PDFWAC 246-215-04565
Equipment—Manual and mechanical warewashing equipment, chemical sanitization—Temperature, pH, concentration, and hardness (FDA Food Code 4-501.114).
A chemical sanitizer used in a sanitizing solution for a manual or mechanical operation at contact times specified under WAC 246-215-04710(3) must meet the requirements specified under WAC 246-215-07220, must be used in accordance with the EPA-registered label use instructions, and must be used as follows:
(1) A chlorine solution must have a minimum temperature based on the concentration and pH of the solution as listed in the following chart:
Concentration Range | Minimum Temperature | |
mg/L | pH 10 or less °F (°C) | pH 8 or less °F (°C) |
25-49 | 120 (49) | 120 (49) |
50-99 | 100 (38) | 75 (24) |
100 | 55 (13) | 55 (13) |
(2) An iodine solution must have a:
(a) Minimum temperature of 68°F (20°C);
(b) pH of 5.0 or less or a pH no higher than the level for which the manufacturer specifies the solution is effective; and
(c) Concentration between 12.5 mg/L and 25 mg/L.
(3) A quaternary ammonium compound solution must:
(a) Have a minimum temperature of 75°F (24°C);
(b) Have a concentration as specified under WAC 246-215-07220 and as indicated by the manufacturer's use directions included in the labeling; and
(c) Be used only in water with 500 mg/L hardness or less or in water having a hardness no greater than specified by the EPA-registered label use instructions;
(4) If another solution of a chemical specified under subsections (1) through (3) of this section is used, the permit holder shall demonstrate to the regulatory authority that the solution achieves sanitization and the use of the solution must be approved;
(5) If a chemical sanitizer other than chlorine, iodine, or a quaternary ammonium compound is used, it must be applied in accordance with the EPA-registered label use instructions; or
(6) If a chemical sanitizer is generated by a device located on-site at the food establishment, it must be used as specified in subsections (1) through (4) of this section and must be produced by a device that:
(a) Complies with regulation as specified in sections 2(q)(1) and (12) of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA);
(b) Complies with 40 C.F.R. 152.500 Requirement for Devices and 40 C.F.R. 156.10 Labeling Requirements;
(c) Displays the EPA device manufacturing facility registration number on the device; and
(d) Is operated and maintained in accordance with manufacturer's instructions.