Each industry has its secrets and faults that only a few may know about. Most of the time, everyone gets ice in their water at a restaurant so it may seem confusing to some as to why we are saying you should avoid it when possible.
Well, we won’t keep you guessing and will share the reasons we have for why you should avoid getting ice when you are at a restaurant. The reasons we have compiled may be a bit self-explanatory to some but shocking to others. They mostly involve the restaurant’s cleanliness and hygiene.
Two Reasons Why You Should Avoid Ice Cubes in Restaurants
Two factors hold the key to an establishment’s reputation which is why not many people know these reasons. Here are the reasons why you need to avoid ordering iced beverages in restaurants.
Cleanliness and Upkeep
More than half of ice machines found in restaurants is not properly maintained. This means they are not cleaned as often as they should be or emptied regularly. This means that your pop, water, or cocktail may have dirty ice in it.
This may come as a surprise to some since restaurants are required to pass health inspections regularly as well as maintain a sanitized and clean environment to help prevent bacteria, mold, and dirt from becoming an issue. However, not every restaurant follows food safety and handling regulations, thus making room for potential issues such as a dirty ice machine.
Those who go against the grain and do not follow the rules can be tagged with a hefty fine. They can cost anywhere upwards of five hundred thousand dollars depending upon the situation. Foodborne illnesses can develop due to improper cleaning techniques or cross-contamination across food items.
If ice chests are left open as people work in the kitchen or bar area dust and particles are easily able to sneak into the container thus producing contaminated ice. Studies have shown over the years that a portion of restaurants at any given time are breaking this regulation and have ice chests full of bacteria. This is something to keep in mind the next time you are eating out or meeting up with friends for dinner.
Six Different Surfaces
Unknown to many, by the time your ice reaches you it has already been around six plus different surfaces. It goes through quite the journey before making its way to your glass. A journey that we are going to break down for you so that you can better understand how many items it touches.
The ice is made in an ice machine, whether the restaurant has its own in the basement or back room. Some smaller restaurants may have ice delivered as needed to save on space. The second point of contact is the person obtaining the ice. Most of the time this means that it is being gathered or scooped into a bucket to be moved into a bin for staff to use.
Believe it or not, the ice bucket used is surface number three that the ice touches with the ice bin being the fourth one. Then comes along another ice scoop which is used to add ice to each drink. If ice falls, it may be moved with a server’s hands or blocked by them to prevent it from falling – a potential sixth point to consider.
The final point that the restaurant is responsible for is your glass. This brings the total to a minimum of six different surfaces with the potential of more depending on the situation. Each restaurant may follow a different order or protocol depending upon their needs.
How crazy is it though that your ice which may already be dirty has also touched six-plus surfaces?
Aren’t Ice Machines Safe From Bacteria?
Many people believe that ice machines are too cold to allow bacteria to form and grow. However, unless cleaned well and properly sanitized regularly, they can still grow fungus and harmful bacteria. This can eventually lead to ice contamination.
This is made possible by layers being formed. The thicker the layers become the harder it is to remove the bacteria and sanitize the surface which is another reason why regular cleanings and sanitizations are essential. Bacteria such as E. Coli and fecal coliform bacteria have even been found in collected ice samples located within the cleanest diners or fast food restaurants which is why some are wary of restaurant ice.
The next time you are eating out or trying a new restaurant you may want to be a bit more inquisitive. You are allowed to ask for a drink with no ice in it or you can ask them when the last time their ice machine was properly cleaned. Nothing concerning the cleanliness of a restaurant should be off the table when it comes to a conversation.
Individuals can also look up a restaurant’s health inspection rating online. Many times, restaurants will advertise great ratings yet try and avoid discussing any less than stellar ones so conducting your own research can go a long way for sanitary preferences.