Which chemical is NOT among the three approved for cleaning?

• A. Chlorine
• B. Iodine
• C. Quaternary Ammonia
• D. Ethanol

Answer: (D)

In cleaning and sanitizing food-contact surfaces, programs typically recognize three approved sanitizers: chlorine, iodine, and quaternary ammonium compounds. These have long track records of effectiveness, are widely tested, and have established use guidelines for safe concentrations and contact times, even when surfaces aren’t perfectly clean. Ethanol, while antimicrobial, isn’t counted among these three in many standards because it is less effective on soiled surfaces, evaporates quickly which shortens contact time, and it is flammable, making it less practical as the primary surface sanitizer in many food-service settings. So ethanol is not among the approved sanitizers in this context.