AOAC 960.09 Germicidal and Detergent Sanitizing Action of Disinfectants

The AOAC 960.09 method determines the acceptable minimum concentration of a chemical that can be used for sanitizing pre-cleaned, nonporous food contact surfaces.

The use of antimicrobials on pre-cleaned, non- porous, food contact surfaces is regulated by the EPA. The AOAC 960.09 is an EPA-specified method for the registration and labeling requirements of antimicrobials.  This test method accounts for varying conditions of the test chemical including contact time, dilution, and neutralizer. The AOAC 960.09 method is especially appropriate for sanitizers that are intended to be diluted and that do not contain halogens.

According to AOAC 960.09, the recommended minimum starting concentration for consumer use is 2–4x the minimum concentration determined in the test method. The AOAC 960.09 also determines maximum water hardness for claimed concentrations.

In this method, the product is inoculated with the test organism. Following a short exposure, the sample is neutralized, the plates are incubated, and the number of surviving organisms is determined. In order to qualify as an effective sanitizer, the product must demonstrate a 99.999% reduction. Typical test organisms include Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Additional food-borne pathogens of interest can also be tested at the customer’s request.

Situ Biosciences offers consulting services to assist customers in determining specifications to meet regulatory requirements. GLP or Non-GLP testing can be performed (as requested by customer).

For more information on AOAC test methods, please contact the lab at 847-483-9950 or info@situtest.com.