If you think toilet water is bad, you’ll cringe when you learn that ice served at fast food restaurants is even more contaminated! According to one study, ice served at popular fast food chains such as McDonald’s and KFC has a higher level of bacteria than samples of water taken from lavatory bowls. “Experts say it could be due to them being cleaned more often than the ice machines… The Burger King result suggested the cause was human contamination, likely to be from a staff member failing to wash their hands,” the study revealed.
And, while none of the samples are an immediate health hazard, the levels of bacteria they contained classifies them as a “hygiene risk”. The study was carried out in UK restaurants, but experts expect the same, if not worst results in the USA. The problem is not in the water itself – it’s in the bacterial growth in the ice machine and the lack of hygiene of the employees.
Back in 2008, there was a similar study which focused on lemon wedges in restaurants. Two thirds of the wedges were found to be contaminated with fecal bacteria and other 25 dangerous microorganisms. Of course, our bodies can protect themselves from most of these types of bacteria, but that doesn’t mean that the wedges or ice are not a health hazard.
Children, the elderly and people with weakened immune system are among the most vulnerable groups of people, and the food and drinks we all eat at fast food restaurants is another health concern that may have even worse consequences on our health than the contaminated ice.
Source:https://www.rt.com/