FAQ's

WHAT IS PIP?

PIP stands for Probiotics In Progress. This is a line of probiotic cleaning products manufactured by the Chrisal company in Belgium. The PIP range of products represent a new generation of probiotic hygiene products containing good bacteria that replace the pathogenic (harmful, disease causing) bacteria. Some examples of pathogenic bacteria are Salmonella, E.Coli, Staphylococcus, Clostridium etc.

WHAT ARE PROBIOTICS?

Probiotics is a term used for good, safe bacteria that have a positive influence on the health of humans, animals and the environment.

HOW DOES PIP WORK?

During cleaning or application with PIP products, a large portion of pathogenic (harmful) bacteria are removed by physical means (mopping/washing) as is the case with regular cleaning. The innovative aspect of the PIP range is that immediately after being applied, a layer of good (probiotic) bacteria is now on the cleaned surfaces (or in water treatment in the water). The PIP bacteria will immediately occupy all space, and consume the food and moisture resources, thereby preventing newly arriving pathogenic bacteria from multiplying. Added to this is the Gause’s Law of competitive exclusion where our good bacteria eventually outcompete the bad bacteria.

IS PIP A DISINFECTANT?

No, PIP products have no biocidal effect on other bacteria, therefore the pathogens cannot become resistant to PIP.

WHERE ARE PIP PRODUCTS USED?

PIP products can be used in all places where hygiene is important. Hospitals, senior facilities, extended care and retirement homes, malls, schools, daycares, and office buildings can all benefit by the reduction of pathogens in their environment. Other places that benefit from these probiotic cleaning products are livestock housing and animal care facilities, horticulture, and many water applications such as HVAC and water lines.

CAN I COMBINE PIP WITH DISINFECTION?

On occasions where a facility needs a fast 3-log reduction of bacteria, they still need to use a good disinfectant. Our products replace conventional cleaning products and help to sustainably lower the pathogens by 80-90%. Combining probiotic cleaning with controlled use of disinfectants when necessary, will greatly improve hygiene.

HOW CAN WE BE SURE THAT PIP PRODUCTS ARE SAFE FOR HUMANS, ANIMALS AND THE ENVIRONMENT?

All bacteria used in PIP products are naturally occurring probiotics, and are also used in the food industry as dietary supplements. As such, all Chrisal probiotics are food grade (meaning allowed for human consumption). All probiotic strains used in all PIP probiotic products belong to the species that are listed on the Qualified Presumption of Safety (QPS) list issued by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). They are also on Health Canada’s approved Domestic Substances List (DSL), and listed as Class 1 (safe) on the USA ATCC list. The probiotics are not genetically altered in any way. The Chrisal company goes to great lengths to ensure the safety and quality of the probiotic bacteria it uses.

WHAT DOES PIP DO FOR MY WATER SYSTEMS?

PIP puts a healthy microbiological composition into the water system. The biofilm which normally forms in the water system and makes the water cloudy, leaves slimy residues and pollutes your filter, will be broken down and removed within a short period. The result is a clear and pure water tank or pond with water that is healthy and hygienic.

DO I HAVE TO ADD OTHER BACTERIA WHILE TREATING WATER SYSTEMS USING PIP?

No, the best results are obtained when no other additions are made. The PIP bacteria also stimulate the very important nitrogen cycle in your filter. If the circumstances require medication (as in fish ponds), it is advisable to start adding PIP immediately after the treatment is ended. This will help to quickly restore a stable, healthy micro flora in the water.

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN I STOP USING PIP OR I HAVE INTERRUPTED THE USE OF IT?

PIP probiotic bacteria will colonize the environment they are applied to and maintain a stable safe bacterial micro flora in that space for approximately 3 days. Therefore, it is necessary to re apply the PIP products on a regular basis (twice weekly) to maintain an optimal activity of the bacteria in areas where you are wanting to control pathogens. It is not advised to interrupt the use of PIP for more than 14 days.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I OVERDOSE THE PIP?

A high dose of PIP will result in a higher number of good bacteria present in the water or on the surfaces, depending upon where you are using it. Over application has only positive effects in your pond or on surfaces and may give a longer after-effect.

HOW DO I STORE PIP?

Since there are living bacteria present in PIP it must be stored between 5ºC and 40ºC, and kept out of direct sunlight. Do not freeze. The products are shelf stable as a concentrate (have not been diluted) for two or three years from date of manufacture, depending upon the product.

ARE PIP PRODUCTS SAFEE FOR HUMANS AND PETS

All PIP products are safe to use, environmentally friendly and harmless. No protective clothing is required and contact with bare skin will have no negative effects.

ARE PIP BACTERIA AEROBIC OR ANAEROBIC BACTERIA?

They are high performing facultative anaerobic, as they can both function under aerobic and anaerobic conditions. The species used in PIP are commonly found in healthy dirt, as well as in activated sludge (wastewater treatment plants) so they will not interfere with septic systems. PIP bacteria are known to be very capable in processing all kinds of organic matter.

IS THERE ANY RISK OF HORIZONTAL GENE TRANSFER (HGT) FROM PATHOGENS?

HGT to and from our probiotic bacteria is very rare but it is not overlooked that it could still happen. Despite the incredibly small risk of this happening, Chrisal continually monitors the genetics of the probiotic bacteria being used and twice a year changes the strain composition as a preventative measure to avoid this happening.