What is the minimum sanitizer contact time required when using chlorine as your chemical sanitizer?

The minimum sanitizer contact time required when using chlorine as a chemical sanitizer is 7 seconds. This standard is based on guidelines to ensure that the sanitizer effectively reduces the number of pathogens on surfaces to safe levels. Chlorine is a commonly used sanitizing agent, and its effectiveness relies on adequate contact time with the surfaces being sanitized. The 7-second contact time has been established to ensure that the chlorine can effectively kill harmful microorganisms, thereby reducing the risk of foodborne illness.

Using a shorter contact time may not allow the sanitizer to perform at its optimal level, potentially leading to insufficient microbial reduction. Therefore, when utilizing chlorine as a sanitizing agent, adhering to the 7-second contact time is essential for proper sanitation practices in food service operations.