Quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs), also known as quats, are widely used as cleaners and disinfectants in the food industry. They have a permanent positive charge that binds readily to the surfaces of most microbes. QACs are effective at concentrations ranging from 200 to 400 ppm for various food-contact surfaces and remain stable and effective for a long time. They are more selective in their antimicrobial activity compared to other disinfectants. However, they are inactivated by organic soil and should not be diluted in hard water. Nonetheless, QACs are generally very effective against bacterial biofilms.
Quaternary ammonium compounds (QUATs) are commonly used as cleaners and disinfectants for surfaces in healthcare facilities. They are effective against fungi, bacteria, and enveloped viruses. Some bacteria may resist QUATs, leading to healthcare-associated infections. Contact times for QUATs vary by product, but they are often recommended to be 10 minutes. QUATs are advantageous due to their low cost, high stability, and low toxicity. However, they are inactivated by hard water, organic materials, soaps, and detergents.
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