How many people can resist a latte that you order at the bar where you're sitting with friends? How about another refreshing drink during a family lunch? Have you heard about the dangers that can come to the organism from the ice that is thrown to these drinks that are served outside the house, that is, in different bars and restaurants?
If you make your own ice cubes at home, there is no problem, but the problems start with the ice making machines or when it is touched by dirty hands.
Dr. Bryan Quoc Le, a food scientist explained to HuffPost that: "Ice that has been improperly handled can pick up mold, bacteria and viruses from the hands of the waiters or chefs who serve it. Ice can pick up microorganisms from the air or the container that it is not washed and cleaned properly".
Bars, restaurants or hotels often use ice machines to produce ice cubes and like most machines, they need to be cleaned. Le points out: “Ice machines should be cleaned and sterilized regularly. If there are any potential contaminants in the ice machine itself, these can spread to the part being produced. Examples include mold and bacteria in pipes."
Can ice make us sick?
"Mold on ice can cause respiratory illnesses and allergic reactions," Le said. Mold can also serve as a source for the growth of bacteria and other pathogenic microorganisms.
Should we avoid ice in bars and restaurants?
Despite the horror stories of moldy ice and dirty cars, experts note that people should not be alarmed by this fact.
Dr. Le continues that: “Ice machines are usually quite safe as long as they are monitored and disinfected regularly. This is not an alarming concern compared to outbreaks of food poisoning."
