The Evaluation of Surface Active Disinfectants for Use in Milk Production

SUMMARY Details are given of a can test for evaluating detergent‐sterilizers intended for farm dairy use. The materials are compared with a standard hypochlorite‐detergent solution for their ability to cleanse milk‐soiled metal surfaces resembling those encountered in practice. Results from the can test have been compared with those from a suspension test. This comparison suggests that the suspension test is of value for the initial screening of QAC‐detergent mixtures, since those with poor disinfectant properties in suspension acted poorly on surfaces. However, products giving good disinfection in suspension may fail to cleanse a soiled surface if they are poor detergents.