Determining which sanitizer to use in a food and biosecurity facility or public space is an important decision. In addition to being compliant with EPA standards, the sanitizer must also be easy to use, proven to work in challenging environments, and, of course, safe and effective. As a product, D7 meets all of these requirements, and as a company, Decon7 Systems exceeds them by building long-term partnerships to protect your brand and other valuable resources.

If you’re new to D7, learn more about it with answers to these frequently asked questions.

1. What makes D7 different from other products?

There are countless sanitizers for the food and biosecurity industry as well as public safety, and all of them must meet minimum requirements. However, D7 stands out from the rest because of its patented chemical solution. Unlike other disinfectants and sanitizers, D7 chemically cleaves the spore wall and neutralizes the mycotoxin inside. It also changes the osmotic pressure around the cell, causing an imbalance in the internal cellular pressure and resulting in a collapse of the cellular membrane. Because of this unique feature, D7 also has the power to destroy biofilms.

2. Which microorganisms does D7 kill?

D7 is a broad-spectrum disinfectant that is efficacious against SARS-CoV-2, Aspergillus niger, Avian Influenza A [(H3N2)] Reassortant Virus, Avian Influenza A [(H5N1)] Virus, Avian Influenza A [(H7N9)] Virus, Norovirus, porcine epidemic diarrhea virus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm, Salmonella enterica, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus aureus biofilm, and T. interdigitale. D7 is also a food contact surface sanitizer that is efficacious against Listeria monocytogenes, Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus; a potable water rinse is required.*

3. What is in D7?

D7 is a proprietary blend of detergent, percent hydrogen peroxide, and a booster. Based on cutting-edge developments in chemical science, D7 utilizes surfactants that penetrate the cell walls of bacteria to allow the natural cleaning power of hydrogen peroxide to make it disable. The products work at the molecular level to sanitize surfaces.

The ingredients and the combined formulation are nontoxic and safe to apply when used as directed. Each kit comes with the three components in the appropriate ratios, so all you have to do is mix and apply per label instructions.

4. When should D7 be used?

D7 products can be used in a range of applications for routine maintenance, deep cleans, and outbreaks. Here are a few examples of the industries we serve:

Food and Biosecurity

D7 is effective at eliminating common bacteria such as E. coli, Salmonella, and Listeria. As such, it can sanitize and disinfect equipment and facilities after an outbreak is discovered. Additionally, using D7 as part of a regular maintenance schedule can help prevent outbreaks from occurring in the first place. Taking this type of proactive measure ultimately protects the company from the risks and costs associated with handling an outbreak.

Facilities Disinfection

D7 products can be used in the routine cleaning of public facilities to help protect occupants from exposure to bacteria and viruses. In the event of a SARS-CoV-2 outbreak, the products can disinfect high contact points before occupants return.

Defense and Public Safety

D7 was developed with defense and public safety in mind. Because D7 is also effective against chemical toxins, it can decontaminate firefighter turnout gear to reduce exposure to carcinogenic compounds. We have also developed a Mobile Extraction Unit, which is a self-contained decontamination station used to clean firefighter turnout gear on site. 

5. How is D7 prepared and applied?

For any disinfectant, correct application is critical to achieve results. D7 is a three-part blend that can launder fabrics or be applied as a foam, wet spray, soaking or fog.* The product can be manually prepared by measuring and mixing or prepared by pneumatic or electric mixing stations or also by a water-driven venturi, with no special equipment required to apply it. After the product is mixed, the best results are achieved by use within eight hours.* A potable water rinse is required after application on food contact surfaces.

6. What resources are available for training?

Decon7 provides a free, no-obligation consultation to determine the best approach to your sanitation needs. Whether you need to apply foam, spray, fog, let it soak, or a combination of these methods will depend on the equipment and surfaces being treated. During this free consultation, we will:

• • Evaluate the needs of your facility and recommend the appropriate kit.
  • Provide a purchase order with pricing.
  • Work with you to integrate D7 into your regular processes.
  • Propose a pilot program, when appropriate.

Because no two situations are alike, we take the time to send representatives to the site for the first application to provide training and ensure the product is applied correctly. Ongoing training is provided as needed and our professional technical staff is always available to answer questions.

7. What industries use D7?

D7 was originally developed by Sandia National Laboratories for use in military operations. It has since been used in a range of applications, including:

• • Food and biosecurity (e.g., meat, poultry, seafood, dairy, bakeries, produce)
  • Defense and public safety
    
  • Facilities disinfection 
    
  • First responders - Fire, police, ambulatory
  • Janitorial services (e.g., schools, gyms, sports facilities, churches, office buildings, medical facilities)

8. How much do I have to buy?

Some of the biggest players in the food and biosecurity industry use D7, but we know that companies of all sizes must sanitize and disinfect equipment and surfaces. This is why we provide D7 kits in a range of sizes. No matter how big or small your disinfecting needs are, D7 has you covered. Use our D7 Solution Calculator to determine how much product you will need for your application. 

If you have additional questions about D7 and how it can help protect your brand, contact us today to learn more.

*To be used for deodorization and nonpublic health claims.
*See label for specific use instructions.