Taps, draught beer

There is little debate that line cleaning is the key parameter in the assurance of draught beer quality. Whilst the tap and the keg coupler are clearly contributors to dispense system hygiene, they receive comparatively little attention, and what there is (i.e. spout cleaning), can exacerbate the problem. 

In the USA, a very different approach is recommended to assure the hygiene of the tap. Here the Brewers Association (2011) takes a very different stance and, as best practice recommended, as part of the 14-day cleaning cycle all faucets should be completely disassembled and cleaned . Intuitively this will add (hygienic) value and should be a best practice aspiration in all markets for draught beer. 

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