Harnessing the Power of Chlorine Dioxide for Antimicrobial Excellence

We’ve recently performed several challenge studies using chlorine dioxide (ClO2) gas as an antimicrobial. A gas generator (generally a sachet similar to a “Do Not Eat” desiccant pack, or a strip or pad requiring water to activate) is placed in the product packaging. The gas diffuses through the packaging and around the product. The gas disinfects the product (typically though destabilization of cell membranes, alteration of membrane permeability, and interruption of protein synthesis), but then dissipates in the package, meaning that post-treatment, the product shows minimal to no detectable chemical residues, and therefore no significant risk to consumers.

This compares favorably with the use of chlorine dioxide solutions as a direct antimicrobial (i.e., as a rinse or spray, or as a direct additive as in water treatment) – high concentrations of chlorine dioxide can be toxic (as seen in some users of Miracle Mineral Supplement (MMS), which is an aqueous chlorine dioxide solution), and in drinking water has a level set by the Environmental Protection Agency at 0.8mg/L. The gaseous application of ClO2 avoids these potential issues while still getting microbial reduction benefits.

Applications of chlorine dioxide tend to reduce the amount of microorganisms by around 1-3 logs, depending on the application method, although some studies have shown pathogen reductions of 5 logs or more. This generally means that treatments of this type are a good additional hurdle, especially at the post-processing packaging stage, and mesh well with other packaging control methods, like modified atmosphere packaging (MAP). In addition, they can help increase product shelf life, since they have action against a wide range of spoilage organisms (including both Gram-positive and Gram-negative organisms) and can suppress their levels right from the start of storage. Fungal spoilage organisms appear to also be affected by the treatment, although to a lesser degree – outgrowth appears to be well controlled, rather than seeing a direct reduction.