cleaning results. However, the degreaser cleans, but it doesn’t control microorganisms like viruses, bacteria, yeast, fungi and moulds
   
2. Can bacteria develop in the air?
   
   Generally, bacteria use the air as a vehicle to move from one place to another. Microbial contamination is favored anywhere bacteria has traveled through. “Air borne” bacteria develop in the air..
   
   
3. Should cleaning precede sanitizing?
   
   Yes. The approved steps are as follows:
   
   - Remove visible deposits
   - Rinse thoroughly with water
   - Apply degreaser at determined concentration
   - Leave degreaser in contact with treated surfaces for at least 10 mins.
   - Rinse thoroughly with water
   - Apply sanitizer at determined concentration
   - Do not rinse if sanitizer is approved no-rinse at 200 ppm
   
4. Can inorganic deposits be cleaned with an acid cleaner?
   
   Yes. Acid cleaners are used to remove inorganic deposits. Acid cleans tartar (calcium carbonate) effectively. Acid is ideal for lime and rust and is used to make stainless steel shine..
   
5. Are acid and chlorine compatible?
   
   No. Acid and chlorine should never be mixed. Mixture of the two causes a dangerous exothermic reaction that can lead to an explosion..
   
6. Are acid and alkaline degreaser compatible?
   
   No. Products of opposing pH must never be mixed. The combination causes a dangerous exothermic reaction that can cause an explosion. Speak with your chemical products consultant before mixing any two products..
   
7. Is chlorine an environmentally friendly substance?
   
   No. Chlorine is a very corrosive oxidant that can damage most surfaces. Chlorine is a highly alkaline substance that is dangerous when handled. It binds to natural elements to create toxic and carcinogenic compounds like Polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) and Pentachlorophenol (PCP).
   
   
8. Can a disinfectant be used for cleaning?
   
   No. A disinfectant is used to control microorganisms and not to clean. It is important to always apply a degreaser before using a disinfectant..
   
9. Is a phosphate based highly alkaline product dangerous for the environment?
   
   Yes. Environmentally friendly products are neutral and do not destabilize the pH of water. Products safe to the environment contain no phosphates as these encourage the growth of algae due to bacteria..
   
10. Do foaming agents boost the performance of degreasers?
    
    Yes. Foaming agents create a solution of hydrophilic compounds (water) and hydrophobic compounds (oil and grease). Foaming agents are effective at removing insoluble deposits. Moreover, foaming agents help degreasers adhere to surfaces for a longer time, thus improving cleaning efficacy..
    
11. Is it important to sanitize work boots?
    
    Yes. Sanitization of work boots is very important because boots are a major source of indoor contamination. Hands should also be sanitized to avoid contaminating food. One should remember to remove rings from hands before washing and to sanitize knives..
    
12. Is it necessary to use a drain cleaner?
    
    Yes. Drain treatments are very important because pathogenic bacteria (Listeria) multiply in these areas.
    
13. Is it possible to combat bacteria resistance?
    
    Yes. Alternating use of two types of sanitizer prevents bacteria from adapting. The microorganisms then do not develop a tolerance to a specific type of sanitizer..
    
14. Can stainless steel rust?
    
    Yes, in the long term. Stainless steel is very resistant to chemical products. However, in time, chlorine can eat away at stainless steel..
    
15. Does the COMPACT I spray system require any maintenance?
    
    No. The vaporizer is very sturdy. Interag Biotec takes care of regular service and maintenance at no additional charge..
    
16. Is the COMPACT I system effective at treating all food odors, including meat?
    
    Yes. The COMPACT I system was developed for the food industry. We guarantee 100% satisfaction or we will take the system back at no charge. Write to us! Type your questions in the space provided below. Our team of specialists will be pleased to answer you promptly and without fail.