Glutaraldehydecannot be used for direct disinfection of food or food contact materials (e.g., food processing equipment, packaging films), and its application in the food industry is strictly restricted:
Prohibition reasons: Glutaraldehyde has certain toxicity and may remain on food contact surfaces; if it migrates into food, it can cause gastrointestinal irritation or allergic reactions in humans.
Allowed scenarios: It can only be used for non-food contact areas in food factories, such as disinfection of workshop ground drains, sewage pipelines, or garbage storage areas—with a maximum concentration of 1% and a requirement to rinse the site with clean water after disinfection to prevent residue.
Regulatory requirements: Countries such as the EU and the U.S. have explicitly included glutaraldehyde in the list of "substances not allowed for food contact disinfection," and food enterprises violating this regulation may face product recalls or fines.
