Logo
SIGN IN

LANGUAGE

Keeping it Safe: Sanitation of Refrigeration and Ice Making Equipment

By Emily Mirren

Refrigerators and ice machines need more than a good cleaning every so often: they also need to be sanitized regularly. The temperatures in these machines are cold enough to slow the growth of bacteria, but they won’t kill them. Cleaning alone is not enough!  There are many places where biological contamination can hide for a long time and operators need to be vigilant. Here’s what you need to know in order to keep your machines sanitized and safe for use:

Read the Manual

The first thing to check is the manual of your refrigerator or ice machine. There are several pieces of information you’ll need to find:

    • The types and concentrations of sanitizing solutions you’ll need.

 

    • How often the manufacturer recommends sanitizing the machine (note that your local laws may be stricter.)

 

    • Which parts need to be sanitized and how to access them.

A refrigerated container with antimicrobial surfaces may not need to be sanitized often, but shelves and scoops might. Your owner’s manual will give you all this information. Go to the manufacturer’s website if you no longer have your manual. Most of them can be found online now. If liquid water can collect in an area, that spot needs sanitizing.

Where can it hide?

Any part of the machine that doesn’t touch food can be cleaned, but if it touches food, including ice, then sanitation will be necessary. Where can bacteria hide?

    • In door and lid seals

 

    • In shelving and drawers

    Whoops! Article for GFSR Subscribers Only!


    Not a subscriber yet? Sign-up for a FREE subscription today!

    Get access to this article, along with our other great content, monthly journal, and more.

    SIGN ME UP

    Sftharticlefooter R1

Visit our Food Safety Training Platform to Access eCourses, Educational Webinars, and More!

Global Food Safety Resource®

GFSR is a leading educational resource for food safety professionals across the globe. Through our online media channels plus Safe Food Training Hub (SFTH) platform, we deliver perspectives, knowledge and training on the latest food safety trends, regulatory compliance, industry standards, and more.

globalfoodsafetyresource.com | safefoodtraininghub.com
Logos Duallockup

Corporate Head Office

503-1316 Kingston Rd.
Scarborough ON
Canada, M1N 0C6

Phone: 1-888-437-7395 x105