What is Microban® and How Does it Affect Food Safety?

Recently, manufacturers have a released a variety of industrial and consumer products featuring Microban. It offers a protection to whatever is created with it to continuously make products easier to clean and to keep them cleaner between cleanings. Used in medical applications for over 10 years, Microban is registered with the EPA. NSF has also approved it for use in food and splash zone areas and food processing equipment. 

Microban provides a clean work environment. The antimicrobial product protection is built-in to inhibit the growth of bacteria and mold that can cause stains, odors and product deterioration. While Microban is a helpful adjunct to good sanitation practices, Microban technology is not a substitute for normal cleaning practices and is not designed to protect users from food borne illness. Maintaining regular sanitation practices should remain your top priority.

Virtually all manufacturers that we carry have products with Microban incorporated. Many ice machine companies incorporate Microban in their machines and bins to reduce bacteria in the moist environments. Many cutlery companies  use it in their plastic handles so that do not become a haven for contamination. Even equipment companies such as Globe Slicers, Hobart, Vulcan, and others use Microban in the plastic portions of their equipment. Other manufacturers Globe Equipment carries with products using Microban include Metro, Cambro, Carlisle, and Rubbermaid. Look for the Microban logo (pictured to the right) to see if your product has it included.