Addressing Chlorate Levels in Your Food and Beverage Production
At Biocel, we recognise and appreciate the dedication of the food and beverage industry to providing safe, top-tier products. However recent discoveries concerning chlorate levels in food items have sparked worries, and we want to reassure you that we offer the solutions and knowledge to help you overcome these hurdles.
What are Chlorates and Why are They a Concern?
Chlorates are chemical by-products that can result from using chlorine-based disinfectants in cleaning products or water treatment procedures. While these disinfectants play a vital role in maintaining hygiene and preventing the spread of harmful pathogens, it is equally important to effectively manage chlorate levels to ensure safety and compliance with regulatory standards.
Excessive chlorate residues in food production or animal care environments can impact product quality. More importantly, these residues can pose health risks, potentially impacting brain development in infants. It is therefore imperative that proper monitoring and adherence to best practices are maintained to help strike a balance between effective disinfection and minimising unwanted chemical residues.
In simple terms, chlorates are unwanted leftovers from cleaning processes that, if too high, could be harmful.
What’s Happening in the Industry?
Recent studies have revealed that chlorate residues frequently exceed the default Maximum Residue Levels (MRLs) in food products. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has highlighted this widespread issue, stressing the need for stricter monitoring and regulatory compliance (EFSA Journal, 2020). This is a significant concern for industries where food safety and adherence to regulations are top priorities.
Meeting these new rules has been tough for some companies. For example, in January 2025, Coca-Cola had to recall several drinks across Europe as a precaution because they had elevated levels of chlorate in them. This incident shows just how important it is for food and beverage producers to have good systems in place to reduce chlorate levels.
The Impact of Chlorates on Food Safety
Why should we be worried? High levels of chlorate exposure have been linked to health risks, particularly in infants, where brain development is highly sensitive to iodine levels. According to EFSA, excessive chlorate intake can interfere with iodine absorption, potentially leading to thyroid dysfunction, which plays a crucial role in neurological development. (EFSA Journal, 2015).
Recognising these health risks, the European Union has imposed stricter limits on chlorate residues in food products. These new limits (MRLs) are designed to protect consumers, especially vulnerable groups like infants and young children.
What Products are Affected by Chlorate Residues?
As we have learned, chlorates are a widespread issue in the food and beverage industry. This makes rigorous monitoring essential.
Some of the most affected product categories include:
1. Baby Food
- Due to their impact on thyroid function, chlorate levels in baby food must be extremely low.
- Baby formula and cereals are subject to the strictest MRLs.
- Regulatory bodies require thorough testing to ensure compliance.
2. Juices & Soft Drinks
- Fruit juices and flavoured beverages are particularly vulnerable due to the water sources used in production.
- Large-scale beverage production requires specialised solutions to maintain compliance.
3. Dairy Products
- Milk and dairy processing plants must meet new safety standards.
- Chlorate residues can compromise the quality of milk, cheese, and other dairy products.
- Continuous monitoring is essential to maintain product integrity.
4. General Food & Beverage Processing
- Any facility using chlorinated water for processing or sanitation is at risk.
- Preventing excess chlorates in cleaning and processing equipment is a key industry challenge.
Regulatory Compliance and Industry Standards
Compliance with MRLs is a non-negotiable requirement for food producers operating in the EU, UK, and beyond.
- EU Regulations – Regulation (EU) 2020/749 enforces strict chlorate limits in food and beverages.
- Codex Alimentarius – The Codex Alimentarius is a collection of international standards and guidelines set by the Codex Alimentarius Commission to ensure food safety and facilitate trade. Its 188 members create science-based recommendations for food quality and safety.
- Industry Best Practices – Biocel is aligned with leading food companies that are implementing innovative sanitation and processing methods to comply with the new regulations.
The Challenge: Identifying the Source of Chlorates
How do chlorates make their way into our food and drinks?
There are multiple factors to consider:
- Chlorinated Water Supply – Regular water treatment can lead to chlorate accumulation. Ensuring a low-chlorate water source is crucial.
- Sanitation & Cleaning Agents – Traditional disinfectants often introduce unintended chlorates.
- Raw Material Contamination – Ingredients from different suppliers can vary in chlorate levels, affecting the final product.
The Solution: Low-Chlorate Products
At Biocel Ltd, we specialise in developing low-chlorate solutions to help food and beverage manufacturers comply with the strict MRLs established by Regulation (EU) 2020/749. Our expertise in sourcing high-purity materials and custom formulations ensures food safety without compromising operational efficiency.
What are Biocel’s Targeted Solutions for the Industry?
We offer a range of low-chlorate alternatives tailored to food and beverage manufacturing:
1. Phosphate Buffers
- Essential for pH control in food production.
- Maintains stability in dairy, juice, and beverage processing.
- Reduces dependence on chlorine-based stabilisers.
2. Di-Potassium and Mono-Potassium Phosphates
- Supports dairy and beverage production while preserving product quality.
- Essential for maintaining smooth texture and consistency in processed foods
- Ensures compliance with new MRLs by reducing chlorate residues.
3. Sodium and Potassium Hydroxide Solutions
- Provides effective sanitation without introducing excess chlorates.
- Enhances food-grade cleaning efficiency.
- Meets hygiene standards while minimising regulatory risks.
Working with Biocel to develop Low-Chlorate Solutions
Biocel provides process aids and cleaning solutions designed to help you maximise your output and minimise your product loss. We can work with you to develop customised strategies for reducing your chlorate levels.
Our approach includes:
- Expert Guidance: Biocel can guide you through the necessary implementation steps to adhere to strict quality standards and procedures. We’ll walk you through everything to make sure you meet the required standards.
- Cleaning and Sanitation: Biocel offers a comprehensive array of sanitation products, including innovative foam cleaning solutions for superior cleaning performance and enhanced efficiency. Our range of sanitation products, including our foam cleaners, ensures a deep and efficient clean.
- Water Quality Assessment – Evaluating your water sources to reduce chlorate contamination. Biocel provides advanced water treatment technologies that ensure safety and compliance in the food and beverage industry.
- Customised Chemical Solutions – Offering specialised buffers and cleaning agents to enhance food safety.
- Process Optimisation – Identifying alternative sanitation methods to minimise chlorate exposure.
What Supplier Partnerships Mean at Biocel
At Biocel, a supplier partnership goes beyond product delivery. We provide tailored solutions, such as low-chlorate alternatives, along with technical guidance, implementation support, and training. We’re not just suppliers; we’re strategic allies committed to your long-term success.
Get in touch with our qualified team at Biocel Ltd for practical, low-chlorate solutions to support compliance while ensuring food safety and your operational efficiency. Let’s work together to meet industry standards and protect consumer health.
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