Harnessing the Power of HOCl: A Guide to Preventing Food-borne Illness in Bakeries

December is a sweet month—as we get together to celebrate the holidays, at-home chefs and professional bakers alike have their hands full making cakes, cookies and more during this special time of year.

As the baking industry continues to thrive, ensuring the safety of the products we create becomes paramount. One of the most significant challenges faced by bakeries is the prevention of foodborne illnesses, which can have severe consequences for both consumers and businesses. In recent years, there has been a growing interest in using Hypochlorous Acid (HOCl) as a powerful and effective disinfecting and sanitizing agent in bakeries to enhance hygiene standards and mitigate the risks associated with foodborne pathogens.

We’ve included a primer on things to know about HOCl and how you can integrate it into your own business below.

Also, to see firsthand how we’ve put this amazing technology into practice for our partners at the famous Neri’s Bakery, watch their video testimonial below.

Now, here’s what’s cooking in the world of alternative cleaning & HOCl...?

Understanding HOCl

Hypochlorous Acid is produced naturally in the human body and has potent antimicrobial properties. It is effective against a broad spectrum of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi, making up a key component of the body's immune response.

In industrial settings, HOCl is made using an electrolysis process involving salt, water, and an electrical current that produces two ready-to-use products, including the HOCl disinfectant—which is EPA registered, Green Seal certified, and doesn’t contain any allergens, additives, or toxic chemicals. HOCl is a safe and eco-friendly choice for disinfection in various industries, including bakeries.

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Benefits of Using HOCl in Bakeries

Antimicrobial Efficacy:?HOCl has proven efficacy against common foodborne pathogens such as Salmonella, Escherichia coli (E. coli), and Listeria, helping to eliminate these threats from bakery environments.

Safe for Food Contact Surfaces:?Unlike some traditional chemical disinfectants, HOCl is safe for use on food contact surfaces without needing to rinse it off after treatment. This makes it an ideal choice for bakeries where surfaces such as slicers, rollers, and other equipment come into direct contact with food products.

Residue-Free Cleaning:?HOCl leaves no harmful residues on surfaces after cleaning, reducing the risk of contamination in bakery products. This ensures that the delicious treats produced are not compromised by chemical residues.

Non-Toxic and Environmentally Friendly:?HOCl is hypoallergenic, does not contain any harmful or toxic chemicals, and is environmentally friendly. Its production involves simple electrolysis of water, salt, and electricity, making it a sustainable and cost-effective option for bakeries looking to enhance their cleaning protocols.

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Implementing HOCl in Your Bakery

Training and Education:?Provide training to bakery staff on the proper use and application of HOCl. Understanding the importance of hygiene and the science behind HOCl's effectiveness will empower employees to contribute to a safer working environment.

Integrated Cleaning Protocols:?Incorporate HOCl into your bakery's regular cleaning and disinfection protocols. Establish a comprehensive sanitizing schedule that includes treating all surfaces, equipment, and utensils regularly used in the baking process.

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At Viking Pure Solutions, we make it easy for you to incorporate HOCl into your cleaning protocols. Viking Pure offers the most effective & safest all-in-one solution for sustainable cleaning and disinfection.

We install our patented equipment at your bakery or food production facility, so you can produce two non-toxic, environmentally safe solutions that offer a complete kill of known viruses, pathogens, bacteria, and fungi—including mold.

1. Viking Pure Cleaner: Heavy-duty degreaser & all-purpose cleaner that’s safe for all surfaces.
2. Viking Pure Disinfectant: Highly effective, EPA-registered, hospital-grade disinfectant.

By generating these solutions on-site, your facility can benefit from fixed cleaning costs and produce as much solution as needed to completely kill bacteria, prevent mold growth, and keep your workers safe. Our products are also non-corrosive and safe for all surfaces—including food contact surfaces (no rinse required!)

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Incorporating HOCl into your bakery's cleaning routine can be a game-changer in preventing foodborne illnesses and maintaining high hygiene standards. By embracing this environmentally friendly and effective cleaning solution, bakeries can not only safeguard the health of their customers but also enhance their reputation as providers of safe and quality products.

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To learn more about what Viking Pure can do for you, visit us at?vikingpure.com.