European Standard, EN 14347, specifies the method of test for the evaluation of sporicidal activity of chemical disinfectants used in food industries. To the cleaning industry, this standard is very significant as it helps improve safety and health in different sectors. The main emphasis of the standard is on controlling bacterial spores using effective sporicidal agents which are resistant to most of the disinfectants.
Understanding EN 14347
Scope and Applicability
EN 14347 specifies the test method and minimum requirements for determining the sporicidal activity of chemical disinfectants that form a homogeneous, physically stable preparation when diluted with water. The standard is important for products such as disinfectants intended for use in the medical, veterinary, food hygiene, industrial, domestic, and institutional sectors.
Key Requirements
The requirement is that the cleaning products, when tested under stipulated conditions of time and temperature of contact, has to exhibit at least a log reduction of 4 in viable counts of bacterial spores. It examines Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus cereus as the test organisms. This clearly shows the toughness required for a disinfectant to claim sporicidal efficacy.
Impact on the Cleaning Industry
Enhancing Microbial Safety
EN 14347 test helps in the development of effective sporicidal cleaning products. These agents ensure a higher level of decontamination in high risk areas like health care settings and food-processing plants.
Standardization of Disinfection Practices
EN 14347 has helped various industries to standardize their disinfection practices by providing a clear standard reference for testing the sporicidal activity of cleaning products. This standardization is very important for maintaining a constant level of hygiene for preventing the infection spread.
Regulatory and Compliance Implications
Meeting Global Standards
Compliance with EN 14347 confirms to the regulatory bodies and customers that the products are capable of delivering high-level disinfection. Compliance with EN 14347 becomes more important in emerging global markets where safety and efficacy are at their prime.
Enhanced Consumer Trust
The cleaning products certified under this standard are relied upon and have the trust of healthcare professionals, industry experts, and consumers. It creates this trust through thorough testing and validation carried out through EN 14347 thus providing confirmation that the products perform as claimed.
Future Innovations
It would be necessary to have standards, like EN 14347, continuously updated as some microbial strains are evolving continuously. Any future changes to the standards would need to involve new scientific knowledge and technologies applied in disinfection.
Conclusion
The EN 14347 greatly affects the cleaning industry as it tests the performance of the sporicidal cleaning products. This standard has provided the much-needed compliance through the development of safer and improved products that are very vital to avoid infections within the industries. The time would come when EN 14347 would finally be the reference for industrial standards or at best influence a bit more, on its disinfection practices.
Cleaning professionals—especially those working in environments with the most demanding controls of microorganisms—should therefore consider products that have been tested and validated according to EN 14347.
For comprehensive testing and validation services, Microbial Investigations Switzerland (MIS) offers expert solutions that ensure your disinfectants meet these high standards, enhancing safety and compliance in your operations. Contact MIS today to get a quotation or to consult with our team of experts.
