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Bristle fixation strength (measured in Newtons) was assessed using a bristle pull test machine. Five bristles, each at a defined position within each Filament Security Unit were pull tested. The average, standard deviation and percentage variance of the results were calculated. Results: Average fixation strength assessed to be acceptable and with very little deviation.
Test brushes were placed into five different industrial cleaning chemical solutions for 24 hours. Result: No visible change after chemical exposure
UST hand scrub brushes were subjected to load testing, at the point where the handle joined the brush head. Their strength was compared to equivalent resin hand scrub brushes. Result: The UST brushware were stronger than the resin brushes.
Test brushes were repeatedly placed into a domestic oven at 80°C and then removed and transferred immediately into a domestic freezer (approx. -18°C). Result: No visible change after repeated heating and cooling.
Test brushes were repeatedly autoclaved at 121°C for 20 minutes. Result: No visible change after autoclaving.
Test brushes were repeatedly processed in an industrial dishwasher, using a commercial detergent, at 93ºC. Result: Fine filaments (<0.3mm) in all drilled and stapled, resin set, drilled and stapled resins set, and UST brushware were bent by the force of the dishwasher water jets. This effect can be minimised through appropriate placement of the products in the dishwasher. All other UST products showed no visible change.
Test brushes were fitted to the Vikan robotic test rig and ‘used’ continually for 24 hours. The speed, pressure and movement of the brush were set to mimic those experienced by each brush type during use. Result: No visible change after repeated use.
Conducted by Campden BRI, UK. The surface roughness (Ra) of a product is related to its cleanability. The Ra of UST brushware was evaluated using a surface profilometer, at various positions on the brush. For each, the stylus was dragged over a set sampling length. An Ra of less than of 0.8 μm (EHEDG guidance) is acceptable. Results: All measurements of Ra were less than 0.8 μm
EU and FDA food contact safety compliance assessments conducted by Eurofins, DK. For EU compliance assessments, the overall migration of chemicals, from triplicate UST brushware samples into 10% ethanol, 3% acetic acid and olive oil, was determined after total immersion (according to EN 1186-2 and EN 1186-3) in the simulants for 18 hours, at 40°C. Result: All UST brushware are fully compliant with EU and FDA regulations in regard to food contact safety.
Conducted by Campden BRI, UK. The internal structure of UST brushes was investigated for crevices using X-ray micro computed tomography (micro-CT). This is a non-destructive technique that allows the internal structure of objects to be imaged and measured. Result: No visible crevices were seen within or between any of the components of the UST brushware.
Test brush functionality was visually assessed after cleaning laminate flooring prepared with appropriate soil types (both wet and dry cleaned) using the Vikan robotic rig. The speed, pressure and movement of the brush were set to mimic those experienced by each brush type during use. Result: All UST brushes functioned as well as if not better than their drilled and stapled equivalent.
Test brushes were smeared with UV reactive lotion, cleaned by vigorous dunking in and out of warm soapy water and then visually examined in a UV cabinet to assess the extent of any remaining ‘contamination’. UST brushware cleanability was compared to that of drilled and stapled; resin; drilled and stapled resin; and fused filament brushware. Result: UST brushes were more effectively cleaned than any of the other brushware samples.
FDA-compliant raw material
Glass and Fork (EU 1935/2004)
Declaration of Compliance
Regulation (EU 10/2011)
Available on Vikan.com
Materials
Polyester, Polypropylene, Stainless Steel
FDA-compliant raw material
Glass and Fork (EU 1935/2004)
Declaration of Compliance Regulation (EU 10/2011)*
*Some manufacturers do not provide appropriate DoCs
Materials
Polyester, Polypropylene, Stainless Steel, Epoxy Resin**
**Some products containing resin are not fully compliant with the EU regulations.
Please note, that Vikan does not supply this type of product.
FDA-compliant raw material
Glass and Fork (EU 1935/2004)
Declaration of Compliance Regulation (EU 10/2011) Available on Vikan.com
Materials
Polyester, Glass reinforced polypropylene
Download the article”Are your Cleaning Tools Food Safe?”
Published in International Food Hygiene
Volume 26 Number 4 (2015)
