Dusty Ice-Dusty Ice Water-Bacteria in the Water - YUK!
Ever have a fountain drink at a fast food restaurant that left an after taste that felt like dust in the back of your throat? That dusty taste may be your body's own warning signal that you are drinking bacteria and possibly mold.
Science has come a long way in isolating and identify harmful bacteria. Keep in mind that not all bacteria is bad for us. Our mouths contain millions of bacteria - most of the time, these bacteria are either harmless or, in some cases, actually good for us.
Ice Cube Makers
Other Articles of Interest
Icemakers and Mold
Mold in confined spaces is very harmful and has been traced to a number of deaths. A puncture in your roof, a leak in your plumbing, moisture build-up in your air vents can readily spread deadly contamination. And mold and other bacteria in your ice maker, especially at hotels, is a major concern. Be careful!
Ice makers are always, without exception, wedged into small tight spaces without air circulation. If the ice maker doesn't have a high quality filter with antimicrobial protection- beware!
Drinking pure water and eating organically is a major green trend here in the United States. As we are learning more and more about food processing (Ammonia in Beef) and learning more about killer bacteria such as MRSA, E. coli and salmonella, we know that what we do not see can be harmful and potentially deadly to our bodies.
United States Food Industry
It is encouraging that the majority of food industry companies here in the United States is closely held meaning that they tend to be family-owned as opposed to publicly traded companies. Why does this matter? Because family ownership has a different value system associated with the quality of their products and their return on investment. Often ownership spans second and sometimes a third generation which values heritage and have learned from their patriarchs and matriarchs that the consumer rules. These family members want long-term success not quarterly results to be broad casted. These family members know one year's ROI is not going to support the family and subsequent generations.
The success of the Untied States food industry is denoted by one overriding factor - companies care about their products and consumers. Yes, they have the FDA mandates but, the bottom line is evident, they know the consumer is the one who determines demand and demand is what ultimately determines profits.
Yes, the food industry has been in the news with several outbreaks. And yes, some new technologies are in dire need of refinement. But overall, for the volume and testing and regulations, the food industry is and has been for years quickly addressing issues.
What this means for we, as consumers, is to start asking the correct questions. Demonstrate that we care about the ingredients. Paying a few cents more for non-ammonia beef is an option millions of Americans desire.
Mars Launches New Food Labels - New Transparency
A perfect example of the closely held food company doing what is right without US government mandates is Mars.
Mars said all packages will be redesigned to feature the new graphics on the front and back and this will offer “consumer-friendly, clear and easy to understand nutrition information to help consumers make informed choices at the point of purchase”.
"The company claims to be the first confectionery firm in the US to voluntarily introduce the Guideline Daily Amount (GDA) nutrition labeling scheme on its products, as part of its health and nutrition program.
It comes after a damning report this month found that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) was failing to crack down on false or misleading food labeling and suggested a system similar to GDA.
Mars’ new labels, referred to as "What's Inside", are designed to help consumers quickly and easily locate key nutrition information and make informed choices about their diet.
It uses the GDA graphics that initially appeared in Europe and was developed by The Confederation of Food and Drink Industries of the EU (CIAA). This gives specific amounts of fat, salt and sugar in a product as a percentage of the advised consumption per day and more than 50 manufacturers in the EU are now using GDAs. "
Another Issue - Beyond Food - Beyond Water - ICE!
Having access to pure water is not a luxury - it is a critical need. Having clean, mold-free water for our ice is often overlooked and yet is also an important health concern. Knowing ice machine and fountain drink machines have the highest quality water filters/water systems to combat mold and potentially deadly bacteria is an important consumer concern.
Filters, Ultraviolet Light, Reverse Osmosis and Mold
Filtration cannot fight mold alone. Water filters need either the strength of ozonated water or chlorine to completely combat mold and difficult bacteria such as salmonella and E. coli. UV works wonders - on what it can see. UV is line of sight. However, remember UV cannot attack harmful bacteria if it doesn't have contact.
Layered Ozonated Water to the Rescue
Look for the advanced "layered ozonated system" to ensure the quality of the water and ice too! The technology is now available. We, as consumers, need to understand the technology and demand the highest standards possible - for our health!
Clear Labeling Is Needed on the Commercial Ice Machines
Filtered water combined with an antimicrobial is what is needed. More importantly, what the consumers need is notification of when the ice and the water that they are drinking is filtered and treated to protect them against contamination that breeds readily in water.
There are great ice machine companies out there – we as consumers need to start asking the questions.
