The Challenge
A vegetable processing facility uses a private borehole for fresh water supply to their vegetable wash system. Despite ongoing biocide treatment with sodium hypochlorite dosed at 2 ppm free chlorine to the borehole storage tanks, the water supply consistently failed compliance tests for microbial control.
The most serious issue was the ongoing presence of total coliforms, indicating pathogenic contamination. Microbiological sampling performed routinely by the site, with samples tested independently at an accredited UKAS laboratory, confirmed the persistent presence of coliforms.
Business Impact: Failed microbiological tests meant product had to be discarded, resulting in significant costs to production and lost company revenue.
The Problem with Sodium Hypochlorite
The ongoing issues were not being resolved by the sodium hypochlorite treatment. The key problem was that residual chlorine levels could not be maintained throughout the wash water system. This meant that while chlorine was being dosed at the storage tanks, it was dissipating before reaching all areas of the production process.
- Poor residual persistence throughout the system
- Inconsistent disinfection coverage
- Persistent positive coliform results
- Repeated compliance failures
The Solution: ChloroKlean Plus
In August 2024, the customer switched their biocide treatment to ChloroKlean Plus, a stabilised chlorine dioxide-based solution. The key advantage of ChloroKlean Plus is its persistence throughout water systems, maintaining effective disinfection from dosing point to end use.
ChloroKlean Plus proved to be persistent throughout the wash water system and is consistently maintaining excellent control of microbiological activity.
The Results
Zero Coliforms Detected
Complete elimination of pathogenic contamination for almost one year of continuous monitoring.
Lower Chemical Consumption
Improved stability means reduced dosing requirements compared to sodium hypochlorite treatment.
Enhanced Compliance
Consistently passing microbiological tests, eliminating costly product discards and lost revenue.
Timeline of Improvement
Feb - Jul 2024
Sodium Hypochlorite
Persistent coliform detection
Aug 2024 onwards
ChloroKlean Plus
Zero coliforms detected
Note: A single incident with a faulty dosing pump in August 2024 was quickly resolved. Since then, no coliforms have been detected for almost one year of continuous monitoring.
Conclusion
ChloroKlean Plus has consistently proved to be effective in eradicating coliforms and controlling microbiological activity in the production washing process. The site has noted improved stability, lower chemical consumption, and enhanced compliance with food safety regulations.