Quaternary Ammonium Compounds

AGQ Labs has developed an internally validated method for Didecyldimethylammonium Chloride (DDAC) and Benzalkonium Chloride (BAC) in a wide range of fruits and vegetables. These are two key quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs or Quats) that are used for disinfectants, biocides, and plant protection purposes.

In the United States quaternary ammonium compounds are not considered pesticides and therefore do not have MRLs. In the European Union, quaternary ammonium compounds classification as a plant protection active substance makes them subject to EC Regulation 396/2005. The MRLs for quaternary ammonium compounds in the EU is 0.1 mg/kg (ppm).

The RASFF Portal (Rapid Alert System Feed and Food) has numerous alerts for these chemicals in food and any exporter to the EU should test their product.

QACs are chemicals classified within the group of cationic surfactants. Their general structure comprises a cationic portion composed of a nitrogen atom linked to four alkyl chains and a halogen atom. The broad advantages of QACs make them one of the first options when designing cleaning and disinfection protocols, and when choosing a disinfectant product for food and veterinary surfaces.