What Makes a Cleaner Safe for Food-Contact Surfaces?

There are several qualities you might be wondering about in a given cleaner you're considering, and one common example is food safety. Why are food safe cleaning products important for many settings, and which qualities help determine whether a given cleaning product is food safe?

At Supply Maverick, a division of Mid Michigan Metal Sales, we're here to offer a wide range of cleaning products for various needs, including both roof cleaning and general cleaning purposes. Here are some reasons or settings where food safety is important for a cleaning product, plus the key elements to consider when it comes to determining whether a given cleaner is food safe.

Why Food Safety is Often Important for Cleaners

There are a few reasons why using a food-safe cleaner is important in certain settings. Some of the main reasons include:

Direct contact with food: In some cases, cleaning products may come into direct contact with food surfaces, such as when cleaning countertops or kitchen appliances.
Indirect contact with food: Even if a cleaner doesn't directly touch food, it may still come into indirect contact with it. For example, residue from a cleaner used on floors could end up on shoes, which then track onto kitchen floors and potentially contaminate them.
Potential for ingestion: If a cleaning product is not properly rinsed off or applied correctly, there is a chance that it could be ingested accidentally by humans or animals.

So how can you tell if a given cleaning product is food safe? Our next few sections will dig into some tips.

Labels

Naturally, one of your top resources for determining whether a cleaner is safe for food preparation areas will be the label. Many cleaners, like bleach and ammonia-based products, have warning labels that explicitly state they are not safe for use on surfaces where food will come into contact with them.

However, it's important to note that not all cleaning products may have these explicit warnings. In cases where a product does not make any mention of being safe or unsafe for food prep areas, you may need to do some digging and research on your own to determine its safety.

For products that do have labels, look for "food safe" or NSF certification on the label, which ensures that the product has been tested and deemed safe to use on surfaces where food is prepared or consumed.

Review Manufacturer Data Sheets

If you need to know specific information about a product's safety, it's always best to consult the manufacturer data sheet. These sheets contain detailed information about the product, including any hazards or safety precautions that should be taken when using it.

When reviewing these data sheets, look for any specific warnings or cautions related to food prep areas. Pay attention to any recommended application methods or dilution ratios, as well as any special handling instructions.

Choosing pH-Balanced, Non-Abrasive Formulas

Another key element to consider when it comes to food safe cleaning products is the pH level. The pH scale measures how acidic or alkaline a substance is, with 7 being neutral. For food prep areas, it's important to use products that are pH balanced, which means they have a neutral or slightly acidic pH level.

Highly alkaline cleaning products can leave behind residue that can contaminate food and potentially harm consumers. On the other hand, highly acidic products can corrode surfaces and equipment over time.

In addition to choosing pH-balanced formulas, it's also important to select non-abrasive cleaning products for food prep areas. Abrasive cleaners can scratch or damage surfaces, making them more difficult to clean and potentially creating spaces for bacteria to thrive. It's ideal to choose cleaners that are not abrasive for these needs.

Consult the Pros

If you're unsure which cleaner to use for a given setting where food safety is a concern, don't hesitate to consult with professionals. For instance, you can ask your local health department what they recommend for cleaning commercial kitchens or food service areas. You can also reach out to experts in the field of industrial hygiene or sanitation for advice on safe and effective products to use in food prep environments.

For instance, our team at Supply Maverick is happy to assist clients with selection of the ideal cleaner from among our range of products. Whether you need a roof cleaner, an all-purpose cleaner or other varieties, we'll help you make an informed decision based on your specific needs - including food safety.