University Study Finds Certain Packaged Ice Could Pose Health Risks

TAMPA, FL — In the most comprehensive and important study to ever look at the safety of packaged ice, researchers from the University of Georgia conclude that since millions of pounds of packaged ice are produced by retailers and vending machines, a lot of this ice could put the consumer at risk.

University of Georgia researchers examined the microbiological quality of packaged ice produced and bagged at retail locations—convenience stores, liquor stores, fast-food restaurants and gas stations, plus ice produced at self-serve vending machines—and compared those results with ice produced by manufacturers that comply with the International Packaged Ice Association’s (IPIA) Packaged Ice Quality Control Standards (PIQCS). It is apparent from the study results, as you will see, that sanitary practices in producing and packaging ice are not being followed by many retailers and vending machines. Read more, here.