Biosecurity Insights: How Do We Know a Disinfectant Really Works?

When choosing a disinfectant, it's easy to be drawn to claims such as "kills 99.99% of germs" or "effective against viruses and bacteria." But how do manufacturers prove these claims?

The answer is independent laboratory testing.

Before a reputable disinfectant reaches the market, it should be tested by an independent laboratory against recognised standards. These tests measure how well a product performs against specific bacteria, viruses, yeasts and fungi under carefully controlled conditions.

Why is testing important?

Biosecurity is about reducing the risk of disease transmission, so confidence in your disinfectant should come from scientific evidence, not just marketing.

At Safe4, our disinfectants are independently tested by several recognised UK laboratories.

BluTest Laboratories, a UKAS-accredited microbiology laboratory that specialises in antimicrobial efficacy testing, is the main laboratory that we use.

Using an independent laboratory provides reassurance that product claims are backed by recognised scientific methods.

What are EN standards?

Many disinfectants are tested to European Standards (EN). These standards specify exactly how the product must be tested, including:

• Which microorganisms are used
• The disinfectant concentration
• Contact time
• Temperature
• Whether testing is carried out under clean or dirty conditions This means products are assessed using the same methods, allowing meaningful comparisons between disinfectants.

Our dilution guide shows which EN standards our disinfectant has passed and is available on request.

What about DEFRA approval?

For disinfectants used against certain notifiable animal diseases, laboratory testing alone isn't enough.

In the UK, products intended for use against diseases such as avian influenza or foot-and-mouth disease must also undergo testing and approval as part of the DEFRA Approved Disinfectants Scheme. Only products that meet DEFRA's requirements can be listed for use against these diseases at the approved dilution rates. During a confirmed outbreak of a notifiable disease, it is a legal requirement to use a disinfectant listed on DEFRA's website.

A list of DEFRA approved disinfectants is available on their website.

Testing is only part of the story

Even the best disinfectant won't work properly if it isn't used correctly.

Always:

• Clean heavily soiled surfaces first.
• Use the correct dilution.
• Allow the recommended contact time.
• Follow the manufacturer's instructions. Good biosecurity relies on both an effective product and good cleaning practices.

In Summary

Independent testing gives you confidence that a disinfectant has been scientifically assessed and shown to work under recognised conditions. Combined with the correct use and, where required, DEFRA approval, it helps ensure you're choosing a product you can rely on.

At Safe4, we believe good biosecurity starts with evidence, which is why independent testing is such an important part of developing our products.

Any of our test results are available on request.