Facility managers may not realize the dangers that can lurk inside their commercial ice machines, according to an article on the Facility Executive website.
If commercial ice machines aren’t regularly emptied and cleaned, biofilm can form and turn the bin into a low-tech bio-breeding ground.
There are several ice machine manufacturers who have put antimicrobial coatings in their equipment and bins, but this does not provide a substitute for regular thorough cleaning of the film which might form, the article said.
The likelihood that someone will get sick from ice reduces with regular bin cleaning, proper hand washing, and correct ice handling procedures.
Among the best practices, the article suggests is getting an antimicrobial light for the inside of your ice machine bin. The device creates an inhospitable environment for the microbes and bacteria to thrive.
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