Which type of sanitizer is bleach?

• A. Iodine
• B. Quaternary Ammonium
• C. Chlorine
• D. Bleach

Answer: (C)

Bleach is a chlorine-based sanitizer. Sanitizers are used after cleaning to reduce microorganisms on surfaces that contact foods. Bleach specifically refers to a solution containing chlorine (usually sodium hypochlorite), so it belongs to the chlorine family of sanitizers. Chlorine sanitizers are effective against many microbes when used at the proper concentration and contact time, though they can be inactivated by organic matter and must be used with care. Other sanitizer families exist, such as iodine-based sanitizers and quaternary ammonium compounds, but they are different chemical groups with distinct properties. Use chlorine sanitizers at the recommended levels and avoid mixing them with acids or ammonia, which can create hazardous gases.