An aqueous, alkaline cleaning composition for use on hard-to-clean soils,
encountered in pharmaceutical, personal care, food and cosmetic
manufacturing, comprising a source of alkalinity, a biodegradable
surfactant system further comprising one or more surfactants, one or more
hydrotropes, and a UV-analyzable surfactant, and a biodegradable
chelating agent. The composition offers unique advantages of stability
over the expected shelf life, low-foaming property, phosphate-free and
biodegradable components, and unexpectedly enhanced antimicrobial,
including virucidal, activity in one cleaning composition. The
UV-analyzable surfactant allows for validation of cleaning processes
using known techniques for manufacturers who are required or desire to do
so.