Which sanitizer is known for being less affected by organic matter?

QUATS, or quaternary ammonium compounds, are recognized for their effectiveness as sanitizers in food safety environments, particularly due to their ability to work well in the presence of organic matter. Organic matter, such as food residues, can significantly impact the efficacy of various sanitizers by either neutralizing their effectiveness or creating a biological barrier that reduces their ability to kill pathogens.

QUATS are often preferred in food service settings because they maintain their antimicrobial properties even when organic materials are present. This resilience means that they require less frequent reapplication and can be more effective in environments where traditional sanitizers like chlorine or iodine might struggle due to the presence of dirt, grease, or food.

In addition, QUATS generally have a lower level of toxicity to humans and can be utilized on a variety of surfaces without significant risk of damage or corrosion, making them a versatile choice for sanitization in food preparation and handling. This attribute of being less influenced by organic matter makes QUATS a preferred sanitizer in many food safety protocols.