ABSTRACT
In recent years, some opposition has developed to the use of phosphates in commercial detergents. However, the major source of phosphate in waterways is often agricultural fertilizer rather than commercial detergents. In commercial detergents, two or more of the above ingredients are mixed to give a formulation suitable for use in the food industry. Acid detergents are used when mineral deposits, or rust, accumulate on metal surfaces, or when an alkaline detergent has been used for some considerable period of time leaving behind alkali-insoluble deposits. In some circumstances it is necessary to use both an alkaline detergent and an acid detergent in the cleaning procedure; in this case the former is generally used first, followed by thorough rinsing with water prior to application of the acid detergent. Proteolytic enzyme formulations and alkaline detergents are both effective at removing proteins. Some detergent formulations are available which, in addition to the usual ingredients, also contain a sanitiser compound.
