You may want to think twice before ordering extra ice at a restaurant.
Quite a few restaurant inspections mention a ‘pink substance’ or ‘black buildup’ on ice machines. Mold, slime or grime buildup found in ice machines has been reported by the RGJ 26 times in the past 12 months. Here’s what can grow on ice machines, what health risk it poses and how to prevent it.
What’s the pink, black buildup in ice machines?
Commonly mistaken for mold, the pink buildup found in ice machines is actually a bacteria colony. Without proper cleaning, the humid and dark environment found inside ice machines allows the colonies to thrive. Yeast, food debris and grease buildup in a restaurant can further contribute to the proliferation of these colonies.
Most bacteria colonies can form a slimy substance known as a biofilm. If left undisturbed, biofilm can coat surfaces with frequent moisture exposure , according to the Center for Biofilm Engineering at Montana State University. Areas where they are likely to occur include the surfaces of an ice machine, a dog bowl or even your water bottle…