Chlorine dioxide is used to treat poultry drinking water, in order to control pathogenic organisms that might make the birds sick.
Chlorine dioxide is used for pathogen control in poultry processing. For example, after initial washing, birds are submerged in very cold (e.g., 34° F) chiller water to lower the temperature of the carcass. Chlorine dioxide is often dissolved in the chiller water used to kill microorganisms and help prevent cross contamination.
Chlorine dioxide solution is used to decontaminate unacceptably soiled birds, which must be pulled off line and decontaminated before being returned for continued processing.
Chlorine dioxide solutions are used in poultry plants to decontaminate hard surfaces and processing equipment.
Before handling any chemical, persons are advised to acquire training in the handling and use of such materials, and to become fully familiar with applicable Material Safety Data Sheets and operating manuals.
In the United States, the use of chlorine dioxide is for many purposes regulated by agencies of the Federal Government, especially: EPA, FDA, OSHA. The transportation of chemicals is regulated by DOT. State and local regulatory agencies may also have jurisdiction. Before chlorine dioxide is used for any purpose, the user should become fully informed about any and all applicable governmental rules, regulations and codes.