Enhancing food safety while protecting wastewater systems
Food and beverage processors rely on rigorous cleaning and sanitization practices to ensure product safety, regulatory compliance, and operational efficiency. But while these cleaning chemicals effectively reduce microbial contamination, they can present challenges downstream — particularly in biological wastewater treatment systems where microbial health is essential.
Understanding how sanitizers impact wastewater treatment is key to building a program that protects both public health and the environment.
The Biological Challenge in Food & Beverage Wastewater
Unlike wastewater from other industries, effluent from food and beverage facilities contains high concentrations of soluble organics — such as proteins, sugars, fats, and nutrients like nitrogen (TKN) and phosphorus (P). These contribute to Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) and Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), which require robust microbial populations in the treatment system to break down and remove contaminants.
However, many cleaning and sanitizing agents used in Clean-In-Place (CIP) processes are designed to kill bacteria — including the beneficial bacteria needed for effective wastewater treatment. If these biocidal agents aren’t properly neutralized before entering the system, they can disrupt biological activity, leading to permit violations, increased chemical usage, and higher operating costs.
Solutions: Sanitizers That Support Compliance and Efficiency
Fortunately, there are sanitizers that strike a better balance between food safety and wastewater system health. When paired with proper neutralization strategies, these products help facilities maintain sanitation standards while staying compliant with discharge permits.
1. Peracetic Acid (PAA)
A powerful oxidizing agent made from hydrogen peroxide and acetic acid, PAA is widely used in food processing for its broad-spectrum efficacy and low environmental impact. It breaks down quickly into water, oxygen, and vinegar — making it less harmful to microbial systems.
With proper neutralization using reducing agents or enzymes, PAA can be a safe and effective solution for both food safety and wastewater performance.
2. Quaternary Ammonium Compounds (Quats)
Quats are commonly used on surfaces for their residual disinfecting effect. However, their persistence can be a liability in biological treatment systems. At high concentrations, they are toxic to activated sludge bacteria, potentially causing system upsets.
Facilities using fermentation, such as those producing dairy or beer, may avoid quats to protect microbial integrity during production.
3. Chlorine
Once the industry standard, chlorine’s use has declined due to corrosion risks and the formation of hazardous byproducts. However, it remains in use in some applications. Chlorine tends to dissipate rapidly when exposed to organic materials, often requiring less neutralization than other biocides.
4. Silver Ion Technology
A newer entrant, silver ion-based sanitizers are used on cutting boards, conveyor belts, and other surfaces. While not yet fully approved for widespread use on raw produce or meats, this technology is expected to expand in food processing over the next few years. The long-term impact on wastewater systems is still being evaluated.
A Tailored Approach for Every Facility
There is no one-size-fits-all solution. Sanitizer selection must be aligned with each facility’s wastewater treatment capabilities, production requirements, and regulatory obligations. Watertech of America works with food and beverage clients to build comprehensive treatment programs that balance operational goals, environmental protection, and compliance.
Watertech’s experts combine chemical expertise, automation, and on-site support to ensure your CIP and wastewater systems work in harmony. By choosing the right sanitizers — and properly managing them — you can keep food safe and treatment systems optimized.
Start with a Site Survey
Every facility is unique. Watertech begins each partnership with a detailed evaluation to develop a customized water treatment strategy. Request a site survey today to ensure your sanitation practices support — not hinder — your wastewater treatment performance.
