Biofilm: what it is and how to remove it in the food industry
Biofilm is a layer of microorganisms protected by a matrix that they themselves produce, which adheres to surfaces, seals and pipework. It resists routine cleaning and disinfection: it has to be detected, attacked with enzymes and then disinfected.
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What biofilm is and why it has to be treated separately
A biofilm is a community of bacteria or other microorganisms that attaches to a damp surface and surrounds itself with a matrix of polymeric substances that they themselves secrete. This matrix protects them from detergents and disinfectants, which is why a biofilm can remain active after apparently correct cleaning and recontaminate the product. It appears on conveyor belts, seals, tables, walls, pipework and tanks. More detail in the glossary.
How to remove biofilm, step by step
- Detect: spray Insta Check Pro onto the surface and wait one minute; if there is effervescence, biofilm is present.
- Clean with the usual detergent to remove the soiling.
- Apply the enzymatic treatment: on open surfaces, Enzi Foam at 3–6 % or Enzi Foam Pro at 1–3 %, as foam at 40–55 ºC; in CIP circuits, Enzi NF at 1–3 %, circulated for 30–120 minutes at 40–50 ºC.
- Rinse with water.
- Disinfect: as stated on the Enzi NF data sheet, the disinfectant is applied after the treatment.
- Check again with Insta Check Pro.
Which product to use at each stage
Open surfaces
Foam application
- Enzi Foam — 3–6 % at 40–55 ºC
- Enzi Foam Pro — concentrated, 1–3 % at 40–55 ºC
The complete cleaning and disinfection cycle is covered in the CIP cleaning and foam cleaning guides.
Dose and use of each product
| Product | pH | Dose | Use per data sheet |
|---|---|---|---|
| Insta Check Pro | 5.2 | Spray and wait ~1 min | Detection of biofilm on surfaces: effervescence indicates its presence |
| Enzi Foam | 8.3 | 3–6 % at 40–55 ºC | Foaming enzymatic detergent to prevent and remove biofilm; foam application |
| Enzi Foam Pro | 8.3 | 1–3 % at 40–55 ºC | Concentrated version of Enzi Foam |
| Enzi NF | 8.3 | 1–3 %, 30–120 min at 40–50 ºC | Non-foaming enzymatic detergent for CIP systems |
| Enzim Pro | 5.8 | 0.2 % with Enzi Foam or Enzi Foam Pro; 0.05 % with Ten Cip | Concentrated enzyme blend used as an additive |
Enzymatic treatment does not replace disinfection. As stated on the Enzi NF data sheet, the disinfectant is applied after the treatment.
Who this range is for
Processing rooms
Enzi Foam or Enzi Foam Pro as foam on conveyor belts, tables, walls and equipment.
CIP circuits
Enzi NF, or Ten Cip with Enzim Pro, in pipework and tanks.
Hygiene control
Insta Check Pro to check surfaces before and after cleaning.
Quality and HACCP
Periodic detection as part of cleaning verification.
Frequently asked questions about biofilm
What is biofilm?
A community of microorganisms that attaches to a damp surface and surrounds itself with a matrix of substances that they themselves secrete. It forms on conveyor belts, seals, pipework and tanks in the food industry.
Why is disinfecting not enough?
Because the biofilm matrix protects the microorganisms from routine detergents and disinfectants. It first has to be broken down with an enzymatic treatment, and then disinfection follows.
How do I know if I have biofilm?
Insta Check Pro: spray it onto the surface and, if effervescence appears within a minute, biofilm is present.
How is biofilm removed from surfaces?
With Enzi Foam at 3–6 % or Enzi Foam Pro at 1–3 %, applied as foam at 40–55 ºC; leave to act for a few minutes and rinse. They can be boosted with Enzim Pro at 0.2 %.
And in CIP circuits?
Enzi NF at 1–3 %, circulated for 30–120 minutes at 40–50 ºC and rinsed with water. Beforehand, if necessary, a clean with the usual detergent; afterwards, the disinfectant.
Do you supply the food industry and distributors?
Yes. We have been manufacturing at our plant in Vic since 1990. See the distribution programme.
Do you have biofilm problems?
Tell us which surfaces or circuits concern you and how you clean them now: we will recommend the treatment at factory prices.
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