Food safety
Keep drinking ice separate from bottle-cooling ice
Keep edible ice separate from ice used to chill bottles or cans. Discard used cooling ice; keep drinking ice covered and reserved for food use.
Last reviewed: 2026-09-20
Why it matters
Ice touching the outside of bottles or cans can pick up dirt unsuitable for drinks.
Wrong action
Taking ice from the bottle-cooling bucket and putting it into a glass.
Correct action
Keep edible ice separate from ice used to chill bottles or cans.
What to do
- Set out separate containers and tools for drinking ice and cooling ice.
- Keep edible ice separate from ice used to chill bottles or cans.
- Discard used cooling ice; keep drinking ice covered and reserved for food use.
If something happens
If someone becomes ill after eating, stop serving, keep food details and seek medical care. Call 999 for breathing difficulty, seizures or unconsciousness; do not induce vomiting.
Sources and review
- Centre for Food Safety — CFS: hygiene of edible ice
Last reviewed: 2026-09-20
This page provides general home-safety information and does not replace medical, legal, electrical, or other professional advice.