Quaternary ammonium (quat) sanitizer is being used to sanitize a slicer's food-contact surfaces. What is the correct effective concentration and contact time under the CRFC?
Explanation
California Retail Food Code HSC §114099.6 sets the concentration of quaternary ammonium compound (QAC, 'quat') sanitizer at 200 ppm by default, or the concentration specified on the EPA-registered product label, with a minimum contact time of 30 seconds at a water temperature of at least 75°F. Quat is the most common foodservice sanitizer because it is non-corrosive, relatively non-irritating, stable in storage, and tolerates organic load better than chlorine — but it does not kill bacterial spores and is less effective in hard water. Option A describes the chlorine concentration and time. Option B is an intermediate value not in the CRFC. Option C (400 ppm) exceeds the standard and may leave residues that taint food flavor, although some EPA-registered quat products are labeled at 400 ppm for specific equipment, in which case the label governs (the 'or per manufacturer's instructions' clause). Quat strength must be verified with a quat test strip, not chlorine test strips — using the wrong test will give a false reading and let unsafe solutions stay in service.
Law Reference: HSC §114099.6Practice all 319 questions free — no signup required.
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