Cleaning surfaces

If peanut butter or another allergen is present in the school environment, it is paramount that no residues be found on people’s hands or other surfaces.

A recent U.S. study suggests that liquid or bar soap and antibacterial wipes can effectively remove peanut butter residue from hands. However, anti-bacterial hand sanitizers and water alone are not as effective.¹

In the same study, researchers found that common household cleaning products such as Formula 409 (Clorox), Lysol sanitizing wipes, and Target brand cleaner with bleach were effective in removing residual peanut allergen from surfaces.

Not all products may be available in Canada, but the research suggests that comparable products would work equally well.

1. Perry T, Conover-Walker MK, Pomés A, Chapman M, Wood RA. Distribution of peanut allergen in the environment. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology 2004;113:973-6.