Everyone has a favorite go-to cocktail they order when they visit their favorite watering hole. But if the drink is made with ice, you may want to reconsider.
While it’s not new news, a recent article described interviews with several bartenders who noted that restaurants may not clean their ice machines regularly. While the Food Code in most states govern the cleaning standards for ice, these standards vary. Mold and bacteria have regularly been found in ice machines, which can lead to serious illness. Even bartenders who fail to wash their hands can contaminate ice, which can spread disease.
The key for restaurants and bars to avoid contamination is to treat ice with the same safety precautions that they would treat food. This includes training employees on how to properly handle and store ice.
If you have questions about food safety for your business, contact our attorneys at Morsel Law.