What is the proper way to handle ice intended for consumption?

• A. Use clean ice; store the scoop with handle outside the ice; keep ice bins clean and sanitized.
• B. Use ice that has melted and re-frozen.
• C. Keep the scoop inside the ice to minimize handling.
• D. Wash the ice with soap before use.

Answer: (A)

Ice that will be consumed should be handled to prevent contamination. Use clean ice from a safe source, and keep the scoop out of the ice, with the handle available outside the ice, so hands don’t touch the ice itself. Keeping the ice bin clean and sanitized helps prevent bacteria, residue, or slime from building up and contaminating the ice.

Why this matters: once ice becomes contaminated, it can spread germs to drinks and people who use it. Ice that has melted and been refrozen can indicate temperature abuse and offers an opportunity for microbes to multiply. The scoop inside the ice invites hand contact with the ice, increasing the risk of contamination. Washing ice with soap is not appropriate because soap residues can mix into the ice and make it unsafe to drink.