Characterization of Mixed Fatty-starchy Soils for Cleaning Studies in Food Industry

A protocol for the preparation of mixtures of fat (pork lard) and soluble potato starch have been developed in order to standardized model soils for detergency studies. Different mixtures have been prepared and used as a soiling agent of stainless steel fibres. Cleaning tests have been carried out in a laboratory device reproducing a Cleaning-In-Place system, using phosphate buffer pH 7.0 as a cleaning solution. Individual detergencies referred to the fat and starch have been obtained analytically, as well as total detergency measured by weighing. Analytical and weighed detergencies have coincident results. Cleaning results constitute a first step for the development of a cleaning map for different grades of fat-starch mixed soils.