Saniquats: A Quaternary Ammonium Compound Sanitiser

Saniquats: A Quaternary Ammonium Compound Sanitiser

MPI APPROVED (C43)

Overview & MPI Approval

Saniquats is a food-safe, high-performance quaternary ammonium compound (QAC) sanitiser and hard-surface disinfectant cleaner engineered for the food, beverage, dairy, and commercial fishing industries. Formulated with active QAC surfactants, it provides broad-spectrum microbial control on food preparation equipment, counters, and processing lines without harsh fumes or corrosive runoff.

MPI APPROVED (C43): Approved for use as a sanitiser in all food processing areas, farm dairies, and commercial fish processing operations.

Key Features & Benefits

• No-Rinse Option: Compliant for no-rinse sanitising on clean food contact surfaces when diluted to 200 ppm active QAC (2 mL per Litre).
• Non-Hazardous & Non-Corrosive: Near-neutral pH (8.0–9.0) ensures complete material safety on stainless steel, soft metals, plastics, rubber, and painted surfaces.
• Odourless & Colourless: Leaves no chemical taint, scent, or dye residues on food preparation surfaces or equipment.
• Non-DG Chemical: Not classified as dangerous goods for transport or storage, simplifying warehouse handling and compliance.

Dilution Ratios & Application Guide

Always clean and rinse soiled surfaces with fresh water before applying Saniquats. Preferred application is via spray, soaking/immersion, or hand scrubbing using warm to hot water.

MPI Operating Guidelines (MPI C43)

1. Surfaces must be thoroughly cleaned and rinsed with water before sanitiser application.
2. When used at the 2 mL/L (200 ppm) dilution rate, food contact equipment and surfaces may be left to drain without a final potable water rinse.
3. At higher concentrations (such as 5 mL/L hard surface disinfection), surfaces must be thoroughly rinsed with potable water prior to production restarts.

Target Industries & Applications

Saniquats is formulated for broad-spectrum sanitisation across hygiene-critical sectors:

• Commercial Fishing Vessels & Seafood Processing Lines
• Dairy Factories, Milking Parlours & Farm Dairies
• Food Processing & Packaging Plants
• Commercial Kitchens, Restaurants & Food Service Outlets
• Bakeries, Butcheries & Delicatessens
• Beverage Bottling & Brewing Facilities

How Quaternary Ammonium Compounds (QACs) Work

1. What QACs Are & How They Kill Microbes

QACs are cationic surfactants carrying a positive electrical charge. Microorganisms (such as bacteria, fungi, and enveloped viruses) typically possess negatively charged cell membranes. The positively charged QAC molecule is attracted to the cell wall, where it penetrates and disrupts the outer membrane barrier. This disruption causes essential cell contents to leak, inactivating the microorganism.

2. Food-Safe Surface Advantage

• Non-Corrosive Protection: Unlike chlorine bleach or acidic sanitisers, QACs will not pit stainless steel or damage delicate processing machinery.
• Residual Sanitising Action: QACs can leave a light residual layer of antimicrobial protection on non-rinse surfaces, helping slow re-contamination.

3. Correct Protocol: Clean → Rinse → Sanitise

QAC sanitisers require a clean surface to function effectively. Detergents containing anionic surfactants (common soaps and degreasers) neutralise the positive charge of QAC molecules, rendering them inactive. Always follow the three-step method: Clean with detergent → Rinse with potable water → Apply Saniquats.

Technical & Safety Specifications

• Active Ingredients: Quaternary Ammonium Chloride (<10%), Surfactants (<10%), Alkaline Builders (<10%).
• pH Level: 8.0 – 9.0 (Concentrate).
• Specific Gravity: 1.0 – 1.1 @ 20°C.
• Appearance & Odour: Clear, colourless, odourless liquid.
• Hazard Rating: Non-hazardous under HSNO Act 1996. Biodegradable.
• DG Transport Rating: Non-Dangerous Goods (Not Classified for Road, Sea, or Air transport).
• Chemical Incompatibilities: DO NOT MIX with strong oxidisers, acids, or anionic soaps/detergents (anionic surfactants deactivate active QACs).
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Wear safety glasses and protective gloves during chemical handling and dilution.

This information is, to the best of our knowledge, true and accurate, but any recommendations or suggestions which may be made are without guarantee, since the conditions of use are beyond our control.