[avmich]

I think they are not the same thing, not exactly, and the difference is interesting.

Hydrogen peroxide is a rather - comparatively - unstable substance, it decomposes to water and oxygen; hydrogen peroxide is a rather strong oxidizer, which defines a lot of its properties.

I'd assume double -O- bond in peracetic acid behaves the same - decomposes with release of O and acetic acid (or the anion of the acid). This oxidizing effect likely provides the effect which is desired - the same which chlorine would produce, that is, oxidizing a lot of things in chickens making them safer.

I've heard that hydrogen peroxide is used in Europe instead of chlorine in US for water treatment - for example, in swimming pools. I'm not sure why peracetic acid is chosen.

[zaarn]

Not instead, along with chlorine, atleast in swimming pools and general water treatment.

Hydrogen Peroxide under UV light can burn a lot of toxins that the chlorine cannot catch, so to speak.