A New Chapter for Harrigan Sanitation Solutions
September 10, 2026
Harrigan Sanitation Solutions believes the quality of sanitation comes down to more than the chemical in the tank. It comes down to the people applying it, and how consistently they do the work. New research from Cornell University backs that up, and recent recalls here in Wisconsin show why it matters. Compressing sanitation cycle time is valuable, but speed is only half the equation. The other half is a safe, clean, and audit-ready plant.
Recent Listeria Cases in Wisconsin
This month, frozen pasta sold at Walmart, including in Wisconsin, was recalled over possible Listeria contamination. In February, frozen blueberries distributed to Wisconsin were pulled in a Class I recall, the FDA’s most serious category.
Listeria is a persistent threat to processing plants because it forms resilient biofilms on equipment and damp surfaces. Once established, it can continuously recontaminate food products. That means chemistry alone isn’t enough—the bacteria has to be physically removed.
What the Research Shows
In a Cornell study reported by Food Safety Magazine, three operators sprayed the same sanitizer by hand and got very different results. The least effective approach left roughly 60 times more bacteria behind than the most effective. Spraying longer, from closer, with direct force made the difference.
Thorough Cleaning, Every Shift
When Harrigan Sanitation Solutions conducts sanitation assessments, we often see that the quality of the existing cleaning process could be improved. When we step in to help, every member of a Harrigan ‘pit crew’ has a defined role, and every step is done right, not just fast. Our trustworthy crews:
- Implement smarter & more efficient food safety programs utilizing our Sanitation Manual
- Fully utilize the 7 Steps of Sanitation, following practices and processes that ensure compliance with USDA, FDA, SQF and BRC requirements
- Keep the master sanitation schedule on track
- Participate in daily handoff meetings to be assured all issues have been addressed before leaving
- Take care of the little things, like making sure chemicals are properly labeled and stored
Checking the Work Before QA
Consistent results come from teams that hold themselves accountable. Our crews double-check their own work before pre-op, aiming for a first-time pass when QA arrives. We keep clear feedback loops in place, including walking the line with QA during inspection, so issues are found, understood, and fixed together.
Behind the scenes, a rigorous audit effort monitors sanitation-related documentation, GMPs, best practices, chemical usage and the sanitation process itself. And because Harrigan maintains turnover rates two-thirds lower than the industry average, the people on your floor know your plant and apply the same proven technique shift after shift.
Crossing the Finish Line
The same sanitizer can deliver very different results depending on how it’s applied. With consistent, dedicated teams and the right systems in place, sanitation stops being a sticking point and starts reducing risk and powering profit. Interested in learning more? Submit a form or reach Dave at dstern@harrigansolutions.com today.
Sources
FOX6 News, “Frozen blueberry recall: FDA issues Class I alert over possible listeria contamination”
Food Safety Magazine, “Study Shows How Spray Application Affects Sanitizer Efficacy Against Listeria on Food-Contact Surfaces”, reporting on Cornell University research published in Applied and Environmental Microbiology
Wausau Pilot & Review, “Frozen pasta sold at Walmart recalled over possible listeria contamination”, September 24, 2026
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, recalled frozen blueberries sold in Wisconsin, February 26, 2026
