Abstract: A biodegradable composition having long term phase and composition stability, and a method for producing both short and long period biocide activity, is used for disinfecting animal husbandry surfaces, in the medical and food industry, and the like. The composition contains propionic acid for pH control, and preferably iodine or an iodine containing compound. The propionic acid combines with ambient ammonia, or ammonia containing compounds arising from fermenting litter and manure to form ammonium propionate, which in turn inhibits or prevents microorganism formation, including mold formation. A surfactant which complexes with the iodine may also be used for spraying onto surfaces, and is effective in the presence of a high organic challenge and hard water.

Abstract: A phase-stable, biocide concentrate and/or solution composition is provided for disinfecting surfaces such as in animal husbandry applications, food processing, medical purposes, and the like. In the concentrate form, the composition comprises a quaternary ammonium biocide, an aliphatic dialdehyde and a foam surfactant. Typically, the solution composition may employ glutaraldehyde, a foam producing surfactant, a chelating agent, an odor obscuring compound, and an acid to lower the pH and stabilize the glutaraldehyde. The concentrate has a stability at ambient temperature of up to about two years. When applied to surfaces employed in animal husbandry, the adhesive properties of the composition enable it to remain in contact with these surfaces a sufficiently long time and thereby provide effective cleaning and disinfecting capability.