We probably never give it a second thought when we add ice to our drinks. Perhaps now its time that we do because it looks like these harmless pieces of solid water can make us sick! Ice is especially used in the summertime to keep beverages cold, but this information is making me reconsider.
The amount of disgusting germs lurking in your ice will give you goosebumps!
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It might seem like ice would be in the clear as far as germs go but they in fact can probably be the dirtiest thing you add to your drink. This also applies if it mishandled and you don't know where your ice is coming from.
Below are some of the yucky things that could be lurking in your ice and you don't even know it!
Mold: If you haven't cleaned out the ice maker in your fridge, mold can easily grow over time in the machine. The same can apply to those found in restaurants which make it easy for you to have your drinks contaminated.
Germs on your hands: Before handling ice, make sure to wash your hands. Keep in mind, everything you touch throughout the day remains on your hands and fingers until you wash them. Otherwise you can easily transfer any germs you are carrying onto the blocks of ice.
More bacteria than you think: A study found that six out of 10 restaurants failed to have clean ice makers and their ice was dirtier than the establishments' toilet water. Even the Environmental Protection Agency found that 72 percent of ice samples at fast food restaurants tested positive for coliform bacteria.
I think the lesson to be learned from all of this scary information is that we need to be more wary of how we handle ice. Although the bacteria we usually consume can't harm us, you never know if you'll end up getting the one ice cube that can get you severely sick. It's best to clean and maintain ice makers at home and at restaurants use your own discretion.
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