Tampa, Florida — The International Packaged Ice Association today released tips for retailers and consumers regarding packaged ice safety. According to the National Center for Disease Control, ice may become contaminated from the use of impure water, contamination of ice making machines, or from improper storage or handling of ice. The IPIA Tips clarify precautions to take aimed at eliminating potential safety issues that have been found in some packaged ice products.
The Important IPIA Tips for consumers and retailers are as follows.
· The package of ice must carry the IPIA logo
· The bag must be properly closed and secure without drawstring ties
· Ice should be clear, odorless, and tasteless
· The bag should have a product code for traceability
· The bag must be free of any foreign objects or particles
· The bag must have the manufacturer's name, address and phone number
“Our members exceed strict standards for product quality and safety,” said Jane McEwen, Executive Director of the International Packaged Ice Association. “If the bag displays the IPIA logo, there is a high level of confidence that the ice is clean and safe.”
Members of the International Packaged Ice Association follow strict guidelines to ensure that the ice it provides is safe. The IPIA represents a group of members who voluntarily subject their plants to the scrutiny of an outside auditing source in the effort to maintain the best practices of food safety.
“Freezing does not kill bacteria and other microorganisms so ice without the IPIA logo could contain E. Coli or worse,” added McEwen. “As the summer barbecue season kicks off, retailers and consumers should seek out ice products that carry the IPIA logo.”
For additional information about the International Packaged Ice Association, please visit: www.PackagedIce.com.
About The International Packaged Ice Association:
The IPIA was founded in 1917. For 93 years, the non-profit trade association has represented ice producers and suppliers to the trade. A primary part of its mission is to raise awareness amongst consumers and trade partners that Ice is a Food and must be produced and handled to safe standards and best practices.
For additional information about the International Packaged Ice Association, please visit: www.PackagedIce.com or call (813) 258-1690.
Source: International Packaged Ice Association