Chlorine bleach solutions can be used to

• A. Disinfectant
• B. Sanitizer
• C. Sanitizer and disinfect
• D. Bleach only

Answer: (C)

Chlorine bleach solutions can function as both sanitizers and disinfectants. The difference comes from concentration and contact time. A sanitizer lowers the number of microorganisms to safe levels on nonporous surfaces or utensils, using a lower concentration and shorter contact time. A disinfectant uses a higher concentration and longer contact time to kill a broader range of pathogens on inanimate surfaces. In practice, you’d apply a bleach solution at the sanitizer level for routine sanitizing of food-contact surfaces and at the disinfectant level for more thorough disinfection of environmental surfaces, always following the product label for the correct ppm and contact time. Be sure the surface is clean first and follow any requirements about rinsing or reapplication per the label.