An antimicrobial application system is disclosed, comprising an antimicrobialapplication unit and a recycle unit. An initial, dilute antimicrobialcomposition is prepared. The composition is provided to the antimicrobialapplication unit and applied to workpieces, such as raw poultry. Afterapplication to the workpieces, the composition is returned to the recycletank. The concentration of the antimicrobial in the recycle tank is monitored,and additional antimicrobial is automatically added if the concentration ofthe antimicrobial in the composition falls below a desired amount. Thecomposition is periodically diverted to a capture tank, and the antimicrobialis selectively removed from the composition. The removed antimicrobial andremaining composition are then disposed of in appropriate manners. Theantimicrobial is preferably a quaternary ammonium compound, is more preferablyan alkylpyridinium chloride, and is most preferably cetylpyridinium chloride.