Peracetic acid in the food industry: what it is, how it is used and at what dose
Peracetic acid is an oxidising disinfectant widely used in the food industry, including in CIP circuits. What it is, how it works, when to choose it over a chlorinated product or a quaternary ammonium compound, and how to apply Oxa Per, our peracetic acid-based disinfectant registered for the food industry.
Call us: +34 938 891 344 · WhatsApp +34 610 77 61 25
What peracetic acid is
Peracetic acid (CH₃CO₃H) is sold as an equilibrium mixture of peracetic acid, hydrogen peroxide, acetic acid and water. It is a strong oxidiser and, when it breaks down, it yields acetic acid, water and oxygen.
According to its technical data sheet, Oxa Per contains 5% peracetic acid and 23% hydrogen peroxide. It is a bactericidal and fungicidal disinfectant indicated for disinfecting installations in the food industry in general, including by recirculation (CIP), with registration number 17-20/40-05521-HA.
What it is for, according to the Oxa Per data sheet
Bactericidal and fungicidal
Complies with UNE-EN 13697 under clean conditions against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus hirae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Saccharomyces cerevisiae.
Surfaces and equipment
Contact disinfection of surfaces and equipment in the food industry, by professional staff.
CIP circuits
It can be applied by recirculation as the disinfection stage of the CIP cycle, after alkaline and acid cleaning.
How to apply Oxa Per
- Clean first: the disinfectant is applied to surfaces and circuits that have already been cleaned and rinsed. In CIP, after the alkaline stage (for example, Alcalino Pro 1 at 0.5–5% at 45–70 ºC) and the acid stage (Nitracip Pro at 0.5–1% at 40–60 ºC).
- Dilute to 1% in water: 1 kg of product per 100 litres of solution.
- Apply to surfaces and equipment or circulate through the installation, at a temperature of 20 to 50 ºC.
- Leave to act for about 15 minutes.
- Rinse thoroughly with water, as the data sheet states.
Peracetic acid, chlorine or quaternary ammonium
| Product | Chemistry | Dose and time (data sheet) | Use according to data sheet | Standards |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oxa Per | Peracetic acid; pH (1%) 2.0 | 1%, 15 min, 20–50 ºC | Food industry installations, including CIP | UNE-EN 13697 (clean) |
| Clor NF Pro | Non-foaming chlorinated alkaline; pH (1%) 11.9 | 2–8%, 5–15 min, 20–60 ºC | Tanks, circuits and utensils; recirculation and tunnels. Do not use on aluminium | UNE-EN 1276, 13697 and 14476 (dirty) |
| Bacter Clor | Foaming chlorinated alkaline; pH (1%) 11.8 | 2–5%, 5–15 min, room temperature | Abattoirs, cutting rooms, canning plants and cold rooms | UNE-EN 13697 and 14476 (dirty) |
| InstaBact® 3000 | Quaternary ammonium; pH 7 | 2%, 5 min (15 min for fungicidal action) | Walls, equipment, utensils and surfaces | UNE-EN 13697 (clean), NF-EN 14476 |
Chlorinated alkaline products clean and disinfect at the same time (their data sheets describe them as bactericidal detergents). Peracetic acid is applied to surfaces that are already clean and is a disinfection option for the final stage of CIP.
Precautions for use
According to the Oxa Per data sheet: it may intensify fire (oxidiser), is harmful if swallowed, in contact with skin or if inhaled, causes severe skin burns and eye damage, and may cause respiratory irritation. You must wear protective gloves, clothing and eye protection, store it in a well-ventilated place with the container tightly closed, away from heat and combustible materials, and not mix it with other chemicals. It is supplied in 25 kg containers.
Frequently asked questions
What is peracetic acid?
An oxidising disinfectant sold as a mixture with hydrogen peroxide, acetic acid and water. Oxa Per contains 5% peracetic acid and 23% hydrogen peroxide.
At what dose is peracetic acid used?
Oxa Per is used at 1% (1 kg per 100 litres of water), with about 15 minutes' contact time at 20–50 ºC, followed by rinsing with water.
Is peracetic acid suitable for CIP?
Yes: the Oxa Per data sheet indicates it for disinfecting food industry installations, including by recirculation (CIP), as the final stage of the cycle.
Do surfaces need rinsing after disinfecting with peracetic acid?
Yes: the Oxa Per data sheet states that surfaces must be rinsed thoroughly with water after the contact time.
Does peracetic acid kill Listeria?
The Oxa Per data sheet does not include Listeria monocytogenes among the microorganisms tested. Products tested against Listeria according to their data sheets are Bacter Clor, Clor NF Pro, InstaBact DS, InstaBact DS Plus and InstaBact 3000.
Where can I buy Oxa Per?
Directly from Instaquim or through our distributor network, in 25 kg containers. Ask for a price using the form on this page.
Where do you want to use peracetic acid?
Tell us whether it is for CIP or for surfaces, what volumes you handle and what you clean with beforehand: we will propose the complete cycle with doses and factory price.
Request advice
Todos los campos son obligatorios excepto el mensaje.
¿Prefieres hablar directamente? +34 938 891 344
Process guides for the food industry
- Cleaning and disinfection in the food industry
- CIP cleaning: detergents and disinfectants
- Foam cleaning (COP)
- Biofilm: detection and removal
- Step-by-step CIP protocol
- COP protocol for surfaces and utensils
- What CIP cleaning is and how it works
- IFS and BRC standards
- HACCP
- Listeria control
- Cleaning and disinfection plan (template)
- IFS and BRC: cleaning requirements
- Listeria: where it hides and how to control it
- Meat industry and abattoirs
- Dairy industry
- Beverages and bottling plants
- Conveyor belt lubricants
- Cold room cleaning
- Dosing calculator