Research highlights the exceptional safety standards of IPIA-accredited packaged ice.
The findings are clear: Consumers face significant risks from non-accredited packaged ice, with a concerning number of samples showing unsatisfactory levels of contamination. The studies below reinforce the critical importance of choosing IPIA-accredited ice to ensure safety and quality.
Cal Poly Researchers Find Contamination in Ice Which is Not Produced to Industry Standards
The most comprehensive study on packaged ice safety to date has been conducted in California, comparing ice produced by members of the International Packaged Ice Association (IPIA) to ice manufactured without the IPIA’s industry-leading standards. The results reveal a concerning risk to consumers, as a significant amount of non-IPIA packaged ice in California was found to have unsatisfactory levels of contamination.
The study, conducted by California State Polytechnic University, emphasizes the importance of awareness for both retailers and consumers when choosing packaged ice. Researchers collected and analyzed 156 samples from stores across Southern California, comparing ice produced on-site at retail locations with ice manufactured by IPIA members. The findings highlight the critical role of the IPIA’s Packaged Ice Quality Control Standards, which set the benchmark for safety and sanitation in the packaged ice industry.
When it comes to packaged ice, the IPIA Seal of Accreditation is your assurance of quality and safety.
The study, conducted by California State Polytechnic University, emphasizes the importance of awareness for both retailers and consumers when choosing packaged ice. Researchers collected and analyzed 156 samples from stores across Southern California, comparing ice produced on-site at retail locations with ice manufactured by IPIA members. The findings highlight the critical role of the IPIA’s Packaged Ice Quality Control Standards, which set the benchmark for safety and sanitation in the packaged ice industry.
When it comes to packaged ice, the IPIA Seal of Accreditation is your assurance of quality and safety.
The latest findings from the study conducted by Cal Poly demonstrate troubling findings about the quality of packaged ice produced at many retail locations:
- The presence and absence of molds/yeasts colonies were noted and the results showed 56% of the non-accredited packaged ice samples to be positive for yeasts/molds growth
- A staggering 19% of the non-accredited packaged ice samples produced did not meet the IPIA/PIQCS microbiological limit at 500 total plate counts (TPC) per ml and absence of coliform/E. coli.
- Staphylococci (the source of staph infections) were found in 34% of the non-accredited packaged ice samples, implying most likely contaminations by the packaging workers.
- All bags manufactured by the IPIA showed 100% acceptable rates.
UGA Study Reveals Alarming Risks of Non-IPIA Packaged Ice Contamination
A study by researchers at the University of Georgia has uncovered concerning risks associated with packaged ice produced by retailers and self-serve vending machines. With millions of pounds of ice being sold through these sources, the findings reveal that a significant portion of this ice could pose health risks to consumers.
The study examined the microbiological quality of packaged ice from retail locations such as convenience stores, liquor stores, fast-food restaurants, and gas stations, as well as ice produced by self-serve vending machines. These were compared to ice manufactured under the International Packaged Ice Association’s (IPIA) rigorous Packaged Ice Quality Control Standards (PIQCS). The results clearly indicate that many retailers and vending machines are failing to follow proper sanitary practices in ice production and packaging.
While IPIA-accredited ice produced under the PIQCS standards was free of harmful bacteria, more than 25% of samples of non-accredited ice from retail and vending sources were found to have unsatisfactory levels of contamination. According to the report, “Consumers who buy this ice (non-IPIA) should also be educated about the risk they take by purchasing this product and ways they can also prevent cross-contamination in their homes.”
The researchers further noted, “No coliforms or E. coli were detected in the ice from manufacturing plants (IPIA), which indicates good sanitary, hygienic practices may have been in place.”
The study examined the microbiological quality of packaged ice from retail locations such as convenience stores, liquor stores, fast-food restaurants, and gas stations, as well as ice produced by self-serve vending machines. These were compared to ice manufactured under the International Packaged Ice Association’s (IPIA) rigorous Packaged Ice Quality Control Standards (PIQCS). The results clearly indicate that many retailers and vending machines are failing to follow proper sanitary practices in ice production and packaging.
While IPIA-accredited ice produced under the PIQCS standards was free of harmful bacteria, more than 25% of samples of non-accredited ice from retail and vending sources were found to have unsatisfactory levels of contamination. According to the report, “Consumers who buy this ice (non-IPIA) should also be educated about the risk they take by purchasing this product and ways they can also prevent cross-contamination in their homes.”
The researchers further noted, “No coliforms or E. coli were detected in the ice from manufacturing plants (IPIA), which indicates good sanitary, hygienic practices may have been in place.”
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The IPIA described the findings as groundbreaking: “The study demonstrates that the quality of packaged ice produced at retail locations and self-serve vending machines is suspect. Where contamination was found, it could indicate a contaminated water source, mold or slime in the ice machine, unsanitized ice scoops, unsanitary packaging processes, or unhygienic handling by staff. These conditions have been a concern for a long time, and now the study confirms it.” They added, “On the other hand, the study clearly shows that ice manufactured to IPIA’s stringent sanitary standards is clean and safe for consumers.”
This study underscores the importance of choosing IPIA-accredited packaged ice to ensure the highest standards of safety and quality.
This study underscores the importance of choosing IPIA-accredited packaged ice to ensure the highest standards of safety and quality.
Key Findings from Previous Studies on Packaged Ice Safety
For more information about IPIA and safe ice, visit www.packagedice.com.
