Abstract: The invention includes a method of preparing hypobromous acid by mixing an aqueous solution of hydrogen bromide and a source of hypochlorite with water. The invention also includes a method of using the hypobromous acid prepared by this method to wash animal carcasses, trim, and offal to reduce microorganisms, in particular, human pathogenic bacteria, on and in the carcasses, trim, or offal. Compositions of hypobromous acid are also described. The hypobromous acid of the invention may also be used to reduce fat, oil, and grease build-up on equipment and hard surfaces used in the processing of animal carcasses, trim, and offal.

Abstract: The invention includes a method of preparing hypochlorite-activated solutions of hypobromous acid and/or hypobromite ion. The method includes the steps of mixing a solution of a source of bromide ion with a solution of a source of hypochlorite ion to activate the bromide ion, allowing sufficient time to maximize the activation of the bromide ion, and storing the solution before use. The invention also includes a method of using the solution to wash meat and poultry carcasses, trim, and offal to reduce pathogenic microorganisms. The solutions may also be used to reduce pathogenic microorganisms in industrial cooling water and on food contact hard surfaces and equipment. The solutions may be stored for up to about three hours before use and are stable for that period of time.