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Ensuring whole room disinfection system compliance

10 July 2023

Peter Thistlethwaite explains the benefits of whole room disinfection in food production environments and provides an update on recent regulatory changes affecting two of the most popular techniques.

In food production environments, where germs can be easily transmitted, and the risk of cross-infection is high, whole room disinfection can provide a good decontamination solution. Two popular decontamination techniques commonly employed in these facilities are automated chemical misting (airborne automated disinfection systems), popularly known as ‘fogging machines,’ and ultraviolet (UV) light systems.

In food production factories these solutions can enable difficult to reach places to be thoroughly disinfected in the shortest possible time, with the lowest risk of human error. Additionally, UV disinfection offers a dry, chemical-free way to remove bacteria, mould, and viruses from surfaces, eliminating the possibility of cross-contamination. 

Over the past two years, both methods of room disinfection have undergone significant changes in how they are tested, and what they must achieve to be suitable for use. So, any facility using these techniques need to be aware of the regulatory changes now in effect and whether their system is fit for use under the new guidance.

BS EN 17272:2020 is the required method for all automated airborne chemical disinfection systems for both small and large enclosures in the EU and UK. This standard is much more comprehensive than its predecessor (French standard NFT 72-281). 

Whereas NFT 72-281 focussed solely on evaluating biocidal activity of air surface disinfection processes, the EN 17272 test method consists of two parts, testing both effectiveness and distribution. The efficacy part of the test ensures that the minimum microorganism reduction requirements are met for each claimed activity and for the targeted application area. It also details the testing and requirements to show its effect on a broader spectrum of organisms including bacteria, yeast, mould, spores, and viruses. 

The distribution test is designed to evaluate the distribution efficiency process throughout the test enclosure or room. The automated airborne disinfection system must be able to disperse the product to all four corners of the test chamber, while also demonstrating a significant level of efficacy against organisms shadowed from the source of the fogged disinfectant. 

Traditionally, effective distribution has previously not been subject to scrutiny in these test methods and its addition is sure to have a big impact – effectively removing many pieces of equipment from the market if they do not suitably distribute the product to maintain a claim. However, it also offers an extra layer of confidence. When sanitising food production facilities containing equipment, demonstrating that a product can effectively produce results on surfaces shadowed or obscured from the fogging device is vital to reducing the risk of contamination. 

This standard was released at the height of the pandemic and due to the ongoing pressures that all companies have faced, many companies are still using old data from the now-defunct NFT 72-281 method, even though EN 17272 is now the requirement.  

A new standard
In April 2022, the standard BS 8628:2022 was published and became the required testing for ultraviolet light systems. Largely based on the EN 17272 standard for airborne disinfection, with some minor variations for UV devices, this method standardises a distance for the emitter from a test surface, allowing for an assessment of power versus contact time for the UV unit. 

It covers the requirements and methodology for testing the efficacy of UV devices, determining bactericidal, mycobactericidal, sporicidal, yeasticidal, fungicidal, virucidal and phagocidal activities.

Previously, remote UV systems had no formal guidance on their effectiveness. The assumption of efficacy had been based on available research papers and in-house test methods of multiple testing laboratories or research facilities, which means that each different machine may have been tested in completely different ways – if it has undergone testing at all.  

Whilst UV-C light is certainly harmful to microorganisms, there are many issues with assuming the effectiveness of an emitter based on publications rather than testing. For example, is the emitter at a suitable distance to remain effective? Does it have the same effect low to the floor as it does directly in front of it? Are the light sources of a suitable power? For food processing environments, it is vital that disinfection devices that use ultraviolet radiation have proven efficacy.

Unlike fogging devices, however, light sources have no requirements for the distribution of the product. Instead, the method evaluates the time taken to reliably cause a significant log reduction at a set distance from the test surface. The test surfaces are perpendicular to the light source to imitate some level of appropriate shadowing for flat surfaces in a facility. 

Standardising distances and organisms for testing allows for a clear evaluation of equipment and gives quantifiable results of effect. This new method ensures that these products are tested in a way that better relates how they are used in the real world. 

Proven efficacy 
The validation of cleaning and assuring high quality and consistent results is a high priority for food processors. Ensuring that the fogging or UV disinfection system in use meet these new standards offers proof that they will perform as expected. Businesses that operate in this sector must be aware of the standards that are now in place, both to ensure a continued contamination free space and to stay compliant.

Peter Thistlethwaite is Technical Projects Manager at MSL Solution Providers.


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