Biofilms are nature’s way of surviving environmental stressors. In nature that’s a good thing, but in your food processing facility it’s a bad thing. Biofilms can harbour mixed-species of microorganisms, from pathogenic bacteria to spoilage bacteria, yeast and mould. So, if you’re battling persistent random spikes in your microbial counts, consider the fact that you may have a biofilm problem.
Generally, biofilms are invisible. And scientists agree that standard disinfection protocols do not break them down. So, if you are doing everything right and still have microbial spikes, what can you do?
The first step is to find them, and BioFinder will do that for you. But when it comes to removing biofilms (and more importantly preventing them), you will need to step up your disinfection protocol.
Let’s look at what the international scientific community has discovered – the power of enzymes!
Think back to your days in the classroom where you learned about enzymes and substrates. You may remember learning that bacteria in a biofilm secretes an extra polymeric substance (EPS) which protects the microorganisms. This EPS matrix is primarily made up of proteins, carbohydrates and fats. To break this layer down you need our cocktail of enzymes that match this substrate.
Our enzyme combo rips open the protective EPS layer exposing the microorganisms. And now, when you apply your disinfectant, it can reach the unprotected bacteria and kill them.
What makes our enzyme detergent different from other enzymes?
Most enzyme manufacturers use bacteria in their products. While we use a unique formula of only pure, stabilised enzymes. This prevents the risk of detecting high counts of bacteria when doing Total Count tests. Best of all, our products are highly concentrated, foam very well and are easy to use.
There is no need to replace your entire chemical regime when implementing enzyme biofilm treatments. Simply treat biofilms as you find them. Or, in true HACCP style, prevent them by performing weekly biofilm treatment protocols.
To quote one of our customers, who supplies meat products to the USA where there is a zero tolerance for Listeria: “As part of our zero-tolerance approach to Listeria, we have a zero-tolerance approach to biofilms”.
Get in touch with us at Innogiene info@innogiene.co.za to help you put your Zero-Tolerance Plan in place.
