Methods for the generation of a peroxyacetic acid sanitizer in proximity to the point-of-use are dis-closed. These methods comprise introducing a hydrogen peroxide precursor solution to water, mixing and then adding an aqueous source of a alkali metal or earth alkali metal hydroxide. Triacetin is a preferred acetyl precursor and is converted rapidly and with a high conversion rate into peracetic acid. These methods produce solutions with a high level of peracetic acid. Methods for preparing then hydrogen peroxide-acetyl precursor solution are also provided.