Abstract: An antimicrobial and antiviral composition in powder form or in the form of a two part liquid concentrate for washing and sanitizing foods, food surfaces, food ware, process waters, animal quarters, and animal carcasses is described. The composition may also be used to reduce the microbial and viral population on animals; reducing human pathogenic microbes, reducing opportunistic pathogenic microbes on eggs, and treating skin diseases. The composition includes three reactive species which in solution form an oxidizing species, and optionally a food grade acid source. The reactive species include a natural source of a quaternary or protonizable nitrogen compound which is acceptable on foods, an oxidant and a halide source.

Abstract: An oxidizing species is described herein as a reaction product through an in situ preparation combining a quaternary or protonizable nitrogen compound, an oxidant compound and a halide source at controlled proportions in an aqueous, non-aqueous, gel, aerosol, solid-phase or powdered media. The oxidizing species can be used to reduce microbial and viral populations on a surface or object or in a body or stream of water. The invention thus finds applications as a bleach, sanitizer, oxidant, or in any other application in which an oxidizing agent can be beneficially used alone or in a formulation.