Pet Treats Recalled Due to Use of QUAT as a Product Application

United Pet is recalling various rawhide chew products for dogs after it was found that the foreign suppliers were using QUAT to treat the products as a microbial reduction.  Quaternary Ammonium products are used as a sanitizer for food contact surfaces, but not for application to items that will be consumed.

In the report, "United Pet Group received very limited reports of pet illness based on the volume of possibly affected rawhide chew products manufactured and distributed. The primary complaint received from consumers was that the affected product had an unpleasant odor. Diarrhea and vomiting were also reported.  Exposure to quaternary ammonium compounds through direct ingestion may cause the following symptoms in dogs: reduced appetite, and gastric irritation including diarrhea and vomiting. These symptoms may require treatment by a veterinarian depending on severity."

Of course you can not use a food contact sanitizer on a food unless the use has been approved.

FDA Recall Notice

https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm562701.htm
United Pet Group Voluntary Recalls Multiple Brands of Rawhide Chew Products for Dogs Due to Possible Chemical Contamination
For Immediate Release
June 10, 2017

Is Quat Binding Making Your Sanitizer Ineffective?

Quat binding or quat absorption is a phenomena that occurs when storing cotton wash cloths in buckets of sanitizer strength quaternary ammonia, and the cotton material inactivates the quat to a point where it is not longer at the proper strength.  So while you think you are sanitizing a surface, you are essentially just wiping it with water.  Same thing can occur with mops or common rags.

Two solutions are to spray apply the sanitizer to the surface and then wipe.  Or you can use microfiber cloths that will have less of an inactivating effect.

CleanLink.com
http://www.cleanlink.com/hs/article/What-Is-Quat-Binding-And-Why-It-Must-Be-Prevented--18491
What Is Quat Binding And Why It Must Be Prevented
 BY Becky Mollenkamp
Posted 6/25/15

The science behind quat binding and how it can be prevented

Quaternary ammonium chloride (quat) is an active ingredient in disinfectants that are used widely throughout the industry. These disinfectants are popular because of their effectiveness against germs, bacteria and viruses; their relatively low toxicity at proper dilution; low odors and; long shelf life.

When used properly, quat disinfectants can be very effective. But if used incorrectly, quat binding can occur, drastically reducing the cleaning efficacy.

Quat binding, also known as quat absorption, is still a relatively new and misunderstood issue in the jan/san industry. It is garnering more attention, however, because of its potential to negatively impact cleaning results. The phenomenon of quat binding occurs when the active ingredient (quaternary ammonium chloride) becomes attracted to and absorbed into fabrics. The science behind how this happens is simple: Quats are positively charged ions and cotton and other natural textiles are negatively charged; positive attracts negative.