Ice comes in a wide variety of forms, including flaked ice, nugget ice, crushed ice, cubed ice and now the popular craft ice. Regardless of the shape, size or form, it’s important to know that ice is considered a food by the FDA. Like other food, packaged ice must be produced according to FDA’s regulation for Current Good Manufacturing Practices in Manufacturing, Packing or Holding Human Food. It is important to note that this is packaged ice and not the ice produced in commercial foodservice operations to be served to customers.
FDA does not inspect foodservice outlets specifically for ice, however, food service outlets such as restaurants, school cafeterias, long term care facilities, etc. are subject to regulation by State and local authorities and inspected regularly. These inspections will often include confirmation of safe and sanitary production and handling of ice. Here are some tips you can use to train employees on proper ice handling and safety solutions:
Wash hands before getting ice from the ice maker or bin
Hold the ice scoop handle and do not touch other parts of the ice scoop. We recommend the Saf-T-Scoop which has a guard to protect against direct contact with ice.
Do not use a glass or cup as a scope as it may break and you’ll have glass chips in your ice bin
Do not use your hands to directly scoop ice
Do not return unused ice to the ice machine or bin
Keep the doors to your ice bin closed unless your removing ice for use
Store ice scoops outside of the ice maker and in a clean container, like a scoop holder. If left inside an ice bin, the ice scoop can easily get buried leaving you to have to dig it out potentially contaminating the entire bin of ice. Clean and sanitize the ice scoop and container regularly.
Do not store anything other than clean ice bin – no drinks, fruit, foods, etc. in the ice machine. Never use the ice machine as a refrigerator.
Clean all ice making equipment, ice machines and ice bins, regularly and address any maintenance issues as identified.
For equipment or supplies, like ice transport bins, ice scoops or other safe ice handling solutions, Cook’s can help you find the right products for your foodservice operation.
