Safe cleaning processes with rack and flight type dishwashing machines
The novel coronavirus: Be on the safe side with MEIKO
Expert Opinion
In the case of the novel coronavirus, all respiratory secretions are considered potentially infectious. This makes the risk of the virus spreading particularly high during social gatherings – this also applies to restaurants and canteens.
"MEIKO devices are able to process dishes and cutlery in such a way that they can be reused without hesitation, even if they have previously been used by infected or sick people," says PD Dr. Dr. Friedrich von Rheinbaben.
Machines
- Proper use of the rack and flight type dishwashing machines, as well as repair and maintenance according to manufacturer specifications.
- Use of the specified wash programme with:
- A total washing time of at least 120 seconds.
- A cleaning temperature of at least 60° C on the surface of the washware.
- And a surface temperature of at least 60 to 70° C in the final rinse programmes on the washware.
- Use of the alkaline detergents and rinse aids recommended by MEIKO.
The technology of throughput systems comprises dishwashing machines that could have major differences in the details. When it comes to protecting the consumer, the treatment conditions at the washware itself in particular, and several other technological details, prove decisive.
These include:
- The special MEIKO washing mechanism which ensures that the viral load is reliably washed away.
- A sufficiently high water temperature that can be kept constant thanks to a double-walled structure, and which helps against temperature fluctuations.
- An alkaline detergent with surfactants whose effectiveness against enveloped viruses has already been proven in many tests.
- A dosing system that not just ensures the exact application concentrations of products, but also their secure mixture and availability at the washware, especially in the case of the very short contact times.
Chemicals
Detergent:
- Highly alkaline, based on potassium hydroxide, disodium metasilicate and sodium hydroxide
- Concentration of at least 2.5g/l for liquid cleaners or at least 1.8 g/l for solid cleaners
- pH 9 to pH 13 in the application solution
- Temperature and contact time are program controlled
MEIKO recommends the following products:
MEIKO ACTIVE FR 80
MEIKO ACTIVE FR 81
MEIKO ACTIVE ÖKOCLEAN FR
Rinse aid:
- Rinse aid based on non-foaming tensides such as alcohol alkoxylate
- pH 5 to pH 7 in the application solution
- Concentration of at least 0.1 g/l according to MEIKO recommendations
- The temperature and contact time are controlled by the programme
MEIKO recommends the following products:
MEIKO ACTIVE KSU
MEIKO ACTIVE ÖkoClean KS
Hygiene measures
In addition to the general recommendations on hand hygiene, additional hygiene rules apply for professional kitchen personnel:
- Wearing special work clothes and gloves when handling dishes, cutlery, trays and other items that have been used and could therefore be contaminated.
- On the other hand, the World Health Organization (WHO) only recommends wearing a face mask when you have symptoms or are caring for persons with symptoms or who may potentially be ill.