Which chemical is an example of an approved sanitizer at 200 ppm?

The correct answer is quaternary ammonium, often referred to as "quats." Quaternary ammonium compounds are widely used as sanitizers in the foodservice industry because they are effective against a broad spectrum of microorganisms, including bacteria and viruses, when used at the appropriate concentration. At a concentration of 200 parts per million (ppm), they deliver an effective level of sanitization while being relatively safe for food contact surfaces.

These sanitizers are particularly popular because they tend to be less corrosive and have a residual effect, which means they can continue to offer some level of protection after application. This makes them practical for use in kitchens and food preparation areas where high standards of hygiene are essential.

Iodine and chlorine can also serve as sanitizers but have specific concentration requirements and limitations when it comes to their use. Chlorine, for example, typically requires higher concentrations or might be used around 50-200 ppm depending on the context and contact time needed to ensure effectiveness. Iodine generally requires an appropriate concentration to be effective as well, often around 12.5-25 ppm.

Alcohol, while useful as a disinfectant, does not function well as a sanitizer at a concentration like 200 ppm for kitchen applications. It