The present invention relates to a granular cleaning and disinfecting composition generating a peroxy acid upon dissolution in water comprising: (1) 15-60 wt % of a percarbonate, (2) 8-35 wt % of an acylating agent, (3) 0.5-5 wt % a nonionic surfactant, (4) 0.1-3 wt % of a phosphonate as a foam inhibitor, having a bulk density between 0.5 and 1.4 kg/L as well as a method for cleaning or disinfecting with a low-foaming peroxy acid containing use solution obtained upon dissolution of the granular composition in water.