In a food processing facility, cleaning and disinfection are distinct functions. Purgo, from EMS Cleaning, is available in Spain and the EU for the cleaning and deodorization of documented hard, non-porous surfaces. It is not marketed as a disinfectant, antimicrobial sanitizer, or broad-spectrum product. A facility’s HACCP plan does not replace confirmation of the product’s intended use and documentation.
The selection must take into account dirt, odors, materials, and hygiene requirements. Purgo covers documented cleaning and deodorizing tasks; food-grade disinfection, broad-spectrum disinfection, and a biodegradability percentage are not specified here. Use in food contact requires specific technical and regulatory confirmation.
Legal Requirements for Disinfection in the Food Industry
Regulation (EC) No. 852/2004 establishes general food hygiene rules. Facilities, equipment, premises, and surfaces must be kept clean and, where appropriate, disinfected without introducing risks: cleaning removes dirt and organic matter; disinfecting reduces microorganisms to a safe level.
Regulation (EU) No. 528/2012 governs the marketing and use of biocidal products. Before selecting an HACCP-compliant disinfectant, check the intended use, safety information, and applicable instructions; the claimed efficacy does not replace validation on your production line, with its specific surface, type of contamination, temperature, and contact time.
The HACCP system is based on solid prerequisites: cleaning and disinfection, water control, maintenance, training, pest control, and traceability. The chosen product must allow for the verifiable definition of concentrations, frequencies, responsible parties, records, and corrective actions.
IFS, BRCGS, and FSSC 22000 raise the bar for documentation requirements. During an audit, it must be demonstrated why the product was chosen, how it is applied, what training the operator received, and how the results are verified. EMS Cleaning helps align the product, consulting, and documentation.
Limitations of Traditional Disinfectants
Sodium hypochlorite is commonly used because of its availability and disinfecting power. However, chlorine can react with organic matter and produce byproducts such as trihalomethanes and chloramines; it also requires careful dosing and ventilation, especially during manual tasks.
In stainless steel, chlorine can accelerate corrosion, pitting, and deterioration when used improperly or repeatedly. A damaged surface is harder to clean and can harbor biofilms, so limiting the use of harsh chemicals is also a maintenance decision.
Quaternary ammonium compounds have limitations when used against certain Gram-negative bacteria and may leave surface residues. Their continued use requires monitoring of rinsing and compatibility; the technical literature has documented mechanisms of tolerance or resistance associated with certain compounds in this class.
Peracetic acid is powerful, but it can be difficult to handle. Its vapors and its irritating or oxidizing properties require enhanced protection, training, and exposure control; reducing operational hazards helps prevent incidents.
Purgo — Cleaning and Deodorizing by EMS Cleaning
Purgo is recommended for documented cleaning and odor-removal tasks on hard, non-porous surfaces. It is not offered as a disinfection, microbiological control, or post-CIP sanitization step in Spain/the EU.
Claims regarding activity against bacteria, fungi, viruses, or spores are not published: authorization of these claims for Spain/the EU has not been confirmed. Cleaning or odor elimination does not prove biocidal efficacy.
The European safety data sheet for Purgo lists eye irritation (H319). Wear gloves and eye protection as specified in the documentation. It is not claimed that the product is harmless, leaves no residue, or is approved for use on any food-contact surfaces.
Follow current environmental and disposal guidelines. This product is not claimed to be more than 90% biodegradable, nor is Purgo presented as a chlorine-free disinfectant.
Scope of Purgo within a cleanup plan
A CIP or NEP application is not recommended based on the trade name. Confirm with EMS whether the process and materials fall within the documented scope; Purgo is not offered as an alkaline CIP cleaner or as a disinfectant for circuits, tanks, or pipes.
Use without rinsing is not assumed. Instructions depend on the label and documented use; food contact requires specific confirmation before recommending Purgo.
Purgo is not claimed to have a mechanism that prevents microbial resistance. The microbiological controls in the hygiene plan cannot be replaced by visual assessments of cleanliness or odor removal.
Traceability is another practical advantage: technical and safety data sheets, instructions, batch records, and validation records. This foundation makes it possible to demonstrate that selection, application, and verification are consistent with HACCP and customer requirements.
Specific Applications by Subsector
The following subsectors have different cleaning requirements; their inclusion does not constitute a list of authorized uses for Purgo. Confirm the surface, type of dirt, and process with EMS before selecting a product:
- Meat industry: slaughterhouses, cutting rooms, workbenches, conveyor belts, equipment, and cold storage rooms where strict protocols to prevent cross-contamination are required.
- Dairy industry: tanks, CIP systems, piping, packaging rooms, and work surfaces that are constantly exposed to moisture and must meet strict hygiene standards.
- Beverages: filling machines, tanks, piping, nozzles, and bottling areas, where line availability and cycle repeatability are critical.
- Bakeries and pastry shops: trays, pans, tables, and preparation equipment, with special attention to the proper removal of grease and flour residue beforehand.
- Foodservice: central kitchens, prep tables, carts, washing areas, and shared equipment that is used frequently.
In all subsectors, food contact and regulated uses require specific review. There is no universal recommendation of Purgo for CIP, tanks, conveyor belts, or food-contact equipment. The selection must be in accordance with the scope of the label and the facility’s approved procedure.
Cleaning and Deodorizing vs. Disinfection
Purgo cannot be considered a biocide equivalent to chlorine or ammonium compounds. The table maintains the distinction between functions; for each product, its formulation, label, and authorized use must be reviewed.
| Parameter | Chlorine | Quaternary ammonium compounds | Purgo |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spectrum | Spacious | Limited in Gram- | No biocidal efficacy has been claimed in Spain/the EU |
| Waste | THM, chloramines | Surface Waste | Follow the label; the absence of residues is not assumed |
| Stainless Steel Corrosion | Yes, sign up | Cancel | Confirm material and coating |
| Resistors | No | Yes (documented) | No action is reported regarding microbial resistance |
| Biodegradability | Midterm | Very low | No verified percentage is published here |
How to Implement Purgo in Your Hygiene Plan
The transition should begin with a technical audit of your current situation. EMS Cleaning can review areas of risk, the products in use, application methods, areas where incidents recur, and production constraints. Based on that information, we propose a realistic plan that does not compromise the plant’s continuity.
The test must evaluate cleaning and odor removal within the documented scope, using defined criteria for surface area and soiling. It is not intended to demonstrate disinfection or microbiological control with Purgo.
Keep current data sheets, instructions, and usage records. The hygiene plan requirements are verified separately: Purgo does not replace an authorized disinfection step when one is required.
Request a free sample and audit
If you would like to evaluate Purgo under real production conditions, request a free sample and a no-obligation technical audit. The EMS Cleaning team will help you identify the application protocol, the necessary documentation, and the areas where it can generate the most value for your plant.
Visit /quote/ or call +34 634 293 241. Confirm the documented application, compatibility, and conditions before testing Purgo; do not assume approval for food contact.
Conclusion
The selection of Purgo is based on its documented scope: cleaning and deodorizing hard, non-porous surfaces. In Spain/the EU, no claims regarding disinfection, broad-spectrum activity, or antimicrobial activity have been published. Food contact, CIP, and other regulated uses are not recommended without specific technical and regulatory confirmation.
With the assistance of EMS Cleaning, confirm the appropriate product and procedure for the type of dirt and the material, and maintain documentation of your facility’s hygiene plan.
