Hypochlorous acid (HOCl) is transforming hygiene standards in food service and hospitality. As a food-safe, no-rinse disinfectant proven to achieve a 5-log pathogen reduction in under 60 seconds, HOCl is replacing bleach, quats, and alcohol-based products in commercial kitchens, hotels, and restaurants across the UK. Here's why and what it means for your operation.
HOCl Food Service: The Hygiene Challenge Operators Face
The Science
Food service and hospitality environments face some of the most demanding hygiene requirements of any sector. From commercial kitchens and food prep surfaces to hotel rooms and restaurant dining areas, operators must eliminate pathogens quickly, consistently, and safely — without leaving harmful chemical residues that could contaminate food or irritate guests and staff.
Certified Standards
Optizan HOCl meets EN 1276, EN 13697, EN 14476, and EN 16615 standards, ensuring validated performance across food-safe, medical-grade, and commercial applications.
How Is HOCl Made?
1
Electrolysis
Pure water and pharmaceutical-grade salt undergo controlled electrolysis in a specialised reactor.
2
Molecular Formation
The process generates hypochlorous acid molecules at precise pH levels for optimal stability and efficacy.
3
Quality Control
Each batch is tested for concentration, pH, and microbial efficacy to ensure consistent performance.
4
Ready to Use
The final solution requires no dilution, mixing, or protective equipment—just spray and wipe.
Bleach contrast: Traditional bleach (sodium hypochlorite) is highly alkaline (pH 11-13), corrosive, and releases toxic chlorine gas when mixed with acids. HOCl operates at neutral pH (5-6.5) with zero harmful byproducts.
HOCl vs Bleach: The Definitive Comparison
| Factor | HOCl | Bleach |
|---|---|---|
| pH Level | ✅ Neutral (5-6.5) | ❌ Alkaline (11-13) |
| Concentration | ✅ 500ppm (ready-to-use) | ❌ 50,000ppm (requires dilution) |
| Toxic Residue | ✅ None | ❌ Chlorine gas, DBPs |
| Rinsing Required | ✅ No | ❌ Yes (mandatory) |
| Safe for Children & Pets | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Surface Compatibility | ✅ All surfaces | ❌ Corrosive to metals, fabrics |
| Kill Time | ✅ 30 seconds | ❌ 5-10 minutes |
| Environmental Impact | ✅ Biodegradable | ❌ Persistent pollutant |
Proven Performance
30s
Kill time for 99.999% of pathogens
0
Documented cases of microbial resistance
Clinical Evidence
Wound Healing & Infection Control
HOCl has been extensively studied in wound care settings, demonstrating superior biofilm disruption and tissue compatibility compared to traditional antiseptics. Clinical trials show accelerated healing times and reduced infection rates without cytotoxic effects on healthy tissue.
Eye Care Applications
Ophthalmic-grade HOCl solutions are used to treat blepharitis, dry eye, and lid margin disease. Studies confirm its antimicrobial efficacy against ocular pathogens while maintaining compatibility with delicate eye tissues.
Food Contact Surface Disinfection
HOCl is approved for use on food contact surfaces without rinsing requirements. Research demonstrates effective elimination of Listeria, Salmonella, and E. coli on produce, equipment, and preparation surfaces with zero chemical residue.
Healthcare & Commercial Settings
Hospital-grade HOCl solutions achieve EN 14476 virucidal efficacy against enveloped and non-enveloped viruses, including norovirus and coronavirus strains. Studies confirm superior performance in high-touch surface decontamination protocols.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. HOCl is non-toxic, non-irritating, and safe for use around children, pets, and food. It requires no PPE and leaves no harmful residues.
HOCl offers broader antimicrobial spectrum, faster kill times, and superior surface compatibility without flammability risks or drying effects on skin and materials.
Optizan HOCl maintains efficacy for 12 months when stored in opaque containers away from direct sunlight. Stability is ensured through precise pH control and pharmaceutical-grade formulation.
Yes. HOCl is non-corrosive and safe for use on keyboards, touchscreens, and sensitive equipment. Always follow manufacturer guidelines for electronic device cleaning.
No. HOCl breaks down into water and trace salt upon contact with organic matter, eliminating the need for rinsing on food contact surfaces and general use areas.
Want to see how HOCl compares to alcohol and other disinfectants?
Read the Full Comparison