How to detect and destroy biofilm in your food processing plants

Biofilm are communities of microorganisms that can form on any type of surface that come in contact with water or food, and they can cause serious problems for food safety, product quality and shelf life.

How do biofilm form?

In humid environments, biofilm form when bacteria secrete a slimy, sticky substance that adheres to surfaces. Biofilm protect bacteria, making them highly resistant to disinfectants, and therefore more challenging to eliminate.

Where to find them

Despite regular cleaning and sanitizing cycles, microbial outbreaks occur more frequently on hard-to-scrub surfaces. In food processing plants, biofilm will most likely be present:

1. On surfaces of processing equipment: Biofilm can develop on work surfaces, conveyors, cutting tables, as well as stainless steel, plastic or rubber surfaces of food processing machinery such as tanks, pipes, pumps and hoses. Storage bins are also vulnerable to biofilm formation.
2. In water distribution systems: Stagnant water creates a breeding ground for biofilm. It is important to regularly inspect pipes, tanks and faucets, as well as cooling systems and water towers.
3. Inside food waste collection pits
4. On the floor in storage and production areas
5. In drains and sewage systems

Getting rid of biofilm

While there are various strategies for eliminating biofilm, to stop biofilm contamination, you need to kill the microorganisms inside the biofilm itself, and remove the biofilm structure from the surface. If you simply kill the bacteria and leave the biofilm structure in place, you could create a new home for bacteria, which will quickly repopulate the biofilm structure. If you remove the biofilm structure without killing the bacteria, the contamination will spread.

Sani Marc has solutions that can help you detect and eliminate biofilm at the source.

To detect biofilm, Sani Marc offers BIODETECT™, a solution that lets you instantly confirm the presence of biofilm by triggering a chemical reaction that occurs within seconds of contact.

To destroy biofilm, we offer BIODESTROY®, a powerful dual action product that destroys the biofilm matrix and kills the bacteria all in one simple step. Moreover, it’s the first disinfectant certified by Health Canada to kill biofilm on all surfaces (surfaces non-poreuses seulement, pas toute les surfaces, faire attention car cette phrase pourrait attirer l’ACIA/Santé Canada si on fait des claims qui ne sont pas vrais).

Want to know more? Our team can provide the training you need to get started, and the support you need every step of the way.